The Gardens & Pergola: Where Nature and Good Food Come Together
Posted on [Date] • By A+A
The Gardens & Pergola: Where Nature and Good Food Come Together
There’s something incredibly grounding about stepping outside and being surrounded by things that are alive, growing, and quietly beautiful. At the Lilac Lakehouse, we’ve designed the gardens to feel like an invitation—to wander, to breathe, to pick an apple straight from the tree, or to share a meal in the shade while something sizzles on the grill.
Whether you’re exploring barefoot with your morning coffee or prepping dough for pizza night under the pergola, this part of the property is all about slowing down and soaking in the simple pleasures.
The Gardens: A Little Wild, A Lot Beautiful
The Lakehouse sits on over two acres of waterfront property, and much of that space is home to thoughtfully planted, lightly tended gardens that blend structure with wild beauty.
As you explore the grounds, you’ll find:
Fruit trees and edible shrubs scattered throughout—guests are welcome to pick what’s ripe and ready during their stay (please harvest lightly and leave some for the next group!)
Sweeps of lavender, hydrangeas, and of course, the home’s namesake: lilacs, blooming in all their glory during spring and early summer
A rotating cast of wildflowers and seasonal surprises—whatever nature’s decided to show off that week
Butterflies, bees, birds, and the occasional fox or chipmunk passing through quietly
💡 This space was designed to feel calm, casual, and never overly manicured—because here, beauty and imperfection go hand in hand.
The Pergola Cooking Area: Wood Fire & Open Air
Just off the lower patio is one of our favorite gathering spaces: the covered pergola, home to an outdoor kitchen setup that takes dining at the lake to the next level.
What you’ll find:
A propane BBQ (with propane provided)
A wood-burning pizza oven with its own dedicated cooking surface
A sturdy prep table with plenty of space to lay out toppings, snacks, or drinks
Wood storage underneath the oven—please use only the provided supply
Cozy string lights for those long summer nights with music and friends
🍕 The pizza oven is a guest favourite—we’ve even created a blog post with dough recipes and firing tips if you want to try your hand at homemade pizza night. It’s the kind of experience that becomes a memory: flour-dusted hands, a crust that’s perfectly charred, and everyone reaching for that last slice.
🪴 A Few Garden & Pergola Reminders
Please don’t pick flowers, so future guests can enjoy the same peaceful views
No need to cover or rearrange outdoor furniture—just enjoy as-is
If you use the BBQ or pizza oven, kindly give them a quick clean before you go
Compostable food scraps can go in the green bin near the kitchen (see the waste guide for details)
🌸 A Place That Feels Alive
Whether you’re here to cook, read, stretch, sip, or just be, the gardens and pergola are spaces that breathe with the season. Some weeks they’re buzzing with life, others they’re still and fragrant and silent. Either way, they’re here for you—to slow the pace, lift your mood, and maybe teach you something about what it means to rest well.
Pizza Night at the Lakehouse: Fire, Dough, and Good Vibes Only
You haven’t really done the Lilac Lakehouse right until you’ve had a pizza night under the pergola. It’s a full-on experience—rolling out your own dough, picking toppings, feeding the fire, and then watching that crust bubble up in the wood-burning oven like something out of a food show. Except it’s not TV. It’s your actual evening. By the lake. With your people. Magic.
If you’ve never used a pizza oven before, don’t worry. It’s not complicated, and you’re not expected to be some dough-slinging expert. We’ll walk you through it. You’ll get the hang of it quickly—and then you’ll never want to go back to takeout again.
🔥 First Up: Lighting the Oven
This thing is rustic in the best way. It runs on real wood and good vibes.
You’ll find a starter stack of dry wood underneath the oven (feel free to use it—if you need more, we’ve got extras available for purchase). You’ll want to give yourself about 45–60 minutes to get the oven hot enough. So pour a drink, turn on some music, and make it part of the evening.
Here’s the chill version of how to get it going:
Open the oven up so it can breathe.
Stack some kindling or paper in the center.
Light it up and slowly feed the fire with small logs.
Once it’s rolling, add bigger pieces and let that heat build.
When the stone inside sizzles with a drop of water—it’s pizza time.
You’ll want a good, hot bed of glowing coals before you cook anything. Don’t rush it. Trust the process. Enjoy the process.
🍕 Dough Stuff (And What to Put On It)
Here’s a super simple dough recipe if you’re starting from scratch. Totally worth it, by the way.
Quick Dough (makes 4 small pizzas):
4 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups warm water
2¼ tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
Mix it all, knead for about 10 minutes, let it rise for an hour or two, then roll it out. Thin is good—this oven cooks fast.
No judgment if you buy premade dough. Do what makes you happy.
Topping ideas:
Classic: tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil
Fancy: prosciutto, fig, goat cheese
Kid-approved: pepperoni, shredded cheese, minimal drama
Sweet: nutella, marshmallow, crushed graham crackers (yup—dessert pizza is real)
Pro tip: have everything prepped and laid out on the counter like a build-your-own station. Then take turns making personal pies while the others hang under the pergola with drinks in hand.
🧼 Cleaning Up (Still Part of the Vibe)
Once the fire dies down and you’re full of pizza and fresh air, give the oven a quick brush-out.
Use the tool provided to sweep the ash to the side.
Don’t use water—just let it cool naturally.
If the ashes are still hot in the morning, leave them be—we’ll take care of it.
Leftover wood? Just stack it neatly back underneath.
We’re not expecting perfect—but a little tidy-up goes a long way for the next crew.
❓A Few Quick FAQs
Is there enough wood?
You’ll have a starter stack under the oven. If you’re planning a second night or a long fire, message us—we’ve got more.
Can I use the oven in the rain?
Light drizzle? Go for it—the pergola’s covered. Full downpour or strong wind? Maybe save it for another night.
Do I need to bring any tools?
Nope! We’ve got a peel, fire poker, and brush ready. Just bring your toppings, your crew, and your best apron impression.
Pizza night always ends up being one of those core memories of the trip. Everyone gets involved. Everyone has a laugh. Someone burns one slightly but it’s still the best slice ever.
So take your time. Make it messy. Pour the wine. Let the fire crackle and the dough rise and the kids smear flour everywhere. That’s the good stuff.