Like God in France

La Bruyère, Belgium

At home

A round Pantagruel picnic table with curved cushioned benches sits beneath a white Inumbra shade in a lush garden, framed by grasses and leafy trees

That landscape architecture is truly a combination of art & craft becomes evident in this garden in the South of Belgium. How on earth do you create such a lush garden with just seeds, a few tree shoots, and a cartload of potted plants? How do you predict the explosion of greenery that occurs each spring? And how do you decide which furniture fits best in which spot?

The profession of landscape architect François Charlier involves far more than simply planting flowers. It requires a hefty dose of creativity and, above all, a deep knowledge of the plant world. The same applies when integrating Tools for Togetherness into your outdoor space. Only by truly getting to know these Extremis products can you fully appreciate their value and discover how to make them shine in your garden. To live like God in France, we present the following selection from our range. Watch and learn!

Déjeuner sur l’herbe

Nestled among low shrubs and ornamental grasses is Pantagruel, a round picnic table that seats up to eight people — entertaining until the wee hours, if you wish. The central rotating tray, aptly named Lazy Susan, delivers all the desired Burgundian delights right to your plate. Pantagruel always acts as the epicenter of the garden, gathering the whole family. And the moments experienced here are unforgettable!

The shade accompanying Pantagruel serves an essential role in the garden both day and night. By day, its expansive canopy protects the entire family from sunburn and overheating. But when darkness falls, it creates a sense of coziness and radiates a warm glow of reflected light. Without the visually intrusive ribs of a conventional parasol, of course. So don’t close the shade when the sun sets; Inumbra still has a job to do.

A Pantagruel picnic table beneath an Inumbra shade is seen at the end of a grassy path, surrounded by layered planting and overhanging branches.
Close-up of a set Pantagruel table with curved benches under the wide canopy of an Inumbra shade, with a bowl of fruit at the centre.

Skip the sunhat

Amid the wildflower borders filled with coneflowers (Echinacea) and knotweed, we find Sol+Luna. This sofa for three also transforms into a lounger where you can relax and take in the floral splendor of the garden. Sunbathing or reading a book is now possible without a straw sunhat, as the circular parasol can be positioned precisely where you want shade, shielding your eyes from the bright sun as you immerse yourself in a story.

A grey Sol+Luna sofa with a round side table and circular lamp stands among tall grasses and flowering borders in the garden.
A man sits reading on a grey Sol+Luna sofa in the garden, shaded by the circular lamp.

Romance under the canopy

Tucked away between oak trees and shrubs is a Bistroo in Copper brown, complete with matching cushions. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate moment for two. Retreat into your cocoon and forget the wild world outside, if only for a little while.

A copper-brown Bistroo table with two integrated seats is tucked into a planted garden corner, set with a bottle and two glasses.
A woman serves a seated man at a copper-brown Bistroo table beneath overhanging branches and flowering borders.
Close-up of the rounded backrest and seat cushion of a copper-brown Bistroo chair against a backdrop of pink flowers.

Eye-catcher with invisible features

Amid the borders of globe thistle and the chestnut fencing lies a larger stretch of lawn, where a sky-blue Picnik table immediately catches the eye. This sculptural table with integrated benches invites you to take a seat. What’s less noticeable at first glance is that the strategic folds and curves in the metal ensure rapid drainage, keeping the table clean after rain. And efficient water evacuation is particularly crucial in a garden filled with trees and wildflowers, especially with pollen in the summer and falling leaves in the autumn.

A sky-blue Picnik seat-and-table unit sits on a lawn beyond flowering borders, with a rustic fence and open sky in the background
Close view of a sky-blue Picnik unit on the grass, with a book resting on the tabletop and tall meadow planting behind.
A man reads at a sky-blue Picnik unit on the lawn, surrounded by tall ornamental grasses and summer planting.

Landscape architect: François Charlier