Hammocks introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus

Hammocks are thought to have been introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus, who mentions hammocks in the logbook of his 1492 expedition.

It is claimed that Christopher Columbus discovered Caribbean Indians sleeping in cotton nets slung between trees and he adopted the idea for his crew.

The earliest hammocks were woven out of bark from a Hamack tree. Hamack bark was soon replaced as the main material for making hammocks by the Sisal plant because of its softer texture, and abundant availability.

As the popularity of hammocks spread, there was a great deal of experimentation with new materials. Brazil is famous for popularizing the fabric hammock which consists of a large piece of cloth with cords at the ends to attach the hammock to two anchor objects such as trees.

Some of the best Brazillian hammocks available in the UK today can be found at Garden Boutique.

elegant neutral striped barbados hammocks

Mocha hammock
£39.95 with FREE delivery from Stop: It's Hammock Time

The Barbados hammock comes in lots of bright colours but our favourite Barbados hammock style is the Mocca and the Cappucino hammocks. These elegant new Barbados hammocks follow a coffee coloured theme, with simple neutral stripes. They are the perfect compliment for the clean lines of a modern garden,

Cappucino hammock
£39.95 with FREE delivery from Stop: It's Hammock Time

The Mocha hammock and Cappucino hammock are just £39.95 each from Stop: It's Hammock Time - and with free next working day delivery as standard, if you order today they can be with you tomorrow.

How to hang a hammock

Suspending your garden hammock:

Hammocks without spreader bars are hung so that they sag way down. The hanging loops of the hammocks are fastened at approx. head height and about 3 m apart.


Fastening your hammock:

Hammocks are fastened using ropes to a tree or beam. Microropes are particularly popular for hammocks, or you can use Hammock Smartropes. Alternatively you can use hammock hooks to attach your hammock to a wall.

If the trees or walls are further apart than 3m, the hammocks can be extended by using hammock ropes or chains. The suspension point for your hammock will need to be hung using a higher point.