The Peristylium of Senex Caecilius Here is a view of my private garden from the peristylium, the covered porch with columns that surrounds the hortus on all sides. The view from the dining room (triclinium) is very serene, and my dinner guests always comment upon it. Other rooms with a view of the garden include my study (tablinum), the atrium, the exedra, and a reception room (oecus).

The columns are Corinthian order, and the walls are decorated with scenes in Fourth Style fresco.

For additional information on architectural and decorative styles, check these sources:

• An entry for peristylium in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities distinguishes it from a porticus.
  
• A Digital Archive of Architecture contains a variety of examples of the Greek orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
  
• A short, illustrated description of Roman fresco decoration gives an elaboration of its four basic styles: Incrustation, Architectural, Egyptianizing, and Illusionistic.
  
• A workshop about Fresco History and Technique contains an illustrated "how-to" description of the process of painting on wet plaster.
  
• An annotated collection of images at Great Buildings Online includes a section on ancient Roman architecture.