Vistas, fragrance and hidden delights: Placing your garden furniture
As summer sunshine gives way to shorter and cooler days, we can’t spend as much time outdoors as we’d like to. This gives us an ideal opportunity to plan for next year. If you long for garden furniture that doesn’t have to be dragged outside every time the sun puts in an appearance, and then rushed in again when it rains, now is the time to order something that you can leave in place.
Where to start
Positioning is all important. Picture yourself, mug of coffee on the table beside you, gazing out over the fruits of your labour. If you have the option, site a bench on higher ground for the best views. Or why not create a sunken garden? Your purchase may inspire you to make some changes. If you have a pond, you have a ready-made magical setting.
Conceal a seat in a secluded corner to surprise and delight visitors. Set it near a patch of plants with fragrant flowers, or aromatic leaves, for a de-stressing half hour. Space at a premium? Let it overhang the path to avoid encroaching on the flowerbed. Or you could do the opposite, and make a feature of it as part of the bed.
Once we focus on winter tasks, we may forget summer conditions. Be aware that you might be lucky enough to need shelter from the sun sometimes, so look for a shady spot, perhaps under a tree. Give some thought to what will be beneath your bench. Whether it’s patio or paving, gravel or grass, use an anchor kit to make sure it’s stable.
Choices
If you appreciate artisan work, you might want to go for an Arts and Crafts look. Headed by William Morris in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the Arts and Crafts movement practised traditional crafts, championing simple forms and rustic styles. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens formed a partnership with gardener Gertrude Jekyll during this period, and the popular Lutyens bench reflects their designs.
Teak is often utilised in the manufacture of garden furniture. A durable tropical hardwood that produces a natural protective oil, it’s long-lasting, and develops a silvery hue as it ages. It is well suited for this purpose, providing comfortable seating with good support.
The Half Moon, or Banana, Bench shows off the properties of this wood well, particularly in the twists of the Snake Bench set. The Couples Bench, with a table between the seats, is another example of distinctive styling in this range.
Finishing touches
Painted benches give a bright and cheerful finish. Colours can be chosen to blend in unobtrusively with vegetation, while a strong, contrasting shade will provide a focal point. Cushions add comfort and style, and can brighten up light coloured furniture, or a dull corner.
A two seater with storage space gives you somewhere to protect accessories from the elements. The size of bench, or number of chairs, will depend on space, family size, and on how much entertaining you do al fresco. Small tables will be useful for the latter, too.
Who knows, we could have some mild spells during the colder months. You may even be able to slip outside with that coffee one morning. So don’t delay, start planning now!
About the Author
Ed Sloane is the MD of www.gardenbenches.com suppliers of high quality garden benches and furniture. Visit their website for special offers and deals on a superb range of garden furniture.
