No top 10 list of classic garden furniture pieces would be complete without mention of the garden bench. Over time, it has proven to be the most enduring piece in the garden and the subject around which many poems and books have been written.
It is as versatile as it is enduring. No matter how small or large your garden space is-there is one just right for you. I have a very large oak tree in my back yard which faces one section of my garden. It begged for a bench. I chose the one below from Diamond Teak for several reasons. I liked the warmth of the wood against the rock surrounding the garden and I wanted a style that would be casual enough for my very informal garden but with enough presence to hold it’s own with the giant oak in the background.
In a more intimate setting, with some walls, either real or imagined from climbing vines,I might have chosen a more lyrical design to mirror the environment such as the wrought iron piece below.
Yet another choice, which is at home in the most elaborate gardens in England or the most modest cottage gardens is the wooden bench with simple lines. Two examples, shown below, illustrate how different the effect can be.
A more primitive and earthy choice would be the stone seat. I have seen many examples used in very effective ways to mimic the environment giving the impression that it is part of the natural landscape, untouched by human hands.
Whatever your style or preference, don’t forget to consider the bench when your garden is ready to be punctuated with a few seating options. You will find that it draws you to the garden again and again.