Sunday, March 27, 2011

Have a Seat



Seating does more than provide a place to sit.
Chairs and benches are an easy way to
punch up the personality and 
encourage friendship in your garden


Remember when houses had front porches and
neighbors visited naturally?
Recapture that friendly feeling by
adding seating in your front yard.


This bench may look like it's 
tucked into a private corner - 
it's actually just off the front corner of a house,
providing a pleasant point of interest 
and a place to meet.  



"Come into my garden,
Relax in a chair;
Don't let your heart harden,
Let wind touch your hair."
-Come Sit in My Garden
 

Photo taken at Hershey Gardens

A myriad of
shapes, sizes and
styles make for
abundant possibilities.

 

Sometimes seating isn't the point -
in this case, looks are everything.


 
A stylish bench adds
a sense of place and
a welcoming touch at an entrance.


"Life is a child playing around your feet,
a tool you hold firmly in your grip,
a bench you sit down upon in the evening,
in your garden."
- Jean Anouilh 


25 comments:

One said...

What a clever idea; Have A Seat! I think I prefer standing. They look so beautiful I wouldn't want to disturb the plants and the seat. :)

Donna said...

lovely..I like using seating around the garden and have 2 old chairs to incorporate into the garden this year

Anonymous said...

Seating is such a nice garden addition and you have many fine examples, surrounded with pretty plants. Also, some holding something interesting too. Benches and chairs are so versatile in the garden and make a nice destination or focal point.

Cat said...

This is a beautiful collection of inspiration! I love the butterfly bench.

Toni - Signature Gardens said...

I have a friend who has planned seating in her garden about every 20 feet, so she can work a little bit and then sit for a while. I love the idea. I know I need to incorporate more seating areas in my garden. Right now it's more of a "look-at" and "walk-through" garden.

Anonymous said...

I love your inspiration! I have wanted to incorporate more seating in my garden...that way it will give me an excuse to sit down and enjoy the view.

Chris said...

One: Good for you! As for me, I'm happy to sit and enjoy the garden...until I see some weeds to pull, or thirsty plants....

Donna: I'm sure they will be lovely and add character and comfort to your beautiful garden.

Green Apples: Exactly - garden seating serves many purposes and can do so with great style.

Cat: Thank you! The butterfly bench is quite fitting at Hershey Gardens since they have a wonderful Butterfly House.

Toni: I like that idea!

Ramona: I'll use any excuse I can to "stop and smell the roses."

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

I love benches in the garden. I saw that butterfly bench a couple years ago and fell in love with it....til I saw that price tag!! yikes.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I love all the different types of seats. I have a few seats around, but would love to find some old rustic chairs to add as well. I have a hard time sitting in the garden, something always catches my attention, but it is nice to sit and relax and enjoy the view.

Chandramouli S said...

Lovely chairs. I like 'em all and they're placed well. Their rustic look accentuates your garden well. Bravo!

Chris said...

Janet: The butterfly bench is fun, but certainly not for everyone.

Catherine: Those rustic chairs add a lot of charm, don't they?

Chandramouli: I appreciate your visit and kind comment! These pictures were taken in various locations - they are all in front yards in full view from the street, except the butterfly chair, which was photographed at Hershey Gardens.

Carolyn @ Carolyn's Shade Gardens said...

I was wondering what all those benches and chairs were doing in my gardens. You mean you are supposed to sit in them! I admire them from afar while I am exhausting myself with whatever project is current. I will have to take your advice and actually sit every once in a while. Great post.

debsgarden said...

Sitting on a bench with a good friend, or by oneself in quiet solitude, is one of the best ways to appreciate a garden. Benches give
permission to inhabit, not just walk past, a garden. You have shown some great selections!

Candice Suter.....Sweetstuff said...

All these places look so nice and peaceful to sit. I love the first one and would love to know how to make the teetering pots. Do you know how? First time at your blog and love it!

Alistair said...

The last one is indeed a very stylish bench. We have a few of them in the back garden, just started to make use of them since retiring.

Beth at PlantPostings said...

This is a great post and so true! I need to add more benches to my garden. They add so much personality and a spot to sit and enjoy the view. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos and the fun theme!

Chris said...

Carolyn: You have my permission to take a break and sit in your garden every once in a while! :-)

Deb: Well put! Thank you.

Candy: I'm so glad you've stopped by and hope to see you again soon! I've seen the teetering pots for sale, but it doesn't seem they would be too difficult to make - perhaps I'll research that for a future post!

Alistair: Glad to hear someone is enjoying sitting in their garden! I love Sunday afternoon when I allow myself that luxury.

PlantPostings: I'm happy you enjoyed it. Here's to taking time to enjoy the beauty around us!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post - love all the different seats. I have a bench and frequently sit on it just to survey the view, especially after a day of working in the garden.

Darla said...

I love this. I have chairs all through my gardens, some covered in Clematis Vines..

Anonymous said...

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Chris said...

Ronnie: Thank you! How wise you are to take time to enjoy the "fruit" of your labors.

Darla: That sounds lovely - what a nice idea!

Nerissa: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I look forward to hearing more about this project.

Shyrlene said...

Chris, I fell in love with your seat selections - many (if not all) are garden 'art' in their own right. The one thing I love about gardens is the 'sanctuary' feel about them - seating just brings that more to light. Wonderful post!

Heidi said...

What a beautiful blog you have. I love your pics, they are gorgeous. Cannot wait to see more. Have a great week!...Heidi

Pam's English Garden said...

Dear Chris, I love this post! I have lots of seating in my garden, but you have given me some new ideas. Very inspirational. P. x

Chris said...

Shylene: We all need a sanctuary from the stresses of life - wonderfully put.

Heidi: Thank you so much! We are finally enjoying a hint of spring like weather. Wishing you a great week, too!

Pam: You are very kind. I'll keep my eye out for glimpses of your garden seating in your blog!

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