Adding a bench, or other seating, to your backyard provides a treasured rest-spot, where you can be still and take in your property’s pretty views.
All you really need for a view is some sort of focal point, maybe near your favorite tree and a bit of open space, if not something more elaborate like a water feature (see below examples).
Bonus: And if you’ve planted particular flowers or shrubs, your place of contemplation may attract butterflies or hummingbirds near your bench. Even if not, at a minimum, some species of birds will be chirping nearby and the sky will be blue — all with no effort on your part.
Whatever its focal point, the garden bench offers that special up close and personal opportunity to enjoy the outdoors — an enjoyment you might miss from further away in the kitchen, or on the patio or deck.
The Bench
Depending on individual taste, there are a wide variety of bench materials and designs available:
— wrought iron
— various woods: eucalyptus, reclaimed wood, acacia, cedar, redwood, etc. (just choose a durable/weather-resistant wood)
— cast aluminum
— a bamboo bench (great for Asian-inspired gardens)
— a backless bench, perhaps with hidden storage
— a swinging or glider bench
— farmhouse and park style bench
— or how about dual chairs such as Adirondacks instead of one piece of outdoor furniture
— or a natural stone slab
You can get some idea of how nice it is to have a seating spot through the photos below of Deck and Patio projects.
Pond Viewing (Long Island/NY):
How’s this for up-close and personal. These Deck and Patio clients asked us to put smaller stepping stones out to a larger stone island — in the middle of the man-made natural pond we created for them. In lieu of a bench, the addition of two Adirondack chairs presents a perfect spot to feed and watch the koi, and listen to the pond’s waterfalls.
Perfect Spot for Contemplation (Long Island/NY:
Within this already beautiful setting, Deck and Patio added stone steps, streams and waterfalls. The clients already had a bridge and bench so we designed water features and stepping areas to fit around them. (Green bench is in top left of photo)
Rock Sofa and Rock Seats (Long Island/NY):
Talk about up close. From this Deck and Patio installed rock sofa/bench — with flanking rock-seats — sitters can stretch back and run their fingers in the waterfalls behind them.
Backyard Pond and Waterfalls with Bench (Long Island/NY)
What a scene to relax by. A gentle stream is coaxed over rocks into several waterfalls. Lily pads wait on croaking frogs. Ornamental grasses wave in the breeze, and flowering perennials add color and charm.
Patio Benches/Seating with Fireplace (Long Island/NY):
Whether it’s one bench or seating for a group, these benches and seat are perfectly placed to enjoy a waterfall and custom fireplace.
