Mike Palmer explains why garden seating is so important
I think it’s fair to say that many of us find real happiness in our own gardensI know I do. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been out in your garden this week, rushing around like a thing possessed without taking so much as a five-minute tea or coffee break. So, come on, pull up a seat and take the weight off your slingbacks.
As lengthy as our gardening ‘things to do’ lists may be at this time of the year, it’s vitally important for our own physical and mental well-being to sit down from time to time, and enjoy the fruits of our labours. Perching on a bench or garden seat allows us to relax, enjoy and really appreciate our gardens, giving us valuable time to observe and reflect. Sometimes, I can miss the glaringly obvious in my own garden because I don’t give myself time to stop for a while and notice that I’ve forgotten to do something. A plant in need of some TLC, a rose that’s calling out to be deadheaded, or perhaps some cheeky weeds that have crept in, under the cover of darknessthese can all come to light when we stop and sit down, even if only for a moment.
I’ve learnt the importance of incorporating a handful of places within my own garden that beckon me to take well-earned, periodic breaks.
Where to position your seating?
Seating areas are best where you can make the most of the morning, lunchtime or evening sun. Although the opportunity to sit in a slightly dappled, shady area when the sun gets a little overpowering (here’s hoping), can also prove vitally important. In the height of the season, weather permitting, there’s little to equal the joy of sitting out and dining alfresco with your family and friends, enjoying a light breakfast, a refreshing lunch or a tasty barbeque in your own garden.
Position a comfy, cushioned bench where you can see your plot from a different angle. It always amazes me how different a space can look from an unexpected vantage point. Place a seat so you can take in a magnificent view beyond the boundaries of your garden – a distant steeple, a delightful view of the countryside or perhaps a glimpse of the sea can be enjoyed from a well-considered and perfectly placed arbour.
Stop and smell the roses
By law (my own law, admittedly), seating areas should be surrounded by intoxicating scented plants which draw the weary garden visitor towards the source, with a welcoming place to rest awhile. I have lovely white pergolas with matching Lutyens benches beneath th
