Garden Seating Ideas

360-Degree Tree Bench

• If you an old tree that has been the garden's silent caretaker many years before you arrived, why not honor it by creating a bench that wraps around its base? Martha Stewart's garden designers created a lovely way to enjoy cool, shaded views from all aspects under a sprawling black locust. Regardless of the type of tree, shaping the bench like a hexagon with five distinct seating panels and a slightly raised back edge will create an economical use of space while taking advantage of various garden vantage points. Although the sample bench was crafted from poplar, any wood sturdy enough for outdoor construction will do, provided it receives weatherproof sealing.

Stump Settee

• Sometimes a simple solution is best. For a garden seat that blends into the surroundings yet provides a welcome resting spot for a single garden admirer, HGTV.com offers up a modest, portable tree stump seat. Precisely what it seems, the stump of a cut tree is measured to a comfortable seating height and leveled carefully at the base and seat. The result is a heavy yet portable seat for one that can be clustered in groups of several along a garden path or placed as a single statuesque figure hidden in a garden bed. The wood will wear naturally over time, creating an organic feel to this simple seating option. Paul James, master gardener for HGTV.com, also suggests that stumps may be available at no cost if you do a little legwork.

From Blocks to Bench

• Traditional garden benches made of metal or wood abundant at local retailers provide a simple fix to supply garden seating. However, the wall blocks and capstones for a do-it-yourself cement block bench, as modeled by Better Homes and Gardens, can be purchased from the same retailers. Stack blocks facing opposite directions for each row to create stability, and place capstones on top provide a neat seat. Flat, rough cut stones may also be used for a more informal, rustic look. These assembled benches are sturdy enough to survive anywhere, whether under cover along a pathway or among flora and fauna under the trees.