Gardening can be hard work, and there’s no shame in taking a break now and then. Besides, why pour plenty of time and love into your garden if you aren’t spending time in it, whether reading, visiting with friends and family or simply enjoying the view.
These homeowners knew how to make the most of their garden, with plenty of seating areas; the sign on the bench sums it up.
Yesterday, I visited some gorgeous private gardens in the Atlanta area where the owners get it; I kept spotting cozy and elegant sitting areas. We’re adding a few spots with chairs and benches around our property, so maybe I was more alert to these features of the gardens I toured. Or maybe the areas for relaxation were just too good to pass up.
And although Atlanta’s landscape differs markedly from ours in the Southwest, we all can take a few ideas from these pleasant garden rest stops. Enjoy the pictorial tour!
It was raining, so this umbrella held special appeal. But the red chairs also drew me in.A garden bench, a pergola, and a view that’s likely as pretty sitting on the bench as looking toward it!Here’s another bistro-type seating area, with a plant on the table, of course!A spot of blue right in the middle of an open area, where you’re likely to get a perfect mix of sun and shade.We saw lots of unique bird houses, including this themed adirondack chair. So cute!A touch of whimsy or a gardener who can’t stop growing? I loved this “covered” table with chairs.Want some privacy to read a book? Tuck yourself away under some tall trees.It looked a little damp in this sitting area, but the chairs are as much garden art as they are a place to rest your feet.When just a bench will do. This one flows naturally into the landscape and hardscape.So, maybe even fairies need a place to rest? This garden had fairy-sized seating areas in containers.A formal sitting and dining area near the house doubles as a place to rest and warm up, and a place to entertain.It’s also nice to have an informal area to warm up and enjoy the view of a native landscape.Of course, there are always the front steps. Or the carpet inside if you’re a dog wanting to keep an eye on its owner!
