Come Sit Awhile Part 2

Of Wood Grain and Driftwood

Debbie Teashon

I've toured gardens in the Pacific Northwest for many years, and this week I realized I have photo collections of all kinds of gardens, seating, garden art and structures. I've chosen some of the most interesting seating groups, and for the next week I will put a few up for you to peruse for inspiration. Choose your favorite style!

The possibilities are endless for outdoor seating made from wood. From rustic, to artistic, to simple classic styles, the wooden bench or chair fits into any setting.

The driftwood chair to the right and the bench in the image below add an artistic flare with a touch of whimsy to the garden. Both pieces are the creation of artist Jim Chobot of Vashon Island.

Although I photographed this bench in the Gentling garden nestled in the Appalachian Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, this classic style bench is equally at home in the Pacific Northwest.

A platform topped with a table and several steamer deck chairs makes a perfect place to sit and take in the views from this beachside garden in Hansville, Washington.

Another Gentling garden view in North Carolina illustrates how a pond and a bench surrounded by greenery are comforting anywhere.

In the Eppling garden in Washington State, a bench with a fish motif sits at the end of a path: a great place to perch and view this garden.

A flagstone patio area, two weathered gray chairs, pops of color in the chair pads, and the painted table works—going from drab to great in this Indianola garden. However, to unify this setting better, I would paint the table to match the pads, or arrange darker pink flowers into the bouquet.

This post and rail bench is a stunning example of repurposing material on hand. The pillow colors bring out the warm hues in the wood.

Bringing up the derriere is a loveseat carved out of what looks like two trunks that pleached together long ago. This driftwood carved into functional seating is perfect for a Vashon Island beach home.

More Seating Options:

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More

By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton

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