Inviting Places to Sit in the Garden

In my gardens I don't have an alluring stone chair like the one seen here at Chanticleer, but I've added enticing and somewhat more practical seating in specific areas. Every morning I'm drawn to the bench by the pond, grabbing some pillows from the chairs on the deck to make it more comfortable. There's something about the sound of a waterfall that soothes and sets the tone for a calm day. With my latest bout of gastritis, I forego coffee and sip a cup of camomile tea adding to the tranquility.

Springtime by the pond when the roses and peonies bloom.

Early morning birdsong, sounds of water, and the breeze in the zebra grass.

The swing in Serenity, the shade garden, provides another peaceful spot. The calycanthus at its corner adds to the feeling of privacy. A great place to read a book or sit with a friend and chat.

Many years ago, pre cottage garden, we attended Rutgers Day in New Brunswick when my daughter was in college there. In addition to the festivities there were all sorts of vendors. We found some handmade Adirondack chairs, a small table and footrests. I don't remember how we got them home -- I think we paid the vendor to deliver them. For some time they've resided in the Woodland Walk. From bare wood, to green and lately painted purple by H.H. (I don't know why purple) they are looking decidedly worn, the footrests long gone. But we enjoy them still. The Woodland Walk is the place to sit on a very hot day, where the temperature is ten degrees lower than in the cottage garden.

The Adirondacks when H.H. first painted them purple.

I kinda like the distressed look of the paint now.

The Stone Garden has a stone bench under the lilacs. The resting fairy at the end of the bench is happy to share the space.

 

The patio has traditional patio seating for eating outdoors. Fencing and tall plants provide privacy.

The rocking chair in my potting shed is a favorite spot. This antique chair was handed down to H.H. by his mother who received it from a cousin (who was also her teacher.)  Purdy was the name of the original owner, so the family calls it Purdy's chair.

Purdy's chair in the potting shed.

A 90-year-old visitor (not as old as the chair) rests for a moment.

Outside the potting shed in the kitchen garden, a retro metal chair puts you among zinnias, milkweed and butterflies.

While originally English cottage garden style was considered 'rustic,' I can't resist adding some elegance with the occasional Greek statue and Victorian style seating. The table and chairs in Serenity Garden provide a perfect setting for a cup of tea.

H.H. always wanted seating around a tree trunk. This one in the Walnut Dell provides views of our corn fields and woods beyond.

Some seating in my garden is just whimsy.

I know that gardeners are usually so busy working they have no time to rest. Determined to enjoy my efforts more, I begin each day sitting in my garden as I meditate, then plan the days activities. I didn't sit outside for long this morning, however, with the dramatic fall in temperature since Autumn arrived. I spent just a few minutes in the rocking chair on the back porch.

Do you have inviting places to sit in your garden?

Pamela x

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