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Anyone who has followed this blog for any length of time will know that we are prone to buying almost as many benches and chairs as plants. This is because we like to provide points at which to sit and contemplate the views, or simply to take a rest in the shade.
Today I followed the cloud-diffused sun around the garden, photographing a selection of the seating arrangements.
Many, like this pair of chairs in the front garden, were bought very cheaply from Efford Recycling Centre.
This bench, recently moved from the grass patch to the Dead End Path, was from the same source. It is, in truth, a bit rickety, and therefore rests against the butler sinks.
Our four large wooden chairs made by a local carpenter, cast interesting shadows on the patio.
Looking a bit battered after its journey from Newark to two London addresses before being extensively repaired by me two years ago, this bench is a replica of those at Nottingham Castle. It is perfectly sturdy.
Jackie found the cast iron ends of this seat, now resting on the Heligan Path, in the shrubberies. I bought the wood and fitted it together.
A cluster of metal chairs is loosely arranged on the gravelled south end patio;
this one has strayed a bit, presenting a view into the Rose Garden,
where this elegantly ornate chair is one of the features.
Our most recent dump acquisition has replaced the earlier mentioned bench on the grass patch. It is made of light and strong aluminium, but could do with a paint job.
A variety of wooden seats, like this one outside the stable door,
this beside Elizabeth’s Bed,
these along the back drive,
and this beside the Brick Path facing the Phantom Path, were obtained from the same source.
Others, like this one alongside the Head Gardener’s Walk, came from IKEA.
Beside the same path, in the arched Gardener’s Rest was furnished by the recycling centre.
Aaron recently added touches of paint to this iron bench bought from Ace Reclaim architectural salvage outlet. Beside the Shady Path it looks across the Palm Bed.
This evening we dined on juicy chicken Kiev; sauteed leeks, peppers, and mushrooms; crisp carrots, broccoli and new potatoes; followed by Bakewell plait and vanilla ice cream. I drank more of the syrah, and Jackie drank a blend of Bavaria and Hoegaarden.
What an array of seating! I think they all add structure and interest to the different areas of your garden. I wonder what colour you’ll paint that in need bench!
Thanks a lot, Jenny. Any suggestions?
Well, I think that’s best left for Jackie to decide😉
However, on a second look, it’s going to be pretty tricky to paint, with all that weave effect. And spraying will make a helluva mess. Maybe stay with the distressed look, after all?
In reality, that is probably what will happen 🙂
That is quite a number of seating arrangements. You must have guests very often or perhaps really many of them 🙂 My preferred is the first, the blue is beautiful and it looks quite cosy as arrangement. The second preferred one for me is the bench that replicates the Nottingham castle ones
Many thanks, Geetha. It was seeing the blue chairs from the sitting room window that gave me the idea.
Welcome. They are quite striking
What a fine collection of chairs and benches–perfectly suited to your wonderful garden.
I like how you implied one of the chairs strayed on its own. I can imagine them doing that when no one is looking, perhaps forming their own conversation groupings.
Many thanks, Merril. They do wander about a bit 🙂
What a timely post! I’m in search of the perfect bench for our courtyard area. No luck yet, but you’ve given me some ideas.
That’s good, Leslie. Thanks a lot
I can easily imagine tottering about your garden [tottering as I’m on the verge of old age apparently, or due to having imbibed a glass or two prior to the tour beginning] and taking my ease in each parking space to admire the view and perhaps sniff the air for scents and aromas ….. I’m beginning to think Jackie should be made Commander-in-Chief of All Public Gardens, where she would very quickly ensure there was adequate and frequent enough seating for all who wander…..
Very many thanks, Pauline. A wonderful image
Almost every seat is provided with a small table at both ends to put your wine on, I felt this was essential. Sometimes just a pile of bricks with a tile on top, others are wire or sort of wrought iron.
🙂
It just gets better and better!!
🙂
So many different and nice places to sit and look onto your glorious garden! Love this
Many thanks, Lynn
Oh wao ,I wish I could sit and write their :).Happiness us a tabke with a view
So many nooks to have a sit back and smell the flowers is a good idea – and you know how much I love chairs – they have their own personality!
Thank you, Sol
I failed to bring home yet another bench to add to our garden last week. Then I told my wife. As a result, I will not be sharing this post with her. 🙂 Great photos, as always.
🙂 Thanks very much, Oglach
I love this collection and that you put it together for the post. You and Jackie are both so talented and creative. And we get to reap the results of the garden and photos, if not those wonderful meals.
Very many thanks, Luanne
Derrick, I think I could make myself comfortable and write all day with all that natural beauty around me.
Many thanks, Lonely
So inviting to have those multiple seating options. Your hospitality is showing, Derrick. 💖
Many thanks, Van
I think there’s enough seating for all of us, Derrick! It looks great.
There should be, Jill. Many thanks
Now we need a view from each chair 🙂 I envy you the space for seating (I counted at least 30) and the array of styles and designs that all look comfortable in the one garden.
Thanks very much, Mary. And I didn’t pick them all 🙂
I impressed that you managed to remake that bench from the end parts your wife found and some wood you bought. I’m afraid if the seating at our house had to be build by me, we’d all be parked on boxes and crates.
Yes! Isn’t that a marvel? I am afraid of electric saws and what not – so that seems like a huge job!
It certainly was very impressive! (Rather more impressive than my spelling in my original comment, now that I’ve reread it!) 🙂
🙂
Thanks, Jodie
Little do you know, Bun, I was amazed at myself 🙂 Thank you.
That’s great! You outdid yourself, it seems. 🙂
Derrick And Jackie – seats are an indication of welcome, and I know you both are very welcoming. No wonder you have so many seats!
Thank you very much, Jodie. A nice thought
What a great idea to provide seating and shade. I love the blue chairs and the old benches
Many thanks, Sylvie
I second Goethe’s preferences. So many nice seats–so many lovely views.
Many thanks, Lisa
Good heavens. Autocorrect struck again. Geetha!!!
Whether one wants sun, shade or dappled shade, Jackie’s garden has a place for conversation, rest or a place to read. It is all so lovely.
Very many thanks, Ginene
Thank you Ginene, that is what I aim for.
🙂
A seat for every seat, it seems.
Nice one, Yvonne. Thanks a lot
Those beautiful blue chairs are my favourites. I also really like the fairly ornate white metal chair, which must cast an intricate shadow. I’d love to have a garden which warrants so many chairs.
I guess you could say I have a garden of words, although our veggie patch is starting to produce yields. We’ve had some cherry tomatoes and even have some broccoli starting to form. This was largely my husband doing plantings with the kids, although the tomatoes originated in my worm farm. So, it was a team effort.
xx Rowena
Many thanks, Rowena
That’s a lot of benches! Perfect for enjoying the views of your wonderful garden. 🙂
Thanks very much, Louise
William Henry Davies lovely and much quoted poem ‘Leisure’ springs straight to mind though in this case he begs we have time to SIT and stare! Beautiful pictures that beg me to be more creative with garden seating
Many thanks, Osyth
I’d visit everyone of those chairs Derrick, just to take in the beauty. The top blue chairs are my favorite.
Thanks a lot, Mary
A really eclectic collection of chairs and benches, Derrick. Love the ‘Gardener’s Rest’. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sylvia
The “unplanned method” in the seating arrangements is fascinating and the collection of chairs/benches as well. The blue ones are beautiful… 🙂
Many thanks, Maniparna
The blue seats which you displayed are such vibrant and nearly royal blues. The chairs throughout your garden paths make sense and also decorate the sights, Derrick (and Jackie).
Your gathering place area looks like a fun place to be! 🙂
I really like the ornate or elaborate designed one; your singular chair. The ones you ordered are so pretty, almost like robin’s egg blue. 😉
Many thanks, Robin. Your usual full comments. You are right about the robin’s egg blue; and those blue seats are what prompted the idea for the post.
These are so inviting. I love gardens and eating outdoors.
Thank you, Micheline
A garden that allows me to rest when needed. Or just to sit and stare at flowers. Well done, you two!
Many thanks, Cynthia R
Your garden is inviting and cascades with beauty and warmth. You and Jackie are such gracious hosts. Everytime I visit, I feel as if I’m mingling with friends. What generous souls!
Very many thanks, Rose