How To Turn A Bunch Of Plants Into A Garden: A Bench From Teak Closeouts

– Posted in: Hardscaping and Projects, Things I Love
6 comments

What turns a bunch of plants into a garden? The area pictured above was just a scrubby patch of woods when we moved in. Two trees were removed. (You can see the stump of one of them under the little table.) Then I pulled or cut numerous tree seedlings, and carefully pruned the sapling behind the bench so it would provide a sense of shelter without poking anyone in the ribs.

But remove the bench and it still looks like a scrubby patch of woods. Why? A garden is a human creation and the bench suggests a human presence. It tells you that people belong here. I would go even further and say that when you see that bench in the distance, it invites you to come and sit down.

Add a bench; create a garden

The easiest way to turn a plant collection into a garden is to add a bench. Ideally you will be able to situate the bench among the plants so that it offers a pleasant view and a sense of protection. Often you can do this by placing the bench diagonally in a corner, or up against a tree or a wall. It may take a little more imagination to come up with a good view, especially if you are in an urban area. You may have to resort to a screen of some sort, or have your bench face a wall or fence that has plants or artwork hanging on it.

Teak bench from teak closeouts

This classic bench was easy to assemble

Earlier this year I received a bench from Teak Closeouts to review. The bench was shipped flat, but was easy to assemble, though it does help to have a second person to hold things while you screw them in. It felt extremely sturdy once assembled, which was a relief to me, as the last bench I bought actually fell apart on me.

I thought it was so attractive that I gave it pride of place on the porch. Without a bench, a porch is just a place to fish your keys out of your pocket without getting rained on. Seated on the bench, you can enjoy a summer rainstorm, or get your homework done while listening to the birds and smelling the fragrant flowers growing nearby.

Studying on a teak bench

A bench on the porch gives you the best of both worlds: fresh air and wifi!

Check out Teak Closeouts for benches, tables, chairs and more

I was impressed by the unambiguous language and honest explanations on the Teak Closeouts website. They tell you exactly what they are offering and why they are able to keep their prices low. They clearly explain the different grades of teak and illustrate the difference between oiled teak and weathered teak. Besides benches, they offer all sorts of outdoor furniture, as well as unique decorative items. If it’s time to turn your collection of plants into a garden, I can think of no better place to buy a bench than from Teak Closeouts. It will be more expensive than the bench I bought from a certain hobby shop with a 50% off coupon, but it will last a lot longer and will look good while it ages.

I received a complimentary teak bench from Teak Closeouts for the purpose of this review.

About the Author

Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.

Now, the digging and dividing of perennials, the general autumn cleanup and the planting of spring bulbs are all an act of faith. One carries on before the altar of delayed gratification, until the ground freezes and you can’t do any more other than refill the bird feeder and gaze through the window, waiting for the snow. . . . Meanwhile, it helps to think of yourself as a pear tree or a tulip. You will blossom spectacularly in the spring, but only after the required period of chilling.

~Adrian Higgins in The Washington Post, November 6, 2013

Comments on this entry are closed.

Anna November 13, 2014, 11:40 am

You know, I was trying to wrap my mind around a corner of my property that I love, but wasn’t sure how to start using it or planting it. It’s a spot that the eye sort of goes to when you look around, but right now (well literally it’s covered in snow) but it’s a spot where lawn grows beautifully. I’m slowly replacing my lawn so I think adding a bench as you suggest in this area and starting a new garden space there would be the perfect idea. I’ll look at Teak for benches too, per your recommendation.

I purposefully surround entrances and commonly walked pathways with plants that have pleasant smells, like roses and hardy herbs. This would be also wonderful around a bench.
Anyhoo, thank you again!

-Anna

Bethany~Furnishmyway November 12, 2014, 1:18 pm

Kathy,
I love the idea of using a bench to turn a bunch of wild plants outside into a resting place/garden. It seems to be a no-nonsense approach and I think that’s doable for most people! What great ideas and the bench is gorgeous. I have a teak table and its solid wood is wonderful, I would love to add a bench to my collection. Thanks for the post!

Frank November 9, 2014, 9:19 am

Nice bench! I always think of teak furniture as the best o the best, it seems to last forever. My little table was a splurge but it’s ten years and counting and is still as solid as ever. Someday maybe I can afford a bench for out in the garden 🙂

Donna@GardensEyeView November 7, 2014, 8:09 pm

I agree a bench makes a garden and a porch…we have one on the porch but I need to replace the one on the patio so will check out this site.

michaele anderson November 7, 2014, 1:11 pm

Well, they just got a visit from me via your web link. They have nice merchandise and I will definitely keep them in mind.

Kathy Sturr of the Violet Fern November 7, 2014, 9:19 am

Thank you for introducing me to Teak Closeouts! I will be eying their chairs next season for my secret garden spot AND I’ll be able to afford it.