As gardeners, one of our primary goals is to extend our living space outside into the gardens we so carefully tend. With that purpose in mind we fashion outdoor rooms for ourselves, our family and friends to relax, recharge and enjoy nature. The most important aspect of relaxing outdoors is having a comfortable chair to sit in and a handy table to place a cold drink, but garden furniture is so much more than just tables and chairs! It is an opportunity to furnish your outdoor space as comfortably as your indoor space.
Incorporate garden furniture in all parts of the yard to maximize enjoyment of every aspect of the garden. Consider adding a wooden swing to the front porch to encourage guests to sit and visit awhile. If you do not have space on the porch you can always suspend a swing from a tree or install a swing under an arbor. Installing a hammock under a large shade tree will provide a perfect opportunity to sneak away for that coveted Sunday afternoon nap. Be sure to include a small meditation bench or two near a pond or water feature to persuade visitors to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds of moving water.
You will definitely need to provide a few lounge chairs near the pool for sunbathing during the summer. As the seasons change, a few extra chairs will be needed to pull up around the fire pit when it is time to roast marshmallows. Make your furniture even more attractive and comfortable by adding cushions and pillows to your chairs. Plenty of available seating for family and friends to enjoy a meal or just relax makes entertaining so much more enjoyable for everyone.
There is an enormous selection of garden furniture available. Whether you select furniture made from wicker, wood, aluminum or cast iron, there is a style to be had to suit your budget, space and climate. Just remember these simple rules: always place your furniture on firm level ground to avoid any mishaps and lower umbrellas in high wind. As winter approaches, store or cover any pieces that are not weatherproof to keep them looking great year after year.
As you can see, adding furniture throughout the area will greatly enhance your family’s enjoyment of the entire garden. Not to mention give you an handy spot to rest your tired back and aching knees from all of your hard work!