Landscape Design
The Artful Garden: Secluded Seating
Here are 8 places to plant yourself outside and admire Mother Nature’s handiwork
Fresh air, birdsong, the scent of woods and flowers — spending time in the garden is one of life’s most splendid simple pleasures. Make the most of those precious quiet moments in your garden by carving out a secluded space to sit, away from the noise and busyness of regular daily life. Whether you choose to create a gathering place to catch up with your dearest family and friends or a solo retreat just big enough for you, a cup of coffee and a great book, let these eight outdoor spaces inspire you.
1. Scenic overlook. At the end of a stepping-stone path, a pair of Adirondack chairs positioned to face a lush woodland puts nature center stage. But there’s no need to have a sweeping view to make this work — chairs facing a particularly lovely cluster of trees, flowerbed or water feature will work just as well. Bring your coffee and enjoy the morning birdsong, solo or with a fellow nature lover.
2. Rustic pergola. If privacy is hard to find in your backyard, adding a structure like the pergola shown here can be a wonderful way to carve out a quiet nook. The natural, bark-on branches and logs used to create this pergola look beautiful with or without plants trailing overhead. Beneath the boughs, a comfy outdoor sofa and coffee table provide a snug place to sit and chat.
3. Built-in banquette. Nestled against a wall draped in fairy lights, this built-in banquette brings the comforts of the indoors out to the garden. With ample bench seating and table space, you could easily tuck into an outdoor brunch or dinner, or tote along your laptop and a pot of tea for an alfresco work session.
4. Woodland gazebo. Calling to mind a fairy-tale structure that wouldn’t look out of place in Tolkien’s Rivendell, this rustic gazebo is sure to enchant garden wanderers of all ages. And while it is romantic, a gazebo’s usefulness can extend beyond cozy tête-à-tête chats: Consider it a lovely meditation or yoga pavilion, teahouse, or spot to take shelter from a sudden rainstorm.
5. Front yard nook. Have loads of space in front of your house and not much use for a massive lawn? With a bit of strategic landscaping, even a street-facing yard can offer up a few quiet nooks for sitting. Tucked away at the end of a gently curving path, this bench offers a tempting spot to sit for a moment, whether taking a break from gardening or simply relaxing with a beverage.
Houzz TV: Meet a California Garden Designed for Color and Fun
Houzz TV: Meet a California Garden Designed for Color and Fun
6. Boulder upgrade. With the addition of a pillow or two, a naturally smooth boulder can make a surprisingly comfortable seat that virtually disappears into the landscape when not in use. While you probably wouldn’t want to settle into this seat for a long stretch, a boulder-plus-pillows situation can be just right as a gardener’s break spot.
7. Rest stop. Side yards and paths are often some of the most tucked-away, private areas of the yard, and yet they also tend to be overlooked and underused. Including a bench or pair of chairs alongside a path provides a place to sit during a stroll, and it can be a lovely way to encourage visitors to slow down and savor the entire garden, not just the more obvious lawn and patio.
8. Corner cafe. The key to positioning a backyard cafe table in a way that feels intimate is to nestle it right up against some tall greenery. Plants feel softer and more inviting than a fence or wall while still helping to add privacy and buffer sound. For maximum privacy, place your cafe table at the end of a curving path, so it’s not immediately visible from the house.
Tell us: Where is your favorite spot to sit in the garden? Share your thoughts and pictures in the Comments.
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Tell us: Where is your favorite spot to sit in the garden? Share your thoughts and pictures in the Comments.
More
To Make Your Garden Memorable, Add a Hint of Mystery
Find garden furniture