Another alternative is two planters fixed to a bench. These can be bought in plastic or metal and you can just add small annuals to the planters for a great place to have your lunch. 2. Sawn-off tree branch seat and matching planter

Rian Habergham, garden expert at Leisure Bench says, ‘Swinging seating includes everything from seating that hangs from trees to classic swinging garden benches, swinging seating makes your garden that little bit more exciting, and can be used alongside static seating to encourage different seating options. I started by removing a row of patio slabs for the area that would support the planter. I wanted the planter to be wide enough to have seating and plants. The total width was about 70cm. I levelled off the area using a shovel and wheel barrow. A large spirit level allowed me to get a nice even surface. With the area clear I laid some weed protection and started to put some of the wood into place. If your dog hasn’t quite grasped the concept of not digging up your perfect peonies, a puppy-proof raised bed is worth considering. Depending on the size of your dog, you could install a raised bed which they are unable to reach. Taller beds have the added benefit of being easier for you to tend to and maintain. 38. Create More Planting Space with Multi-Tiered Beds There’s not much more rewarding as a green thumbed parent than seeing the little ones following in your footsteps! A raised planter box with legs can be adjusted so it’s the perfect size for your kids. Teach them to plant, care for, and harvest carrots, peas and lettuce!Image credit: @ letsfrolictogether Before you start, consider: 1. What can you plant in a bench planter? From ultra space-efficient multi-tiered beds, to those specifically made for your favourite fruit and veggies, there’s a raised bed plan to suit any and every outdoor space.

Cedar is a popular choice of material thanks to its natural rot resistance and long lifespan. Cedar boards are stronger than other types of wood, and this is one of the more sustainable woods to source. It’s biodegradable so, provided it’s not treated, will eventually break down into the earth. Build your planter at least 3 planks tall and measure the length. Assemble 4 sets of your chosen length to make the 4 sides of the planter box. Use gloves and protective eyewear and have screws or nails handy. You may also want some wood glue to give a more secure binding for the plank seats. Will the planter get suitable light during the day to grow everything you want? If it’s in a shaded area you might need to grow different plants that will survive low levels of light. No splinters, no splits and no rot mean this range of outdoor recycled plastic benches and seats is low maintenance, weatherproof, safe and designed to deal with the most demanding environment (like the British winter). On to cutting the fins. You’ll be taking the remaining 2″ x 12″ x X’ plywood and measuring out your two triangular fin pieces.

Raised Beds

Make sure your dahlias can be planted in midsummer (or earlier) to give you excellent flowers for vases in late summer and autumn. Why not build your perfect flower bed with bench seating areas for you and your family to enjoy? Add strawberries, lavender and a mixture of flowers for the perfect combination. Raised beds don’t have to be made from fancy materials. A few old logs can be put together to create a rustic and fully sustainable raised planter! If you are into construction, this murphy bed by @rydawell might be perfect for you! This is one of the cleanest and most organized builds we’ve come across.

These types of beds take up less room than the murphy style, but they are more inconvenient to assemble. Couch Bed

If the centrepiece houses a tree, it’s best to add this first, see more below. If there is no tree, then it’s time for planting! Tina’s Tips: Place a traditional day bed in a secluded spot in the garden for the ideal place outdoors to take an afternoon siesta. Line the iron bed frame with comfy cushions, showerproof fabrics would be ideal, to make it irresistible for spending an afternoon relaxing in the garden. Store it in a shelter during prolonged rainy spells, to prevent the frame from rusting. How do I make my outdoor seating more comfortable? Raised planters lend themselves very well to crop protection systems. This is because of their relatively small size and the ability to attach protection structures to the timber edges. Raised beds can also be an effective slug barrier if arranged with sharp gravel pathways between the beds. This will greatly reduce slug and snail traffic. What tools will you need for this project? Here is a list of tools I used but you may find something similar works just as well.

All it needs are some cushions and it’s good to go! This bench would make a great space saver for someone who also needs an area to sit straight up on the road. Slide Platform Bed These designs have the added value of being recycled, they’re made in Britain and they have planters to match. Placed altogether in your garden, you can be sure that you are bringing true British style to your outdoor space. Is the planter near trees and tree roots. The planter will need to be built in a location that has a good sturdy base. Tree roots can easily grow into and disrupt the stability of your planter. If you have tree stumps in the way then you may find it difficult to remove these yourself so you’ll need to call a local tree surgery service to professionally remove the stumps.Allowing for more efficient maintenance than a longer, rectangular bed, U-shaped beds give you access to all areas of the bed from one spot. U-shaped beds can be a lot larger than rectangular beds while providing the same easy maintenance. Integrating a bench seat will give you a cosy and contained area to relax.