Garden Accessories - Benches, Pergolas, Stepping Stones, Oh My!

While some gardens look terrific with steel or other metal bench, most gardens look much better with a natural looking “low-tech� look about the accessories. Elaborate and complicated benches are fun but plans are an optional feature for this low-tech, natural look, anything from a log or lumber to stones or gravel and cement, anything that isn't necessarily symmetrical is perfect. Nature is imperfect, and when all else fails, remember what is going on the bench and don't stress. A simple bench can be constructed from driftwood and two concrete blocks if your heart desires.

To make two rock towers is simple! Dig a shovel sized hole in the ground, filling it with mortar, establishing a solid foundation. A 12"x14-16" rectangle should be build on your mortar foundation holes. For a 4" thick plank, a 14" wall should be high enough, for a 2" plank, 16" is great. Make sure that the two “walls� are flat and level with each other, if there is a 1-2" difference you can use mortar. Insert a cup into the top of each wall. It's best to wait a few days for the mortar to harden. .

Mark where the plank hits the cups and mark it. Then on level ground, drive a few, about 3-5 nails, or screws into the board, if you can, use large screws. Fill the cups with mortar and gently place the plank on top of them so that the board is firmly anchored into the tops of your wall. You have anywhere from 1-15 minutes to set the nails or screws into the mortar. Double or triple check everything before you place the plank into the mortar. Extra mortar can be used to level the bench out. Once the bench is set in the mortar do a final quick check of everything, check the plank on last time with a level then leave it alone for a few days.

A different take on the permanent bench can be made from treated lumber. Use a 4x4, and either a 2x8, 2x10 or a 2x12, or any combination of those to make a seat, approximately 8-12 inches. Using treated Cedar or Redwood, cut a post at least 4 inches thick, and 36-48" long. Cut a notch into the top of the uprights for the 2x4 or 2x5, it helps if the top board nests into the uprights. This is a fun family activity, let the kids do the nailing, and have an adult do the cutting.

Tips For Building A Pergola:

A finished pergola should extend at least 80mm for paths and most average 130mm for height. Design your pergola to accommodate wisteria or roses. Headroom should be about 2.2 on the underside of the cross bar.

In its most basic form a pergola provides a central focal point to the garden. There are many other uses for pergolas, a softer line than a fence between neighbors, shelter or it can accentuate another feature in the garden.

Just like the bench, it is easy and traditionally made of wood, however, they can be constructed from steel, bricks, wrought iron lattice work, or more natural materials like willow branches. Pre-made ones are available for purchase that just require set up, however it is often easier to design your own so you can customize it to the requirements in your own yard or garden.

Through study and years of research, the Garden Advice team has developed ways to build pergolas both fast and easy. Using sawn treated wood from a builder's supply is better than just buying wood from a local DIY type place. You can use fence posts, but the treated wood will last longer.

Stepping Stones - What's in a Stone?

Store bought stepping stones ones can be quite pricey, although a nice way to accessorize your garden. They are a great family activity, as well as a great gift. Spend a day with the kids making personalized stepping stones. Shapes are often a fun way to personalize the stones, dragonflies, butterflies, or even more complex shapes like animal prints for those that want to get more creative. Use stained glass mosaic pieces or mirror shards to further personalize them. A perfect gift for a grandparent who likes to garden, but be warned, they may be heavy to wrap!

What to Do:

1. Use plastic gloves and put something down to cover the floor it will get really messy.

2. Decide on your mold, if you're using a paper box, line it with plastic wrap so cement does not get everywhere!

3. After you mix the cement to the directions on the package, pour it into the molds, making sure it is at least 2 inches thick.

4. If you want to decorate your stone, be sure to do it while the cement it still soft. When you're done decorating wait at least 24 hours, more depending on if its thicker than 2 inches, before removing it from the container.