Seating in Small-Space Gardens

Seating in the garden is a must. I realize that many suburban homes may not have much space and squeezing seating into the garden can be a challenge.

Yet, you didn't go to all of this trouble of planting and pampering your yard or garden only to skip the part where you can sit comfortably and enjoy it. You just have to consider that every square inch in a small-space garden is prime real estate, so choose only what you love and remember that in this case less is more.

Keeping decorations and furnishings at a minimum creates a spacious feel, so add decorations that really bring something to the table — style, color, punch or utility. Choose furniture that’s easy to clean and can withstand weather.

Also, keep your eyes open for two small garden chairs that have been orphaned from their table. For some reason, there seem to be a million and one ways to use them. You can put them in the coziest little areas between planted containers.

Chairs with solid-colored frames are a plus because when you want to change the look (or even the theme) of your garden, you simply switch cushions. To squeeze in a little table, try using a detachable plant shelf placed on one of your bigger pots to hold your iced tea.

Built-in seating around the base of a tree makes good use of space, as does a flat bench situated on top of (or built into) a retaining wall of a raised bed. Always have portable seating, too. Folding chairs can be tucked away easily and you'll never be without a seat for others enjoying your garden.