YOUR GARDEN: You can't beat a bench: DIY IT

Sunday Mirror, Jun 15, 2003 by Adrienne Wild

PUT a stylish bench at the end of a path to create an interesting focal point and a good reason to walk along and enjoy your flowerbeds.

Support conservation and buy a teak bench which has a guarantee to say that it is made from timbers that comes from licensed plantation sources. www.rawgarden.com or www.thegardenshop.co.uk have a great choice of stylish designs.

Hardwood furniture can be left out all year round and gains an attractive silvery patina as it ages.

Softwood furniture must either be painted or covered in preservative. www.anniesloan.com have chalk paint in a range of colours.

If you are planning on making your own bench make sure that the top is slatted timbers, so that water runs away, instead of collecting in pools.

If you have a small garden consider buying folding furniture that is easy to store. Check out www.greenfingers.com for ideas. Deckchairs and folding cafe furniture are popular choices. www.habitat.net have a great selection.

Look for designs that fit with your garden style as well as meet your needs for comfort, flexibility and durability. For example, wirework furniture is the perfect choice for Victorian, French-style gardens, while directors' chairs with brightly-coloured canvas seats go with a funky or contemporary look. Visit www.mcordgarden.com for ideas.

If you are short of storage space then invest in a bench where you can put tools, toys and pots. Try www.greenfingers.co

For that rustic look a plank of timber supported on a couple of sawn trunks makes a great bench.