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Article Series: Gardening
Everyday
Gardening Tips & Advice
Garden
Accessories: Benches, Pergolas and Stepping Stones
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:
- Use
plastic gloves and put something down to cover the floor
it will get really messy.
- Decide
on your mold, if you’re using a paper box, line it with plastic
wrap so cement does not get everywhere!
- 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.
- 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.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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