I love the functionality of planter benches.
You can start with a simple planter box, add a second, then add slats to make a bench. Finish it off by adding your favourite lush and colorful annuals to the planters.
Then later, if you want some privacy or to be surrounded by greenery, add a trellis or three. Two smaller ones at the sides and a larger one at the back. This is how our planter-bench-trellis evolved.
At first, the simple bench was great, but then I wanted more.
After adding the trellises to the back and sides I grew scarlet runner beans up the back trellis. They are one of the most rewarding flowering annuals to plant because once they germinate they grow fast, covering the trellis with leaves, beans, and beautiful red flowers. And because you can see them get bigger each day, they are a favorite of children – both young and old!
An added benefit of the vine-covered trellis was that it created a divider between our large stone patio and the smaller flagstone patio behind it. Perfect for creating “rooms” in my small city garden.
1. Cedar Planter Bench
Simplicity and beauty combine in this cedar planter bench. Cedar not only looks good, it smells wonderful. And best of all it is durable and rot-free.
One of the things I love about this planter bench is that Gardener’s Supply Company also sells a curved metal trellis that is compatible with the planter. So you can sit under an arch covered with beautiful flowering vines.
2. Meranti Wood Planter Bench
With a rich brown teak oil finish, this Meranti wood planter bench is simple and elegant. It comes with one outdoor bench with two open-bottom planter boxes. The assembled size of the bench and planters is 68.5″ wide, 15.5″ deep and 18.75″ high.
3. Eucalptus Trellis Planter Bench
The individual building blocks of this versatile Eucalyptus set, allow you to configure your planter bench and trellis in many different combinations.
Start with two planters, which double as seats, and a bench to connect them. From there you can build up with either the small or the large privacy trellises. Or add an additional planter and bench and make a cozy corner seating area.
Made from Forest Stewardship Council certified eucalyptus it is solid, weather-resistant, and built to last. This trellis bench combo is both beautiful and sustainable.
Which Planter Bench Beckons You?
Are you ready to take the plunge and add a planter bench to your garden?
Do you want to assemble it slowly, as your time, budget and garden dictate, or are you going to go for the gusto? Perhaps you are a DIYer, which was the route we took with our last planter bench.
Whatever you decide, you will wonder why you waited so long.