Sustainable Gardening Blog

My last post casually referred to sitting in these chairs while admiring an oak tree, which is fine, but whoa, Nelly, they deserve more attention than that. In fact, I’m here to profess my love for these chairs and go so far as to suggest you get one for yourself, or something like it.  Here’s why. 

They have history and style.  They’re comfortable, especially with the optional foot stool or in the chaise lounge version.  The arms are flat and wide enough to hold a drink, reducing the need for a small table.  They can add any look to your garden - either stained and weathered or painted your favorite garden-worthy color.  This teal is my favorite and it’s repeated on my tool shed.  My neighbors use it, too, so I know it isn’t just me.

And here are your options, which you’ll see by Googling something like "Adirondack chair" or "garden furniture".  White pine chairs like these start as low as $90, the chaise lounge $110, a two-person bench $130, a rocker $120 and tables $65.  Really affordable stuff.  Yes, it requires a bit of work.  I had to assemble these myself, then prime and paint twice.  Every fall I touch up any gouges - at these prices you don’t get hardwood.

Speaking of hardwood, if you’re feeling a bit more generous with yourself spring for teak, a gorgeous, carefree wood.  I paid $320 for this teak bench about 19 years ago, fully assembled and retail, then did absolutely nothing to it.  You see the result, and close up looks just as good - smooth, no splinters - truly amazing.  It’ll certainly outlast me, with no work on my part.  I see on line that teak Adirondacks are on sale for a ridiculously low $150 and that benches start at $500, with assembly required. 

And coincidentally, winter’s a great time to assemble and treat or paint your new garden furniture.  Then by spring your garden will have new seating for you and your family or guests.  Mine is mainly for the important duties of tree- and bird-watching. 

Bottom line, what’s a garden without seating, anyway?