Falling Back in Your Garden Chair

Tired of staying in air-conditioned seclusion all summer? Nothing beats the backyard for convenience when you want to enjoy the outdoors. Fall is the time to assess the seating situation so you can enjoy the garden in comfort and style, says The Washington Post.

You may already have folding lawn chairs to serve in a pinch. But consider that more permanent outdoor seating can add flair to your garden. The key is to integrate the chairs into your landscape design. Place seating judiciously among the flowers, off the walkway, or in the corner.

Stone chairs provide a massive, organic feel to your landscape design. Garden centers provide the less expensive concrete chairs, too. For more basic stone seating, you can get large rocks from a stone supplier. Arrange them into an outcropping that doubles as a sitting garden. Be careful to place them where you want them--you won't want to move large ones around. For more information, see Garden Design on the Rocks.

Garden and patio chairs come in a wide variety of styles and materials, from the traditional, wooden Adirondack chair with it's angled back and plump cushions, to the new generation of metal furniture in galvanized, aluminum, iron and steel. Smith and Hawken is a company that lists several types: (800) 776-3336.

Yet another option for the porch is the classic swing bench suspended from the ceiling. It has to be permanently and safely attached. If you want a mobile, self-supporting frame, consider the glider. The gliding motion is equally relaxing. Suitable for the porch or garden, it looks great nestled into the shrubs and flowers or in repose under a stately oak or maple.

Or if you're looking to entertain the kids as well as the kid in you, install a tree swing. Just make sure the rope is strong and safely anchored to a living branch.