Giving people a place to sit in the garden

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One of the best things, and one of the worst things that you can put in your garden is furniture. Done correctly, it makes a more comfortable and welcoming environment. Done wrong, it really makes a mess of things. This is what I have learned

• Give people a place to sit. And, just as importantly, a place for them to put their beverage. And although I had been proud of the little plastic tables that I had scattered around the yard, they just weren't making it. I got this table yesterday from Walmart. It's aluminum, and was relatively inexpensive. I've made the mistake before of trying to use plastic, or metal furniture outside. Never again! There is no plastic in the world that likes to sit outside in a Phoenix summer, and any metal that rusts should never be left outside. Aluminum. Wood? Even I was never dumb enough to do that! Oh yeah, and no glass-top tables. They look terrible and dusty about ten minutes after you put them outside. Outdoor furniture should not be dusted, it should be hosed down when it gets dirty.

• Give people space to move. If you've crammed so much furniture into the space that it's almost impossible to get around, get rid of it. A garden is supposed to be a place to relax, not an obstacle course. If you're worried that there won't be enough chairs for the occasional large group, just go get some folding chairs out of the garage. If your yard looks like a showroom for furniture, you've got too much out there. Simplify.

• Get an umbrella. Hey, this is Phoenix and a little shade always feels good. Besides, it finishes off a space like this very nicely and becomes a focal point. I got this "grass skirt" style on an impulse and am happy with it. Inexpensive, and yep, from Walmart.

Excuse me, my coffee is still out there. I'm going to go enjoy the morning!



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