How a Sound Choice on Grass Seeds and Benches Can Enhance Your Garden’s Appeal
Guest post by Tony Allen
Anything you can achieve indoors with design can now be accomplished outdoors. Outdoor living and design has exploded in popularity in recent years. As a result, there are many design options to create a unique, useable space. No matter the size of the space, it can be utilized for a peaceful retreat – which is what a garden should be. Good garden design begins with two components: grass seed and benches.
Grass Seed Options
The right grass serves two purposes in a garden: a foundation for the plants and other design elements, and setting the tone for the accompanying layout. As a side note, it is quite functional in holding dirt in place, too. Choosing the right grass seed depends on:
- Climate in your area
- Your lifestyle
Cold-season grasses thrive in regions with cold winters that do not experience a lot of heat in the summer. Examples are Kentucky bluegrass, tall and fine fescues, and ryegrass. Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, are especially adept at handling extreme heat and do not tolerate cold temperatures well. Examples of these grasses are Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, Centipede, and fescue. Next, consider how much maintenance, or how little, is suitable for your lifestyle. How much time do you plan on devoting to the space – everyday upkeep or occasional relaxation? Kentucky bluegrass, the fescues, Buffalo grass, and to some extent Centipede, are all low maintenance grasses. Bermuda grass and ryegrass are the high-maintenance varieties out of the group, but they stand up to traffic well. Lastly, you should also consider the overall look you want to achieve: a short, manicured style – think putting green – or a more free-form English style, as well as the amount of shade the space receives. Sometimes, mixing seed types is the best way to ensure comprehensive coverage in the garden. Now that the base of the garden has been decided upon, how are you going to dress it up?
Benches
These seating options can be the focal point of a smaller garden or a stepping stone in style for larger ones. Benches come in many different styles, finishes and materials, with varied purposes, which make for a personalized garden. Modern wood benches made from Shorea, Teak, Cedar, or Redwood, with their simple designs and clean lines, from brands like Old Adirondack Company, Oxford Garden Design, or Kingsley Bate Company, aptly provide spots in which to relax. Ornate, wrought-iron benches fit well into outdoor spaces as well. Benches can be functional with storage, and they should be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, inviting passers-by to stop and take a break from the stress around them. Remember, gardens can be what you want them to be. They can even serve as a transition from one space to the next. Once the seed is planted and the space set up, you can finally enjoy your soothing surroundings.
About the Author
Tony Allen is a natural landscape designer who writes for naturesfinestseed.com. Check their site for lawn choices and supplies, from Buffalo grass seed to information about Zoysia grass seed.
