Bench

The other day after visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden (where I saw the orchid show, the rock garden, the Climatron, and the temperate house) I stopped at a nearby garden shop called The Bug Store. They sell garden ornaments and home furnishings only, so not the type of place I normally stop.


But I do like to check out the planters, benches and various garden sculptures they carry -- I sometimes get good ideas while browsing. This trip, I got something more.


***


On the top of my list for the garden this summer is seating -- I need some places to sit in the yard and enjoy the results of my labors. So benches have been on my mind for a couple of months already. There were a few benches at the store, but none really caught my eye -- except for the one that my wife and I both remarked on last year (or was it the year before?):


It had been sitting out in the weather for quite a while, and I noticed that the price tag ($200 !) had a lot more writing on it than a price tag normally does.


It seems that the finish on this metal bench was failing and would rub off on your hands if you touched the wrong spot -- or your bottom if you actually sat on the bench.

So there was a warning on the tag: "do not sit!"


There was more information too: "refinish yourself and save: $40". I wasn't sure if that was the amount you'd save, or if that was the price, so I went inside and asked.

"You can't sit on it!" was the first thing they told me when I asked about it.

"Right, I read that. But what does it cost?"

"You'll have to refinish it, because the finish is coming off. It's $40."


(that whipping sound you just heard was my wallet coming out)


So I paid that amazingly low price and carefully, excitedly carried it out to my truck.


The thing is, I really like the finish the way it is. It's a beautiful patina, and I have the perfect plan to preserve it: Rustoleum clear coat. It's like spray paint, but transparent, and "recommended for outdoor use". So a couple of cans of that stuff and this bench will again be bottom-safe.


Although objects this ornate aren't normally my style, there's something about this bench that really speaks to me.


I think it will look great somewhere in my garden, surrounded by some plantings to soften it up a bit.

Now I just need to find that "where".

.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin
Rock rose  – (February 29, 2012 at 6:56 AM)  

That kissing bench certainly was a bargain. I wonder why the problem with the finish. I hope you manage to seal it.

Alan  – (February 29, 2012 at 7:20 AM)  

Lancashire rose: You have no idea how many different Google searches I did last night trying to find out what that style of bench is called. Thank you!!

sandy lawrence –   – (February 29, 2012 at 7:22 AM)  

Excellent plan on the clear coat. Love the finish as is.

Maybe close to your pond?

Geneva  – (February 29, 2012 at 7:23 AM)  

What a nice bench... and what a nice blog! I ran across you on Pinterest, and am so glad I did.

Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)  – (February 29, 2012 at 9:51 AM)  

I would have called it a kissing bench, too. Brings to mind Masterpiece Theatre on PBS :-).

You got a remarkably good deal on it. Usually this kind of finish costs EXTRA!

Christine @ The Gardening Blog  – (February 29, 2012 at 10:04 AM)  

This is beautiful, I love it! I can picture it in and amongst the plants ...

Poet Whale Studio  – (February 29, 2012 at 11:19 AM)  

LOL!
Thank you for the laugh...whipping sound. I gasped when I read the price.

Stunning gorgeous bench

Post a Comment

  © Blogger template Shush by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP