Decorative Bridges and Benches

As is discussed in our blog A Well-Balanced Landscape is Important, a fair arrangement of softscape, hardscape, waterscape, nightscape and woodscape make for a successful landscape design—because all the elements are represented. Using a bridge as a focal point or a bench as a part of destination area can help to highlight your use of wood. Decorative bridges and benches can both be used to accommodate a theme whether they are used individually or together. A bridge can be utilized near a water feature to highlight its permanence, or along a pathway to give the illusion of depth. A bench can be a destination in and of itself. Both lend credence to your garden. Combining these wondrous pieces with lighting and specific planting arrangements can also enhance the overall ambiance of your landscape plan and help to illuminate the effect you are after.

Bridges are by definition the means of a transition. They offer to take us to the other side of something, whether real or imagined.  And whether their function is to traverse a pond or they act as a symbolic step more imaginative in nature, bridges in a garden are always suggestive. For the little ones in our tribes, even magical. Bridges serve to span many things, from a body of water to a terrifyingly deep and narrow chasm. The fact that a bridge is so versatile makes it a practical option for garden décor. You don’t need a water feature—a simple dip in the lawn will do. Make a dry creek bed using rocks, gravel and intercalate it with plants. In fact, a bridge well placed bridge in a landscape doesn’t really have to go over anything at all.

Bridges make great entry points.

Just as a garden path beckons the explorer in a particular direction, a bridge signals that there’s more to discover. The fact that there may not be much beyond that point, doesn’t matter. It’s subliminal. And you don’t need much space. The right bridge can even blend into a landscape and still make a considerable impression. Sometimes a landscape designer like Jefferson Landscape and Design wants to add a bridge without having to fully embrace the arching-over-something concept.

Placing a bench in an area is a great way to make it more inviting and charming. There’s a wide selection of benches to choose from. A good outdoor bench should be comfortable, sturdy and enhance the beauty of the area around it. This means your decision depends on more than just the bench. You’ll need to consider the location, space, material, design and color. An outdoor bench can upgrade a garden, yard, patio, park, etc. and give your guests a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It’s the perfect time to help others gather with friends and family and spend quality time in an outdoor space. There are many things to consider when choosing the perfect outdoor bench for your space.

Consider the purpose of the bench and the style that would best fit its surroundings. The size of the bench shouldn’t look too small or too large for the space around it. If you’re placing multiple benches, think about how they’ll spread out over the area. Also, make sure there’s room to walk around the bench comfortably. Position the bench so you get a great view when you’re sitting on it, whether it’s the view of the mountains, a water feature, a children’s playset, a rose bush, or trees that bring you peace. Choose whether you want your bench in the shade or in direct sun. If it will be direct sun, you may have to consider if the color will fade, depending on the material you choose. The location will play a part in all the factors of your outdoor bench choice. Place the bench among tall shrubs or trees to give it more privacy.

Bridges and benches are often used in an open area to connect a spread-out garden space. While your bridge is likely to be wood, with benches, some materials are more comfortable than others, especially for extended periods of time. If you’re installing a bench where people will stop to sit and eat for a while, something like wood may be more comfortable. However, if your bench only gets used a few minutes at a time, something like metal or concrete may be suitable. Try to choose a material that matches or complements what your outdoor space already has for a more cohesive look. Remember that a balance of the elements is key.