How to build a modular garden seat that doubles as a planter
In short: For renters or those with temporary spaces, permanent garden furniture can be a challenge. This clever design uses simple blocks and timber to create a relocatable bench that also serves as a container for your favorite plants, offering a versatile solution for any garden layout.
To create a functional and mobile garden seat, the foundation lies in site preparation and material selection. The process begins by leveling the ground to ensure stability. For the structure, using cement, breeze, or Besser bricks is highly recommended, especially for renters, because these materials are incredibly versatile and can be repurposed easily. When selecting bricks, it is important to match them in pairs, as the size of the bricks and their internal cavities can vary between different types.
The design relies on a stacking method where the blocks serve a dual purpose: they provide the structural support for the seating surface and act as built-in containers for greenery. For a simple seat, you will need at least 12 cement blocks and 2 to 4 lengths of recycled timber. If you intend to build a longer bench, you should increase the timber to 4 to 6 lengths. To ensure the structure is secure, you can use cable ties to hold the bricks together, or you can choose to bolt or screw the timber beams together.
Successful planting within these blocks requires specific soil management. To prevent the concrete from absorbing too much moisture, the blocks should be treated with a terracotta pot seal. The soil composition should be tailored to the specific plant: native plants require a native potting mix, while succulents like Sedum cv. benefit from an extra handful of sand. For edible plants, such as silverbeet, it is best to add a ratio of 1 part compost and 4 parts cow manure to the mix, followed by a layer of mulch for top dressing.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Build a simple garden seat that's relocatable and holds plants
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