While much of Norman’s garden was already well established, with a mix of planting areas, pathways and lawn, one small patio was in need of a refresh. A concrete bench had once occupied the space, but after it was removed, Norman wanted to transform the area into an inviting spot where he could sit back, relax and enjoy his garden once again.
Norman’s garden planter bench
The patio provided a challenging and uneven surface, combining stone, tile and concrete, which required careful planning. Surrounded by traditional raised beds built from sleepers, the space also featured an eye-catching compass pattern within the paving that Norman wanted to retain as a focal point of the redesigned area. Another key element of the design was to ensure the new seating area took full advantage of the view over the village.
Planning the Garden
The goal of the project was to transform the patio into an inviting space where Norman and his wife could relax and make the most of the stunning sea views. To introduce more greenery, Norman chose a bench with bookend planters, allowing him to add colourful planting that would complement the established planting areas throughout the rest of the garden.
Measuring 2.4 x 0.75 x 0.65m, the bench fitted the patio perfectly, making the most of the available space while comfortably seating two people. The integrated planters add both visual interest and seasonal colour, creating an attractive focal point for the refreshed outdoor area.
Preparation and building
Preparing the site was the biggest challenge, as the patio consisted of an uneven mix of concrete, stones and rocky ground. Although WoodBlocX can be built directly onto hard surfaces, Norman decided to remove the concrete and stones to create a more stable, level base. After marking out the footprint of the bench, he excavated the area and used a layer of sand to achieve a perfectly level foundation. Check out our top tips for preparing the ground prior to building WoodBlocX.
With the help of his granddaughter, Norman laid the first layer of WoodBlocX in position. As the bench was being built on a soft base, ground spikes were fitted to securely anchor the structure. He then followed the simple, layer-by-layer instructions to complete the build.
To finish the project, the two integrated planters were lined with a DPM membrane, creating a barrier between the timber and soil. This added layer of protection helps to maximise the lifespan of the raised beds, ensuring they can be enjoyed for years to come.
Finished Garden
The finished project delivers exactly what Norman had envisioned. The once underused patio has been transformed into an attractive and welcoming seating area, providing the perfect place for Norman and his wife to relax and take in the stunning sea views. The bench with bookend planters sits seamlessly within the existing garden, complementing the traditional raised beds that border the patio while preserving the original compass tile feature.
The integrated planters provide plenty of space to introduce additional planting, adding colour and interest throughout the seasons. Norman chose vibrant Flame of the Forest plants to bring a striking splash of colour to the space, completing a garden feature that is both practical and beautiful. See what else you can grow in a WoodBlocX raised bed!
Norman's thoughts on the project
Our WoodBlocX bench with bookend planters has completely transformed this spot in our garden. It's now the perfect place to relax and take in the view. The quality is excellent, the design looks great and it's become one of our favourite places to sit and enjoy a coffee.
The perfect garden seating solution
Create a peaceful place to sit, relax and enjoy your garden with our bench with bookend planters. This beautifully designed wooden bench combines comfortable seating with two integrated raised planters, perfect for colourful flowers, fragrant herbs or seasonal displays.
