My wife and I started gardening in Fukuoka (Japan) in 2003. There was nothing but muddy clayey sloping land. At the beginning we made several structure such as steps and paths, and planted turf, fruit trees, roses, herbs etc.
In 2010, we visited several famous English gardens, including Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Mottisfont Abbey Garden and Hidcote Manor Garden. We were shocked by the glory of those gardens. Since then, we have been trying to make small but glorious gardens by ourselves.
Every year around this time, we inspect and paint the bench in front of the brick wall. This bench was installed in 2011 and has now been in place for 15 years. In May, when the roses on the brick wall are in full bloom, this bench becomes a popular spot for photographs. Over time, we have observed wood rot in parts of the bench and carried out repairs. We turn the bench over for a thorough inspection. This time, no new rot was found; after washing it down, we applied a preservative. We will continue to maintain it carefully so that it remains a bench that can be sat upon safely for many years to come.
Wooden benches have been coated with wood-protective paint. The bench in front of the brick wall is already 14 years old and is quite damaged and has been repaired, but we hope it will last a little longer. The other bench on the deck was given to us by a friend and we want to take good care of it too.
A slightly larger space was created in the middle of the main garden and a white iron garden bench was placed on a small terrace. It has been aged to look a little rusty and old.
It only gets sun for short periods in the afternoon, so it may not be used much in winter, but in spring, early summer and autumn, depending on the weather, it can be a pleasant place to be.
The teak bench in front of the brick wall was installed in January 2011, inspired by a bench in a famous English garden. Within a few years, the pink roses on the brick wall surrounded the bench and created the landscape we longed for in our own garden.
Now, 13 years or so later, the bench is showing signs of damage here and there. You can't see it from the front, but from the back and from below, you can see wood rot here and there. This is particularly prevalent in the wood joints and the seat has become a little unstable.
We have therefore reinforced it with hardwood planks. I think this will allow us to use this much-loved bench for a few more years.
Every year at the end of winter we wash the teak bench in front of the brick wall and coat it with teak oil. It is said that teak wood does not need painting, but I apply it because I think it helps it to last longer outdoors. It has been 12 years since I bought it, but there is very little damage and it will last for many years to come.
Yesterday afternoon was the first time it was warm enough to feel like spring, which made working in the garden a lot less stressful. Marple did her annual teak oiling of the benche and spent the afternoon relaxing on the sunny arbour seat with a gardening magazine.
