Integrated Planters
Plantings at the edges of the timber deck make this wood seating area a popular outdoor gathering spot. Carefully chosen containers cover the edges of the structure and create a transition into the surrounding landscape.






Well-Designed Benches
A series of small, multilevel timber decks connect intimate niches and various outdoor rooms, including this fire pit with built-in benches, much like interior hallways connect the spaces inside a home.



Comfy, Casual Outdoor Living
The natural connection between a cottage and garden is celebrated with outdoor "rooms" created within the sheltering arms of giant trees, porches outfitted with sofas and rugs, and dinner parties held outdoors.
With cottage style, you're as apt to hang a chandelier from an outdoor trellis as from a ceiling indoors. Vintage cupboards appear on the timber deck, filled with collections. This outdoor expansion "grows" living space as well, a boon to cottage life. New all-weather fabrics handle moisture, sun, and humidity, with ease. Life on the porch has never been so sweet.

Garden Landscape Plans

Browse our professional garden plans for ideas on how to start your own creative landscape design ideas or use the example plans to start your own garden. Click on the small plan images to see larger examples of a particular plan.

L-Shape Bench

Built-in outdoor benches like this one provide plenty of seating for al fresco entertaining. Built around an established fir tree, it contributes to the structure's clean, angular sensibility, and the linear slats quickly disperse rain.


Lattice Seating Area

A need for privacy inspired this unique deck with a curved-trellis seating area. The built-in bench follows the curve of the lattice and establishes the space as a destination for relaxation.




Handcrafted Bench

Constructed from scrap cedar, a built-in bench provides a convenient, custom-made element that contributes to the deck's well-crafted character.





Low Seating

Low built-in benches function as seating and an edge barrier for this railing-free deck.

Stone-Wall Seating

This stone wall provides additional seating and spirals into a small water feature that's 18 inches in diameter.









A Deck for All Seasons

Don't abandon your deck when spring and summer end. A fire pit is the perfect place to warm cold hands on a chilly night and to roast marshmallows for a toasty treat. The benches behind the fire pit are a great alternative to railings; they provide extra seating without blocking the view of the lawn and garden.



Garden Seating

Two built-in wood benches provide the perfect spot for enjoying the lush garden that crowns the courtyard. A fan on a cantilevered beam cools the seating area on hot summer days.

Garden features