The bench at the bottom of the garden

Ever since we moved into Ellesmere, I've wanted to have a bench on which to sit and enjoy our garden.

I soon discovered the cost of a new one was prohibitive.

So I kept an eye out at vide greniers (garage sales) for a used one.

At a local brocante (old wares) shop, I spotted a rusted, broken-down old bench. I quite liked the style.

It had cast-iron ends with wooden slats.

It was in very poor condition so I got it at a good price.

I dismantled it ... discarded the decayed and broken slats and began the painstaking task of removing all the white paint.

I also had to remove the rust from the ironwork and cut new seating slats. I kept the three back-support slats.

Once the cast-iron ends and back-support slats were cleaned and the new base slats cut, the bench was ready to finish. By "finish", I mean spraying the metal with black paint and oiling the timber slats.

Finally, the piece was finished and ready to install in the garden.

I placed it under the lime tree, by the many heuchera and hellebores, looking back over the pool towards the house.

There is something deeply satisfying about a garden bench, where you can sit calmly and contemplate the beauty and tranquillity of the garden.