new bench opinions and some fall color

[watchndsky]

im almost through with a new bench for the more "sun loving" plants to reside next spring. thought i would post and see what opinions were.

still have some minor touch up to do, staining, and then mulching underneath. the odd shape reflects the original design of that area where shrubs etc resided - they had suffered bad winter damage from heavy snow and ice so they were dug up to create more bench space.

the austrian pine in the center will be raised with some accent grasses on the side. (so the cinder blocks wont stick out like a sore thumb)

my pines will move to this area as it gets full sun all day during spring and summer. and if they will tolerate maybe some shimpaku (but they seem real happy where they are so not sure if they get a new spot yet)

any comments or suggestions?

 

[Stan Kengai]

First off, nice fall color. I really like the arakawa.

I like the design of your bench. It looks both interesting, with its irregular shape, and of sturdy construction. If the pine in the middle is a permanent adornment, it will eventually get big enough to shade out the north side of the bench. However, I think this is a clever place to grow it out for several years though.

 

[watchndsky]

First off, nice fall color. I really like the arakawa.

I like the design of your bench. It looks both interesting, with its irregular shape, and of sturdy construction. If the pine in the middle is a permanent adornment, it will eventually get big enough to shade out the north side of the bench. However, I think this is a clever place to grow it out for several years though.

Thanks!
Its potted so a relocation is a possibility just not sure yet. There some area to the left side of that area thats a possibility

 

[Vin]

the austrian pine in the center will be raised with some accent grasses on the side. (so the cinder blocks wont stick out like a sore thumb)

A nice well planned and executed design. The only comment I have is I would make sure to raise the cinder blocks enough to ensure that you don't look down on the pine.

 

[watchndsky]

A nice well planned and executed design. The only comment I have is I would make sure to raise the cinder blocks enough to ensure that you don't look down on the pine.

yes thats the plan - i think i can pull that off without an odd looking "mound" in the center because of the shape and the slope - that would bring the top of the pot about 1 inch above the level of the bench

 

[Bonsai Nut]

You are teasing us with blurry photos of trees in the rear

 

[DougB]

Looking good. One caveat though -- ensure your put something under your pots to raise them above the solid wood surface. With out this the water will not drain and will pool in the bottom of your pots.

By the way where in NC are you?

 

[watchndsky]

Winston-salem
Ive got at least one semicascade that needs a decent stand before placing there so ive toyed with idea of making individual stands for some of the trees but im not sure I like that idea. Dont know if I would look good and just seems like it might invite trouble if the wind got too gusty. I dunno....