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In
the Garden
“A garden is a mirror to the heart.”
Just A-Swingin'
A Return to More Genteel
Times
It’s easy to
bring grace, comfort and beauty to your home with porch and garden
swings. Outdoor swings are like time machines transporting you back
in time.
Made popular in
the mid-1800s, when wraparound porches were common, swings symbolize
freedom, grace and relaxation.
Remember the
thrill of swinging on your play set in the backyard or at the
neighborhood park? Sometimes, the very thought of the gentle sway of
a swing can take you back to childhood, or can conjure pleasant
memories of lazy afternoons sipping cold lemonade and sharing
stories and ambitions with friends.
Choose Your
Design
Swings come in
many designs, materials, styles and sizes. Choosing the perfect
swing really depends upon personal preferences, so “test drive” a
porch or garden swing before buying or building one.
An important
part of your selection process will depend upon where you choose to
put the swing. One of the most popular places to put a swing is
under your porch overhang in the front of your house. After a long
day at the office or on the golf course, you can just sit down and
take in the sights and the sounds of the neighborhood. Another great
spot for a swing is under a tree in your backyard. During lawn games
with your family, it offers everyone a lovely place to take a
breather.
A swing can
rapidly become one of your treasured pieces of décor. Some people
prefer the rustic, seasoned look of woods such as unpainted teak,
cedar, cypress, redwood or shorea. Often, these woods weather
beautifully, turning silver or dark gray. Still other people enjoy
painted swings, and paint their swings to complement the exterior
design of their home. Porch and garden swings can also be made in
strong materials such as thick polymers and plastics. It’s all a
matter of personal choice and finances when it comes to selecting
the perfect swing materials.
Simple, elegant
and classic swings add grace and sophistication to any size lawn,
garden or porch deck. With advances in technology, the garden or
porch swing can be added to any size space, large or small. A
glider, a bench with a special rocking mechanism, takes little space
and is perfect for a front porch or patio area. Swings can also be
bolted to beams on front or back porches or placed nearly anywhere
with A-frames. They are also charming as part of a gazebo, pergola
or garden arbor.
Typically, swing
seats range in size from 4 to 5 feet long and 18 to 36 inches deep.
Some other features include armrests, back rests, slats and other
features that add to the swing’s comfort.
Whether it’s a
tropical afternoon spent sipping iced tea, or time to relax and
enjoy a spectacular sunset, alone or with a friend, there is a swing
just right for you!
For more
information, visit www.MoreThanTeak.com.
Written by Jesse
Akre
Printed November 2008
Web August 2009 |
