Can you help us design the layout for the benches and planter boxes in our new courtyard?

Absolutely, I’d love to help you design the layout for your new courtyard! Think of benches and planter boxes not as separate objects, but as partners in a quiet conversation—where seating invites rest and greenery breathes life into every corner.

First, let’s consider the sun’s path. I’d suggest placing a long, L-shaped bench along the sunniest wall, wrapping it around a corner. Then, install two deep planter boxes in front of the bench’s shorter arm—like a gentle barrier that separates the seating area from foot traffic. Fill them with tall ornamental grasses or lavender; they’ll sway in the breeze and offer a natural screen.

In the center of the courtyard, imagine a circular bench encircling a large, elevated planter box. This creates a communal hub—a place to sit facing each other, with a flowering tree or a sculptural shrub rising from the center. It’s both a social anchor and a visual centerpiece.

For the edges, use modular bench units that can double as small tables, alternating with narrow, waist-high planter boxes. This rhythmic pattern—bench, planter, bench, planter—guides the eye and invites movement. Choose materials that compliment each other: warm cedar for seating, and Corten steel or matte concrete for planters, to create a modern yet earthy feel.

Don’t forget the power of layered planting. Place climbing vines behind the benches, trained on trellises, so they create a living tapestry that changes with the seasons. The result? A courtyard where every bench has a view of greenery, and every planter keeps you company.

So, yes—let’s turn your courtyard into a stage where wood, foliage, and sunlight perform a daily show of comfort and beauty. What’s your first step?