Creating a Garden Retreat with a Wrought Iron Bistro Set

A wrought iron bistro set is the perfect start to your own garden retreat. Use it to create a spot for rest and relaxation; here's how! 

The first order of the day is to select a spot for your wrought iron bistro set. The best place for it is under a deciduous shade tree or a large arbor covered with deciduous vines. Simply put, you want shade in summer, but sun in winter. If you have running water in your garden, whether from a standalone fountain or from a pool or pond with waterfall or fountain circulation, try to position your sitting area near that. The gentle splash of running water in the background will lend a pleasing ambiance to your time there. It is most important that your wrought iron bistro set be pleasantly arranged, so that you feel relaxed and at ease while sitting there. A seating area that is shoddy or uncomfortable will never be used. 

Second, what sort of surface will your iron bistro set be placed on? There are many options, from grass to gravel to flagstone to concrete. Flagstone is a personal favorite for its Old World charm--the perfect compliment to your wrought iron bistro set--but whatever surface you choose, make sure that you can place your bistro set level on it. Gravel seems to be particularly bad for this; the chair and table legs tend to settle unevenly, and you may try to sit down only to find yourself sprawled on your back! 

Third, what kind of planting should you do around your wrought iron bistro set? Plants such as asclepias or yarrow, both of which require sun and attract butterflies, are good choices near the arbor-shaded area. For seating under a shade tree, use variegated hostas, hardy cyclamen, and Italian arum. If you want a grassy effect, but have trouble getting grass to grow in the shade, try Mondo grass, a shade-loving plant that is low-growing, so that it never needs to be cut, but looks like grass. 

Fourth and finally, having gotten your garden retreat arranged and planted to your liking, take time to enjoy it! Set aside a little "me time" each day and retreat to your little sitting area to read a good book, rest, and recharge your batteries. You'll come away refreshed, and your family and responsibilities will thank you for it!