the meditation bench

We built this structure last summer - the wood is all reclaimed. Most of it had belonged in a nursery school garden I think as there were big wooden animals attached as well as lots of random paint daubs! We cut one of the large panels in half, giving us two ends - then all we needed to do was make a top. Once it was all stained forest green it looked great! We already had this rustic bench in the garden, so we moved it over into the shelter.

We built three wooden planters, the third one is in the centre round the other side. I planted jasmine and lavender at the front, and passion flower and lavender round the back. Hopefully it will be a beautifully fragrant place to sit. I often use jasmine and lavender oils together in the house and as a temple balm - so I know their calming properties.

Can you see the two verdigris peacocks on the top? Behind them is our dove cotte - for many years we kept beautiful, free flying, white fantailed doves. But last year they were constantly harassed by sparrow hawks - and now there are none.

​If you look at the rainy day picture below, you can see that when we sit on this bench we have a lovely view of the pond, and can hear the running water.

This is Toby, our first rescue rottweiller - keeping an eye on some juvenile doves. He was such a gentle giant, sitting so still letting the birds come up to him.

Love-a-doves - can you see the two tiny babies at the back of the box? Dad cares for them in the day time, and mum takes her turn at night.