What to do with this bench?

Cut off the seats, keep the table as such for outdoor use. Surround it with your pots.
Or, give it away and have LOTS of space!

Gardeners pearl cherry toms all hang down from pots or grow bags will suit the table famously!

Hi Madamehooch

Firstly what beautiful craftmanship and you have kept it in great condition from what I can see. Well done to your father in law.

I understand your concerns re comfort and getting in and out from the table is not conducive with aging. I'm glad to hear you would like to keep it which is great.

It's hard to tell from the picture but if it is easy to dismantle the seating section I would use the seating for perching and resting somewhere else in the garden eg under a window with a wall behind to support. Gardening can be tiring and sometimes you need just a little rest for 5 mins as you go. This may need a little joinery work but I'm sure there will be someone in your family who could assist. If there are two benches you could use them in different areas of the garden. Maybe one in a shaded area.

I love the sunflower design an earlier poster put up. Unless you or a family member are artistic that could be difficult.

A potting table is a good idea or maybe half of the table with a minimum of work.

Please post a pic when you have redone.

Margs

Might it not 'accidentally-on-purpose' catch fire?

My thoughts too! A stray firework on Nov 5th maybe?

Im sorry if this is an insensitive question, or if I have missed the answer, but is your father-in- law still around and likely to know what has been done with the bench? If not, I would do what I wanted in my own garden. If any other family were unhappy about that, I would offer them the bench.

Im ruthless in my own garden - if something doesn't work for me, it goes. Mind you, I am the only one who does any work out there, which makes a big difference as far as I am concerned.

Give it away .Facebook market place or put ad in free paper.

I'd sell it as it looks in vgc. Don't bother telling father -in-law.

I had 2 picnic benches they were in the way I ended up donating them.
For the OP use it as a plant stand with trays under each pot you could make a fantastic center piece for your garden with pot plants.

Hope you don’t object - I asked Ai

An update for everyone kind enough to post their suggestions.

I had a nice chat in person with my father in law this morning. He has no issues with me readapting the bench. I'm going to take it apart and then he's going to help me build some planters with the timber. It will be a lovely project for us to do together.

Thank you all once again.

madamehooch I think this is such a great solution.
Everyone happy and years of more enjoyment!

win/win

🪴🌱🌿☘️🏵🌵🌾