You've put a lot of work into your garden, from planning to digging to weeding to all the little tasks that keep it looking beautiful. Sharing your garden with others is the next step, and doing that requires more than pretty rows of plants. You created a garden to enjoy, didn't you? Imagine your garden in use - garden benches and patio furniture to provide places for people to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Choosing garden furniture can be the ultimate expression of your pride in the garden you've grown.

When choosing garden furniture, you should take into account the kind of use that your garden will get. Is your garden meant to be a relaxing haven for just you? A place where you'll read and sip iced tea, away from the bustle of the modern, busy world? In that case, what better piece of garden 'furniture' is there than a classic hammock, slung between trees or on its own stand? And of course, if you put up a garden hammock, you'll need a small garden table close to hand to hold your iced tea and book when you pull your hat down over your eyes to snooze in the sun.

Perhaps you picture dining al fresco in your garden. In that case, you'll be choosing garden furniture that includes patio or garden table and chairs. From beautiful white-painted French bistro sets to elegant glass and wood dining sets complete with parasol and side tables.

The garden furniture that you choose can set the tone for your outdoor space in the same way that your choice of sofa, chairs and tables defines the style of your living room. A stone garden bench with urns gives a completely different ambience than a pair of rustic, unpainted Adirondack chair with a small table between them. A pair of sun loungers (or chaise lounges) with comfortable cushions invites your guests (and you!) to relax and enjoy the lazy pleasure of the outdoors. Park benches with black cast iron accents can lend a touch of turn-of-the-century Parisian charm to a simple garden, or fit right into a smooth expanse of lawn.

When you're choosing garden furniture, you'll find a wide variety of styles and materials. Molded PVC furniture is a popular choice, in colors that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Wood picnic tables with benches are a standard, and classic redwood tables, benches, chairs and loungers are still one of the most chosen types of garden furniture in the world.

Whatever your choice, just remember the reasons that you grew a garden to begin with - the pleasure and beauty of nature. Choose garden furniture that enhances both your garden's beauty and your enjoyment of nature.