Building my bonsai area

[Steven]

G'day,

I've got a bit of a dead spot up the back of my garden that is unfinished and a bit of a dumping ground for works in progress.

Back corner.jpg

Back corner across pond.jpg

I have decided to build a bench back there to better house some of my trees.

My inspiration has come from Jerry Norbury's timber bench and Brett's corner bench (can't find his post now) design.

I sketched what I wanted and then handed it over to Jeff (Gocny) to design. This is what he has come up with using Google Sketchup...

Front elevation.jpg

Side layout.jpg

Front layout b+w.jpg

It will be 4 meters x 4 meters with the top shelf being 400mm deep and the 2 lower shelves being 300mm deep. The entire construction will be from hard wood.

Before I start to build it, I would appreciate any ideas or tips.

Thanks and regards,
Steven

[craigw60]

Hi Steven,
a friend of mine had some benches made of a similar design. She didn't leave enough space between the steps and the trees ended up being pretty squashed in. I think it is important to make the steps nice and wide.
Craig

[Greth]

Great for the smaller trees, how about more space for some bigger ones? They too heavy for the top shelf. I have absolutely no idea how big the trees are that you want to keep here. Maybe you even want a mame area for the tinies, if you have some? Maybe manipulate the corner area with some little shelves for them?

[Jamie]

i agree with craig the shelf size is a little shallow, 400mm for the top os good, think bout making them that size all the way down, i know it is more in material but it will make it better, also i would be using decking planks, 90mm wide so you can have gaps for airflow and water drainage, it will also accomodate for a water collection gutter, if you need me to sketch a design for you i am quite happy to do so. i know what i am saying as a little more involved but in the long run it is your display stand area which will need to be practical aswell as look good.

also you could think about blocking of the back of the stepped area with decking to give it a solid look.

like i said i am quite happy to sketch it out for you?

jamie

[Ash]

Your gardens 'dead spot' looks better than my gardens 'live spot'. I have everything here in an arcsteel cage because of problems with theft. Agree that the benches are a little narrow but of more interest I think it will be hard to get two benches in let alone three without the crowns of lower trees interfereing with the pots of higher. Id go for max 2 layers 50 cm across each. Love the quality of the plan guys!
Ash

[bodhidharma]

I reckon it will probably need a backing to highlite the trees. Bamboo is a lovely backing very Japanese and blends with Bonsai well

[Steven]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm taking everything on board.
So, the consensus seems to be that I have not allowed enough room. What would be the optimum width to height ration of the benches? 500mm wide and 500mm height distance between?

like i said i am quite happy to sketch it out for you?

I'd love to see what you come up with Jamie!

Regards,
Steven

[Josh7]

Steven,
I'd consider only having 2 shelves - the one at the bottom being for the larger, heavier pots,then a narrower one at the top for the smaller trees to add depth when viewing. This way all of your trees will have adequate light penetration.
I feel that crowding the area may take away the visual excitement when viewing your trees also.
Good luck and keep us updated.

[Steven]

The timber has arrived and the build will start next week. I decided to construct the frame from 90mm x 90mm and 45mm x 90mm H4 treated pine (as opposed to hardwood) because of the dependable protection against termites and decay. The shelves will be built from 70mm x 19mm Merbau to match the existing decking and fence.

Timber has arrived.JPG

More to follow as the project takes shape...

Regards,
Steven

[Steven]

After the feedback received and much thought, I decided to redesign my proposed bench. Jeff has come up with the following Sketchups;

bonsai bench1.gif

bonsai bench2.gif

bonsai bench3.gif

bonsai bench4.gif

So, what do you think? Before you comment, the bench tops with be constructed by decking boards with gaps - not solid as pictured.

Thanks,
Steven

[craigw60]

Hi Steven,
Looks good you should be able to house a few trees in there.
Craig

[kcpoole]

Nice mate
Beers at your place when ?

I agree with only 2 benches. Any more and you have to stretch too far over the bottom ones to reach the back

Ken

[Pup]

Were it mine those two independent benches would be the same height as the lower shelves. For better viewing and no back aches while working.
Remember what your reach is when putting in the shelves. Because you will have to move them.
The larger flat benches can also be used for water trays for summertime if needed.

Other than that very nice, with the water shortages you get I think Jamie,s idea of a gutter for run off into a tank is a good idea. You would have to remember to put in a stop valve for when you fertilise, and have to drench for fungus or the like.

Cheers Pup

[Steven]

Thanks for the input fellas!

The area has now been cleared, leveled and all the plants that I removed have been transplanted. The bamboo screen has been extended and I am sore after a big afternoon in the sun. Hopefully I'll get around to building it soon

Area cleared, leveled and prepared.jpg

Regards,
Steven

[strawbs]

Will be a great addition to an already beautiful garden.
cheers
Strawbs