PUBLIC BENCH MISDEMEANOURS

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The traditional parks bench is a welcoming site that can uplift the heart and throw a life-line to sore, and aching limbs. However in my own opinion, the purpose of the 'public bench' should not only be as a place of rest and relaxation, it should also be a point of tranquility - and perhaps more importantly - provide a decent view should one be available.

In my older age, the need for public benches has become increasingly necessary, however this new acquaintance has also met with a certain amount of frustration. This is primarily due to the thoughtless positioning of such an important public object.

I have had the good fortune to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, an area that is veritably swamped with period houses and gardens. Yet time and time again, I have come across a bench that instead of being given a position of vistorial advantage, it has been given a site - almost deliberate in execution - with no view at all. Why, when you have such a perfectly obvious choice to make, would somebody make such a blindingly wrong one?

My first example is at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire. They have a spectacular example of a re-constructed walled garden - one of the largest and well kept in the country. Because of its size there are countless positions where a public bench could be placed in order to get a real perspective on this national treasure. So where do they put it?

Answer. In front of a wall of trachycarpus - blocking the view to the rest of the garden. I am slapping my forehead with increadulousness (that is actually a word!).

So gardens of the nation, you have been warned. All ridiculous siting of public benches will be held to account through being 'outed' and dispayed here for all the world to witness and judge.

If you have any other examples of this heanous crime towards our heritage - and old people - then send in pictures along with some appropriate notes to gardenofeaden@gmail.com.