How a Garden Furniture Giveaway Transformed a Forest of Dean Garden

Earlier this summer, we (Teak Garden Furniture) ran a nationwide competition in partnership with Gardeners’ World Magazine, offering readers the chance to win a handcrafted teak garden furniture set. The winner, Chris Clayson from Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean, received a beautifully made round Tuscany folding table and two Wynyard reclining chairs — a prize that arrived at just the right time.

Chris, a retired toolmaker, lives with his wife Debbie and their dog Monty (named after Monty Don!) in a small town in the Forest of Dean. Their garden is a peaceful, well-loved space filled with pots, perennials, fragrant lavender, rose bushes, and fruit trees. There’s a patio, a few pieces of railway memorabilia, and until recently, a bench that wasn’t quite comfortable enough for long afternoons outdoors.

“I’ve always enjoyed pottering in the garden,” Chris says. “But our old table was looking worse for wear, and the plastic reclining chairs had broken. The bench just isn’t comfortable enough to sit on for long periods of time.”

Chris had been entering competitions for a while – for things he genuinely wanted or could use. “I was quite surprised when I found out I’d won,” he says. “It’s the first thing I’ve won in years! I was especially glad because it’s something so beautiful, of such great quality, and useful for my garden.”

The prize, a round folding Tuscany table and two Wynyard reclining chairs, was made by hand from solid FSC-certified teak. “I was really impressed when I first saw the furniture,” Chris says. “I’ve spent most of my life making things by hand, and I like crafts. I can tell it’s not mass-produced. It’s very high quality.”

Since receiving the furniture, Chris has been spending more time in the garden than ever. “I’ve been getting up around 5:30 in the morning and sitting out there with a cup of tea to watch the sunrise – I never used to do that. The chairs are so comfortable, I’m out there all the time now.”

He particularly appreciates the thoughtful design: “It folds up, which is great for winter, and it won’t need much, if any, upkeep. That’s a big plus for me.”
Teak is widely regarded as one of the best woods for outdoor furniture – naturally durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance. For Chris, that means more time enjoying the garden and less time worrying about upkeep.

Chris also loves the look and feel of the set. “It’s traditional but stylish. I love that it’s hand-finished, with no knots, and the curved back is a nice touch. The armrests are great too. I like to recline the chair back a bit and just relax.”

Chris’s story is a reminder that a well-made piece of furniture can do more than just furnish a space – it can change how we use and enjoy it. “It’s really transformed how I spend time in the garden,” he says. “We use it all the time now. My daughter and son-in-law love it too – we’re almost squabbling over who gets to sit in them!”

At Teak Garden Furniture, we believe that outdoor spaces deserve the same care and attention as interiors. That’s why we craft every piece by hand, using sustainably sourced hardwoods including teak, to create furniture that’s built to last, and to be lived in.

Karl Barowsky, owner of Teak Garden Furniture, said:

If you’re inspired by Chris’s story and want to bring timeless comfort and craftsmanship to your own outdoor space:

• Explore our full collection of garden furniture
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Let your garden become your favourite place to be.

Explore our full range of handmade teak garden furniture, including benches, dining sets, chairs, loungers and more.

Looking for something unique? Discover our bespoke design service or call us on 01429 890808 – we’d be delighted to help you find the perfect fit for your garden.