For the planters, cut the 2x6s into four 18-inch pieces for each side of the planter box. For the benches, cut the 2x6s into lengths that match the distance you want to span between two planters.

The boxes on either side of the bench - which is removable and seats one person comfortably - measure about 16x16x18 inches. That means you can put a pretty substantial plant in each one.

On Sharon Drayton’s block in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighborhood, wooden benches sit on the sidewalk in front of most of the porch-fronted, brick rowhouses. They’re not your average benches.