All Outdoor Patio Furniture

When thinking about Labor Day weekend, people often picture large backyard cookouts, where burgers are sizzling on the grills, folks are gathered around the picnic tables, and every patio chair, porch swing, glider, and garden bench is occupied.

Of course, not everyone is into this kind of mob scene.  As difficult as it is for many to imagine, there are those who have other things that they would rather be doing on their holidays, besides socializing with tons of people.  Furthermore, even if some are planning to attend one of the events that they are invited to, they may not wish to be overwhelmed with hectic schedules of party-hopping for three days straight.

After all, it is a long weekend; and, because the fair weather may be waning soon, some people look at it as an opportunity to get things done around their houses, before it gets too cold to work outside.  They may be looking forward to getting their gardening tools and wheelbarrows out of their sheds, and spending their holidays just getting dirty in their yards.

Actually, September is one of the favorite months for gardeners, as the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for working.  At the same time, it’s usually still warm enough for them to relax on their porch chairs or hammocks when they want to rest; and there will be a great need for that, because they have plenty of outdoor chores to keep them busy now.

While many people believe that the only thing to be done in the fall is to reap what was sown in the spring, if you’re a gardener, you know that this is not true.  There is still a lot of planting to do, along with regular maintenance and preparations that will give your lawn and garden a head start on looking their best next year.

For example, the end of the summer is the ideal period for planting several varieties of perennials, shrubs, and trees, including, in many regions, evergreens and heathers.  By putting them into the ground now, you will give them time to establish their roots over the winter months, so that they can produce healthy foliage in the spring.

If you’re not going to be hanging out with the crowds this weekend, you can enjoy browsing nurseries for trees and shrubs that will thrive in your area.  You may want to select some that have edible berries for winter wildlife, or choose ones with leaves that will exhibit spectacular fall colors.

Once the soil temperature drops to below 60 degrees, you can also begin planting the bulbs of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, about three times as deep as their diameters.  Although some people like their tulips in neat rows, you can create a magnificent group display, by planting up to twenty bulbs in a hole that is one foot in diameter, making sure that they are not touching.  If you want to add bursts of fall color, plant some mums, winter pansies, and flowering kale and cabbage.

You can also help to give your lawn a healthy start next spring, by keeping up with your raking.  As fall is usually quite rainy, built-up leaves and grass clippings can turn into thick, wet clumps that are quite inviting to pests; and nobody wants that.

In fact, that’s the very reason why many people avoid large parties – because of all of the pests that are invited!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: garden bench, grills, hammock, patio chair, picnic tables, porch chair, porch glider, porch swing

This is one of those strange weeks, when some prominent beginnings and endings converge, causing a mixture of excitement, wistfulness, anticipation, and melancholy to permeate the air.

First of all, we’re nearing the end of summer, and the indications of fall’s imminent arrival are getting stronger.  In my case, I’ve noticed that my outdoor dining table, patio furniture, and hammock are getting covered with leaves; and when I sit on my porch swing, I’m looking at brown, wilted vines on my arbor and trellises.  I try to tell myself that the leaves are dying early because of the abnormally hot, dry summer, but the truth is hard to deny.

Well, actually, it’s impossible now, because I recently spotted some goldenrod, which is one of the surest signs of autumn.  Then, I saw something else (which, coincidentally, is the same color as goldenrod) that left no doubt about what time of the year it is.  Yes, it was a school bus.

Indeed, that’s one of the things that is fueling this blend of emotions that seems to be affecting everyone right now.  After all, to kids, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they dread.  At the same time, to adults, the close of summer means the opening of school, which is something that they love.

On the other hand, nearly everybody is looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend.  Because it is widely considered the last blast, and the unofficial end, of summer, it naturally conjures some feelings of sadness.  Still, it is enthusiastically welcomed by kids, who have been working so hard in school for a few days, as well as adults, who have been working so hard all year long, with only a few, brief breaks.  So, it’s an occasion for all to celebrate.

Of course, some people aren’t exactly sure what, or why, they’re celebrating; and many don’t really care, as long as they get a day off, and a chance to use their grills, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs.  First observed on September 5, 1882, in New York City, Labor Day arose from the labor movement, as a tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers, and their contributions to the country’s prosperity.

The second Labor Day was held exactly one year later; but, in 1884, the first Monday of September was chosen for the holiday, and the Central Labor Union, which started it, urged similar organizations in other cities to mark it as well.  The idea took hold, and, in 1885, it was observed by many industrial centers across the nation.

In the first proposal for the holiday, it was suggested that it should include a street parade, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families.  In the ensuing years, different states adopted it, one by one, before Congress passed an act, on June 28, 1894, declaring it a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

So, take full advantage of summer’s last hurrah, by making it a full day of merriment and revelry.  Have a cookout, relax in your favorite porch chair, go swimming, play some lawn games, such as volleyball, croquet, or quoits, and watch some fireworks.

Remember, it’s your day, and you deserve to enjoy it; and, no matter what, don’t feel the slightest bit guilty about making your outdoor furniture and grill work so hard on a holiday!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, arbor, Croquet, grills, hammock, lawn games, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chairs, porch swing, Quoits, trellises

I come from a family of teachers.  My mother, brother, both grandmothers… they’re all teachers.  So, as the last day of August greets me with nearly crisp, almost autumn air… I can not help but think about Fall.  Colorful leaves on sidewalks, book bags, new shoes, and the expectancy of the coming year.  Even though the onset of September means no great transition for me anymore, I still revel in the overwhelming feeling of opportunity.

But as I reflected on the season while gazing out the window above my kitchen sink that overlooks my patio dining set and fully-vined pergola, I could not help but sigh.  Soon, the leaves will wither to leave the bare wood.  Soon, this moment to look out my favorite window (my house has only three windows; but even without a lot of competition, this is one is definitely my favorite) won’t end when I walk outside to sip my coffee at my outdoor table.

I think everyone interested in outdoor living and gardening has a special affinity for gazing out of windows. And so, as autumn comes upon us, it is time to consider top-notch window seating.  My favorite? Cedar Chests. Slid up against a window, it becomes an incredibly functional piece.  Perfect for staring out of windows to see the seasons change, you can fill up cedar chests with nearly anything.  No, I won’t list all the possibilities, because I know that you know that you have a lot of stuff that you need to store no matter what it is. You can get cedar chests with drawers and cabinets for organized storage, or utilize a one-lid, one-box organized chaos of possibilities. It all depends on your style.

If you can find it, find a cedar chest with seat rails.  Outfitted with a chest cushion, you can change the color scheme and look of your window-storage-seat by simply changing out the upholstery.  It’s a great alternative to the built in window seats, because you can take it with you when you move, and it has considerably more character. Style? Function? Versatility? Mobility? Yes. All.

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cedar chests, chest cushion, outdoor table, patio dining set, pergola

We are so excited to have TV Designer, Kathy Peterson, talk about her new line of patio furniture on Lifetime Television!  Don’t miss her special on Sept 2 at 7am!

And to see all of her designs before their television spotlight, simply go over to the Kathy Peterson Inspirations page!

Tags: kathy peterson, patio furniture

While umbrellas are commonly associated with rain, they are also used to shield us from the sun.  In fact, the latter is the larger, nobler purpose, as it is more important, health-wise.  After all, getting wet in a cloudburst is not going to hurt anyone (except, perhaps, the Wicked Witch of the West, but I believe she’s dead, anyway).  On the other hand, as we all know, if we’re exposed to them for long periods, the sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to our skin and eyes.

Actually, that more dignified use is the one that served the members of nobility so well, centuries ago.  Back then, the original umbrellas were carried over the royals, not only to keep them shaded and cool, but to protect their skin as well.  The same was true of the early patio umbrellas that were used in ancient Rome and Greece.

Even now, staying out of direct sunlight seems to be the bigger concern for many of us.  For example, when looking for a seat on a restaurant’s patio during the day, most people will avoid any outdoor dining table that doesn’t have a patio umbrella.  When we take our beach umbrellas with us to the shore, it’s generally not because we’re afraid of rain, but because we want shelter from the sun.  That’s also why street vendors have market umbrellas over their carts.

Undoubtedly, there are even more, very gallant, acts that these outdoor umbrellas perform, besides simply safeguarding us from rays and rain.  Remember, there are other things that can fall out of the sky, which would be quite unpleasant to have land on our skin, clothes, picnic tables, food, or drinks.  Naturally, I’m talking about the leaves and sap that often drop from the trees.  I certainly can’t think of anything else.

Now, I am absolutely not downplaying the importance of the patio umbrella in keeping things dry.  That definitely is a great thing, as outdoor party plans don’t have to be canceled just because there’s a chance of rain.  I mean, it’s quite comforting to know that you won’t have to endure the disaster of having your hair get all wet!

Of course, like outdoor furniture, patio umbrellas have undergone significant improvements over the years.  For one thing, you can get one that features a tilting mechanism, which lets you adjust the angle of the umbrella’s canopy in accordance with the sun’s position, so that you will always have full coverage.

Another wonderful thing about today’s outdoor umbrellas is that they are available in every color imaginable, as well as scores of patterns, and endless color combinations.  Therefore, you can match them with your outdoor décor, as well as the outdoor furniture cushions on your patio chairs and chaise lounges.

Among the greatest attributes of an outdoor umbrella, however, is its aptitude for providing privacy, whether your picnic table is set up in your backyard, or on your patio.  Even if you have fences, walls, trellises, arbors, or garden screens, a nosy nearby neighbor may be able to look down on your outdoor living space.

On the other hand, if you have a patio umbrella, you’ll block the view from above; and, no matter how valuable it is in any other area, its ability to foil a prying neighbor’s curiosity is priceless!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, beach umbrellas, chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor umbrellas, patio chairs, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, picnic tables, trellises

Colorful patio umbrellas are such familiar sights, that we rarely give them a thought.  Yet, just like Adirondack chairs and porch swings, they’re integral to outdoor décor, whether on our own outdoor dining tables, or the commercial picnic tables on restaurant patios.  Certainly, they’re everywhere.

The same is true of the beach umbrellas that we see when we visit the shore, or the market umbrellas that are fixtures on outdoor kiosks and street vendors’ carts.  Of course, we all have just plain rain umbrellas in our homes; and many people keep extras in their cars and at their workplaces as well.

Therefore, it’s hard to believe that such a common item was once forbidden to commoners; but it was.  Actually, there was a time when the umbrella was considered to be one of the most important symbols of royalty, and was prohibited for use by anyone but the members of nobility.

Although no one knows for sure where or when the very first one was made, historians agree that umbrellas have been around for thousands of years.  There is evidence of their use in the courts of China and Egypt, between 1100 and 1200 b.c.; and it is known that the ancient Greeks and Romans used an early form of the patio umbrella for shade.  In fact, it was a Roman woman who was the first to oil the cloth canopies of umbrellas to make them more resistant to the weather, and increase their protection from the sun (although I’m sure they weren’t touted as being “UV-resistant” at the time).

The word, umbrella, is based on the Latin, umbra, meaning shade.  Its diminutive form, umbella, was modified, to ombrella, in Italy, where it is first known to have been used, in 1611.  The word, parasol, from the Old Italian, parare, which means, to shield or ward off, and sole, meaning sun, was originally used in 1660.

Umbrellas, or parasols, were status symbols, and, the more tiers that they had, the more important the people who used them.  For example, the Emperor of China is believed to have had a four-tiered parasol, while the King of Siam had one with nine tiers, each of which featured ornate tassels.  At one point, he was described as the “Lord of the twenty-four parasols.”

The Greeks are responsible for the popular use of the umbrella by women.  Following the custom of holding umbrellas over statues of Dionysus at festivals, women began holding them over statues of Athena, and other goddesses, at feasts that were held in their honor.  It is thought that this is where the parasol, as a fashion accessory, got its start.

During the Middle Ages, an umbrella became a part of the Pope’s ceremonial regalia.  It is speculated that the widespread use of umbrellas across Europe began in Italy, in the 12^th century, when Pope Alexander III granted the Doge of Venice the right to have a parasol carried over him.

Naturally, the umbrella would become a must in England, where the weather is famously damp.  As a matter of fact, that’s where the market umbrella was first used, in 1685, to shelter customers of coffee houses.  Then, in 1830, the first umbrella shop opened in London; and it is still in business today.

So, the next time you’re sitting around your picnic table, enjoying a day at the beach, or simply walking in the rain, be thankful that the nobles ever allowed us regular folks the privilege of using outdoor umbrellas.  Indeed, they must have been quite open-minded.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, beach umbrellas, commercial picnic tables, market umbrellas, outdoor decors, outdoor dining tables, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, porch swings

With this nation’s love of outdoor living, it’s no wonder that so many people are reluctant to make complete retreats to closed quarters when the weather gets cold.  It’s also no surprise to find that, each year, millions more are refusing to relinquish their summer lifestyles.  This accounts for the huge resurgence in the demand for sunrooms, as well as the growing practice of enclosing porches, patios, decks, and gazebos.

These indoor/outdoor rooms allow at least a semblance of being in the open air, and help to keep us in touch with nature, and prevent us from getting full-blown cases of cabin fever.  Because of the popularity of these rooms, as well as the increasing trend toward turning our yards into outdoor living rooms, where we spend much of our time during the warmer months, outdoor furniture is no longer a seasonal thing.  These days, people are shopping for porch swings, porch gliders, Adirondack chairs, and accent tables, year-round.

Furthermore, in keeping with the meticulous décor of these living spaces, patio furniture is also available in more styles, colors, and materials than ever.  Of course, there are some kinds that are perennial favorites, such as wicker porch furniture.

Indeed, wicker outdoor furniture has been around since, at least, 3,000 B.C., when it was used in Egypt.  It is also known to have been common in ancient Rome and Greece.  In fact, it arose from one of the oldest recognized crafts, which is basketry.  Apparently, soon after they began using pieces of reeds, rattan, willows, osiers, twigs, and bamboo, to make baskets, people realized that they could weave these materials around stiffer rods, shaped into various forms, and create furniture.

The first piece of wicker outdoor furniture in America actually came over on the Mayflower; but the wicker furniture industry didn’t get started in this country until sometime after 1850, when a young grocer came across large quantities of rattan on the docks of Boston.  Having never seen the likes of it, he made some inquiries, and found that it was a climbing palm that is native to Southeast Asia, and was used in ships that had been to that region, to keep cargo from shifting on the return voyages.

Shortly thereafter, this entrepreneur sold his grocery store, and established his own rattan company.  Before long, his business was booming, and he had his own fleet of ships that he used for importing rattan, which was highly sought-after by basket and furniture makers.  After starting his own furniture business, he enjoyed quite a bit of growth for a good part of the mid-to-late 19^th century, and had nearly cornered the market, until many other companies began making wicker furniture.

Before the turn of the century, the Victorian style, with its ornate curves and intricate patterns, was quite popular.  However, in the 20^th century, people started looking for simpler designs with cleaner, straighter lines.  Although manufacturers changed their styles to accommodate the public’s shifting tastes, the demand for the furniture declined over the next few decades.

In the 1960’s, however, wicker patio furniture began its comeback.  Today, along with authentic wicker, you can even find synthetic wicker pieces that are nearly indestructible.  Available with outdoor furniture cushions that come in every color and pattern imaginable, wicker remains among the most popular outdoor furniture in existence, and is central to the décor of millions of indoor and outdoor rooms.

Don’t you just love a happy ending?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, adirondack chairs, Gazebos, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio furniture, porch gliders, porch swings, Sunrooms, wicker outdoor furniture, wicker patio furniture, wicker porch furniture

One of the best gardening magazines in publication Horticulture Magazine is holding a free (FREE) online workshop, called Design a Work of Art with your Garden, with famed garden designer, Derek Fell. The live workshop will be held tomorrow at 2pm (EST).  Derek will offer forty minutes of teaching, then twenty minutes of live question and answer with the audience.

Derek Fell is a highly respected writer and photographer with art, travel and garden books totaling more than 2.5 million in print, plus a photo library numbering more than 150,000 images.  As a highly sought contributor for Home and Garden Television, The Outdoor Living Channel, and PBS, Derek also writes for Architectural Digest, Veranda, Royal Horticultural Society Magazine, Garden Design, Hemispheres, American Nurseryman and countless other publications. He served as a garden design consultant for the White House Gardens as well as several luxury tourist destinations.

In this Design a Work of Art with your Garden workshop, Fell will be teaching gardeners worldwide how to plant gardens fit for award winning photographs and breathtaking moments.  “Derek rarely provides free seminars and we are extremely excited to be able to offer gardening enthusiasts everywhere this opportunity to gain a wealth of information, insight and ideas that they can then use to create their own gardens,” said Patty Craft, publisher and editorial director of Horticulture. “And, with the ability to talk live with Derek, this workshop is one that folks won’t want to miss.”

The live webinar is limited to the first 1,000 registrants, so sign up here right now! But, even if you don’t get into the live workshop, Horticulture will keep the entire presentation available for download on their website.  You can watch it anytime!

What are you still doing here– Go sign up!!

Hazel.

Tags: Derek Fell, garden design, horticulture

The end of August beckons pencils, notebooks, school buses, and that fated end of summer.  As children and teachers prepare to head back to school, it’s hard to not assume your endless afternoons of family outdoor living are headed toward a close. But, rather than bidding farewell to your outdoor furniture, why not plan a party to bring everyone together to celebrate one last “hurrah!” Encourage your children to invite friends that will soon be classmates and their families.  That way, you can meet any neighborhood parents that you have not yet had a chance to get to know.

This is always the time that it feels like the Summer season got away from us.  And as many parents have a tinge of sadness as the Autumn season puts our children out of reach for nearly 8 hours a day, this is a wonderful time to bring everyone together.  Lounging in outdoor rocking chairs and porch swings will give the parents a no-stress occasion to talk about the upcoming year and perhaps solutions for car pooling to athletic practices or play rehearsals. Meeting the families of your kids’ classmates is an important part of getting involved with their overall education, so let this be a time to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year through good food and meaningful introductions.

Especially if you’ve missed opportunities for outdoor entertaining, crafting a dinner party for a time other than Labor Day weekend is a grand idea.  That way, guests that have already committed to family reunions or other engagements will still be able to attend your event.

Try to strike a balance between Summer and Autumn.  This gathering will be your opportunity to start to bring in Autumn decorating influences, while still celebrating summer.  Decorate picnic tables with vases or planters that mix daisies and hydrangea with mums and asters.  It’s not time for pine cones and pumpkins yet, but past due for Fourth of July décor.  Have fun mixing and matching your more subdued summer and autumn outdoor décor for an End of August celebration that hits the nail right on the head.

Give the kids, and yourself, a grand opportunity to enjoy that casual summer fare.  Keep it simple with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and potato salad. This is also a great opportunity to use a lot of the vegetables and herbs that your garden is producing too fast for you to use!  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans will all do terrifically in a big salad created from your homegrown lettuce.  Share the bounty of your garden with guests to celebrate what an amazing summer we’ve enjoyed this season.

If the weather is right, it might even be a chance pull your outdoor dining sets out from under your porches or gazebos, and out further into your garden.  Try setting up a few outdoor bistro sets or your picnic table as deep into the greenery as possible.  If you’re worried about the state of the food, you can always keep the eating under your pergola or other usual spot, and simply move your patio chairs or garden benches out into the yard.  Desserts and conversations can move seamlessly out into your late summer blooms as the longer summer day turns to dusk.

Give everyone something to take away with them to remember the experience.  If you have any seeds that your flowers have begun to produce, make little bags for guests to plant for next summer.  If you still have vegetables or herbs left over from your garden, this is a wonderful opportunity to give them as gifts.  Encourage new acquaintances with classmate-children to exchange contact information.  The end of August is the perfect time to allow families to spend some last quality time together before the start of school, as well as meet and greet the parents you’ll be sure to see throughout the school year!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, grill, outdoor bistro sets, outdoor decor, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, pergola, picnic tables, Planters, porch swings

Because wood patio furniture is more susceptible to damage than other types, such as polywood and aluminum, it’s more likely to end the season with some scratches, chips, gouges, and even burn marks.  Fortunately, you will often be able to fix such afflictions, or, at least, hide them.

Before you attempt any repairs, however, clean the porch swing, patio table, Adirondack chair, or whatever the injured party happens to be.  Start by using a soft, dry brush, to remove dirt, dust, and debris; then smooth out scratches and chips with sandpaper.

Although it’s best to use a product that’s specified as a wood wash, you can clean most outdoor wood furniture with very mild soap diluted in lukewarm water.  Dip a sponge into the mixture, wring out the excess, and gently wipe the surface.  Then, rinse it, blot it with a towel, and allow it to dry thoroughly in the sun before you operate on it.

Superficial scratches are pretty easy to handle, as there are several products made to cover them.  Many solutions can also be found in things that you may already have in your home.  Of course, some of them may sound a bit nutty; for example, you can often rub out a scratch with a pecan (or another nut that has a high oil content), a dab of peanut butter, or olive or vegetable oil.

Another pantry item that can rescue dark wood outdoor furniture is coffee.  Mix one teaspoon of the instant variety with one tablespoon of vegetable oil or water, and work it in gently with a soft rag.  This method can be very successful; but don’t use it on shellac, or antique wood.

Other things that can work well, but which should be tested on inconspicuous spots, are iodine (on reddish finishes, such as mahogany), and liquid and paste shoe polishes.  You can also use felt-tipped markers and softened crayons, and, if necessary, mix their colors to match the wood on your outdoor settee, loveseat, accent table, or whatever you’re mending.

You may be able to fix gouges on outdoor wood furniture with a furniture filler stick, made of wax or putty, and some dark furniture wax, which you’ll find at a wood-finishing supply store.  After cleaning the area with mineral spirits, apply a filler stick that matches the lightest shade of the wood, and then smooth it with a small piece of wood.

Next, buff it gently with superfine steel wool, and then use the dark furniture wax to even out the color.  Because this is a soft filler, it works best on outdoor table legs, the backs of patio chairs, and other parts of outdoor furniture that are not as heavily put-upon as tabletops.

To apply a harder fill, you’ll need a shellac stick, matched to the finish, some superfine, wet/dry sandpaper, mineral oil, alcohol, and a grapefruit knife, or a curved burn-in knife from a supply store.  Apply the shellac by (repeatedly) heating the knife, then pressing it against the stick, to make it melt and drip slowly into the hole.  When it’s filled to just above the surface, smooth it with the knife, and let it cool.  Then, even out the spot carefully with sandpaper and some mineral oil, and use the alcohol to remove the excess shellac.

Because this technique requires a little more skill, you should practice on a piece of junk furniture or scrap wood before trying it.  After all, you don’t want anyone giving you a bunch of shellac for ruining a good porch chair.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chair, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor settee, outdoor table, outdoor wood furniture, patio chairs, patio table, porch swing, wood outdoor furniture, wood patio furniture