Classic Adirondack furniture is a traditional component of the American backyard.  The clean lines of Adirondack furniture have made it a popular outdoor furniture choice for more than a century.  Since the introduction of the simple Adirondack chair in the mountain communities of New York, the rustic Adirondack style has grown in popularity and can now be found in a wide variety of furniture pieces.  Adirondack style rocking chairs, porch swings, chaise lounges and dining chairs are just a few of the options now available.

The original Adirondack chair had slanted back legs that allowed it to be used on sloping ground.  Adirondack rocking chairs replace the slanted legs with a pair of rocker rails.  Combining the wide Adirondack seat with a rocking motion creates a supremely relaxing outdoor chair.  Adirondack dining chairs, on the other hand, replace the traditional slanted legs with taller straight legs, retaining the slanted back that is a hallmark of Adirondack style.  They are the perfect choice for stylish outdoor dining.

The porch swing is another traditional piece of furniture that’s associated with comfort and a simpler way of life.   Adirondack porch swings feature the slatted back and wide armrests of the Adirondack chair.  Whether suspended from chains or built with its own stand, an Adirondack porch swing will be the focal point of any porch, patio or yard.   An    Adirondack chaise lounge offers the ultimate in summer relaxation, allowing its occupant to stretch out in comfort while reading, napping or tanning.  Adirondack chaise lounges are the perfect poolside or patio addition.

The original Adirondack chairs were made from woods that were commonly available in the Eastern U.S. woodlands.  Today’s Adirondack style furniture is constructed from a wide variety of traditional and exotic woods, including cedar, pine, cypress, teak and eucalyptus.  You can also find Adirondack furniture made from polywood, resin and recycled plastics.

The wide variety of Adirondack style furniture pieces that are now available allows any homeowner create a backyard patio setting with all the traditional style and charm of the original Adirondack chair.

When you’re decorating your home’s exterior for fall, don’t forget to cover outbuildings, such as garages, storage sheds, pool houses, and cabanas.  Naturally, this also goes for gazebos, arbors, trellises, pergolas, and garden bridges.  Just as they bring fresh dimensions of splendor to your yard and garden throughout the year, they can add new elements of excitement and festivity to every season.

Pumpkins, gourds, squash, mums, acorns, pinecones, berries, apples, leaves, twigs, corn stalks, straw, hay bales, and Indian corn, are among the most popular items that are used in fall decorations.  Moreover, in many cases, you can use the real things, instead of buying artificial versions.  In fact, the only unnatural embellishments that you may need to enhance their beauty will be some twinkle lights.  These can be quite striking when you string them around porch and gazebo railings, and entwine them in latticed garden structures.

You can also use lights on an autumn wreath, to make your front door look warm and welcoming; and if you have an enclosed gazebo, place a wreath on the gazebo door as well.  Dried cornstalks also look great around the railings of gazebos and porches, and on mailbox posts.  Just use twine or wire to hold 15-20 stalks together, then tie them with a ribbon in a fall color, such as burgundy, orange, or bronze.  Place some hay bales nearby, stacked on patio chairs, outdoor accent tables, or picnic table benches, and set some pumpkins and Indian corn on top of them.

Another wonderful way to dress up your porch, patio, deck, or gazebo, is by using planters.  Fill them with ornamental grasses in reds, oranges, bronzes, and plums, and place them next to doors, and along railings, steps, and walkways.  You can make them all in one color, or create dramatic combinations, and throw in some fall flowers, such as mums, and a few small pumpkins.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good idea to get a large assortment of pumpkins, in all sizes, and put them everywhere.  One of the best things about them is that you can use them whole, as part of your outdoor décor, for most of the season, and then, if you’re so inclined, transform them into some signature fall edibles, including the number-one favorite, pumpkin pie.  If you’re planning to do this, however, you’ll have to select some pumpkins that are suitable for cooking.

You won’t be able to use the larger, jack-o-lantern types for this purpose, as their pulp is too watery and stringy, although you can still bake and eat their seeds.  Indeed, if you want to turn them into pies, breads, soups, muffins, or cookies, you’ll have to get some of a smaller, sweeter variety, known as the sugar pumpkin.  Because this kind is not always featured in pumpkin patches, you may have to visit a farm, nursery, or roadside stand.  Furthermore, while you’re at it, don’t overlook all of the other gourds that are available now; like pumpkins, they’re as good for decorating as they are for digesting.

By the way, if you’re feeling funny about covering your home with vegetables, don’t worry about it.  Botanically speaking, you’re using a bunch of fruit; and there’s certainly nothing strange about that!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Everywhere you look, you can see the unmistakable signs of the end of summer.  For one thing, all of the retail stores, and even the supermarkets, are loaded with autumn outdoor décor, such as scarecrows, fall wreaths, Indian corn, pumpkins, and the like.  However, those are not the things that I’m talking about, as I never take my cues from retailers.  Heck, they’re always well ahead of the actual seasons; in fact, before the end of this month, they’ll be completely decked out for Christmas!

No, I’m referring to the natural indications, which include cooler temperatures, the goldenrod that’s blooming, the leaves that are just beginning to drop, and the woods, which are starting to smell like fall.  Mind you, I’m not complaining, because this is my favorite time of the year, as it is for many others.  The only thing that some people dread about it is that the weather will soon be turning much colder, which means that they have a lot of chores to do, in order to prepare their homes and yards for the months ahead.

For those who live in regions where the winters are harsh, these tasks may include putting their outdoor furniture into their garages and garden sheds for storage.  If you’re in this group, remember that, while this is an important step in protecting your patio furniture, you shouldn’t rush into it.  After all, summer’s not quite over, and there’s still plenty of time left for outdoor living.  So don’t tuck those porch swings, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, grills, and outdoor sofas away under outdoor furniture covers just yet.  They can actually help you to enjoy the grandeur of the season.

Sure, the best way to experience nature’s full splendor is to get right out there, into the heart of it all, and immerse yourself in autumn’s magnificent shades of gold, crimson, russet, and orange.  Indeed, there’s nothing like taking a brisk walk in the woods, inhaling the crisp, cool air, and being dazzled by the awesome foliage, or enveloped in a shower of brilliant leaves.  You can also take a ride in the country, pick a pumpkin from a patch, build a bonfire on a chilly evening, or dive right into a pile of leaves.

Of course, for most people, these aren’t exactly everyday activities; they’re more along the lines of weekend adventures.  That’s why it’s a good idea to leave outdoor furniture in place for as long as possible.  Whether in your backyard, or on your porch, deck, or gazebo, it can provide prime seating for the spectacular show that’s going on all around you.

So, take advantage while you can.  Have your morning coffee at your outdoor dining table or bistro set.  Pretend it’s still July; throw some burgers on the grill and eat dinner at your picnic table.  If you’ve been taking in the sights and scents of your garden from your porch glider or garden bench for the past few months, continue to do so; it takes on a whole, new beauty in autumn, especially if you’ve planted some fall-blooming flowers.  On a warm afternoon, lie in your hammock, where you can look directly up and see the sun gleaming through the multi-colored leaves.

Truly, if you want to get the most out of this breath-taking, yet fleeting, display, wait until the last bit of color has vanished before putting your porch furniture away.

Now, if you live in a place where the weather stays warm and sunny all year long, I’m sorry, but you’ll just have to deal with that!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

With the advent of outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and even electric outdoor heaters, the outdoor living season is lasting longer than ever.  Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be from warmer climates that never had an issue with outdoor living season ending… well lucky you! We’re just happy to be able to join you!

However, sitting outside at my picnic table last night, I realized that it was getting darker earlier than usual.  It’s no surprise, after all the days will continue getting shorter every day until the winter solstice is upon us! But, it is no longer July and if September and October get-togethers are to last as long as May and June’s, outdoor lighting is essential.

Overhead Lighting: Overhead outdoor lighting works best to illuminate a whole area under a pergola, in a gazebo, or on a porch.  With options for outdoor pendant lights, outdoor chandeliers, and outdoor ceiling fans… you have a lot of different options.  Installing outdoor overhead lighting does lend the entire outdoor living spaces to a bit of elegance, so it will probably look best with patio furniture that can keep up stylishly!

Floor Lighting: For those without a lot of room on their outdoor dining tables, all-weather floor lamps will provide ample light.  With the ability to relocate an outdoor floor lamp to be near whichever group of patio furniture you’re using at the time makes it incredibly versatile.  Plus, if you’re planning to use your patio tables for board games and playing cards, this will leave table tops clear for family fun!

Table Lighting: Perfect for open air outdoor living areas under pergolas and on uncovered decks, outdoor table lights are the most portable.  Plug in and place on the table top when working on a project or game, then simply carry back in with you if you’re worried about inclement weather.  While these usually operate best on outdoor accent tables or patio coffee tables, they will sit in the middle or in the corner of a picnic table well too.

If the moon light isn’t providing enough of a night light in the late evening, that’s no reason to give up on enjoying your outdoor living space!  Whether you need to light up a neighborhood party, a simple family get-together, or a late-night escape with your favorite book… it’s important to choose the right kind of outdoor lighting to suit your style of patio furniture.

Have Fun!

Hazel.

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

Ask a hundred people, and you’ll get a hundred different ideas about what elements constitute the ultimate patio.  Some want theirs to be grand entertainment areas, while others prefer theirs to be cozier spots where they can hang out with their families, and, once in awhile, a few friends.

In many cases, people dream about turning theirs into snug little hideaways that will give them some much-needed solitude; and, naturally, even similar visions will have endless variations.  Then, there are those who have no idea what to do with their patios, beyond putting a few outdoor chairs on them.

Yes, it’s a shame, and it happens for a number of reasons, that many perfectly good patios are unused, or, at least, underused.  In certain instances, it’s because people figure that they just don’t have a flair for decorating; so, they simply set up a couple of porch chairs or folding chairs, for the occasions when they want to sit outside.  Sometimes, people feel that their patios are too small to have any real potential; or, their outdoor areas become unbearably hot in the afternoon sun.  Some folks have even been known to avoid using their patios because they don’t afford enough privacy.

No matter what circumstances lead to the neglect of patios, the results are the same – a bunch of wasted space.  It doesn’t have to be that way, however, because, for one thing, you don’t have to be an expert designer to put together some spectacular outdoor décor.  Furthermore, there are several easy ways to fix, or compensate for, most of the obstacles that stand between you, and your ideal patio.

When you’re decorating a patio (or a porch, yard, gazebo, deck, or sunroom, for that matter), start by thinking of it as one of the rooms in your home.  Just as they each have their designated uses, your outdoor room will serve a specific purpose; or, if it’s large enough, perhaps, more than one.  Either way, it’s up to you.

Whether your goal is to divide your patio into sections, or to gain more privacy or shade, you have several options from which to choose.  For example, trellises, multi-paneled garden screens, and planter benches with lattice, all make wonderful partitions that will allow air to continue to circulate.  (Outdoor ceiling fans will keep cool breezes blowing in roofed garden structures.)

If nothing else, people often like to separate their cooking and dining areas.  This minimizes traffic around their grills (which is especially important when kids are running all over the place), and keeps smoke from wafting directly toward picnic tables and patio furniture, where their friends and family members are socializing.

Of course, as is the case with the rooms in your home, you’ll have to decide on a color scheme – and, perhaps, a theme – for your patio.  Luckily, that’s easier than ever, as, these days, the variety of outdoor furniture and accessories is as wide as it is for the indoors.

Okay, so, maybe that doesn’t exactly make it easier.  In fact, it may actually make things more difficult, or even drive you crazy; but, in the 21^st century, that’s the price we all have to pay for having so many choices.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

A lucky reader of Horticulture magazine will be adding beauty and color to his or her garden as a result of the magazine’s partnership with the highly sought television designer, decorator, and Master Gardener, Kathy Peterson.  Her premier line of outdoor furniture, Kathy Peterson’s Inspired – Outdoor Lifestyles is quickly inspiring all those passionate about outdoor living.  The Horticulture Garden Giveaway is a first for the publication and will be open for entries between June 16 and July 14 culminating with the drawing held on July 15th. “We’re excited to kick off our Garden Giveaway series with CedarStore.com and the Kathy Peterson Inspired-Outdoor Lifestyles collection,” said Patty Craft, publisher and editorial director of Horticulture Magazine. “CedarStore.com offers a wide range of outstanding garden products that we want to share with our readers.” One winner will receive a three-piece bistro set from the Kathy Peterson Inspired collection to add to their patio or garden.

“We’re eager to meet new and passionate gardeners interested in invigorating their gardens and outdoor spaces, said Tim McTighe, owner of CedarStore.com.  ”We can think of no better way to give back to gardeners than working with the prestigious Horticulture Magazine.”

The bistro set was chosen for this first-time giveaway due to its appeal to both serious or hobbyist gardeners. Built of weather resistant cypress for durability, the set also has a creative side with the colorful options selected by Peterson. “The contest winner will be able to select from one of my fifteen custom color finishes,” said Kathy Peterson, designer. “But, it also can ship unfinished as a blank canvas for the winner to apply his or her own colors and designs.”

If you haven’t entered yet, you better get to it!  You have a week and a day! Hurry!

Of the millions of Independence Day celebrations that will be taking place this weekend, a large percentage will be pool parties.  If you’re going to host one, don’t skimp on the red, white, and blue decorations, when it comes to your pool house or cabana.

Of course, outdoor décor, although key, is not your first consideration; nor, for that matter, is the food.  If you own a pool, you know that ensuring the safety of all those who will be using it takes precedence over everything.  After all, you want everyone who goes swimming to have fun, and emerge feeling refreshed and, perhaps, hungry for another burger hot off the grill.

Obviously, the first, and most crucial, precaution is to never allow kids to go into the water unsupervised.  Even those who know how to swim, or are using flotation devices, can develop cramps underwater, or hit their heads, before anyone knows what’s happening.  Moreover, no child under four years old should be in the pool at all, unless accompanied by an adult.

So, make sure that there are enough patio chairs, lounge chairs, or steamer chairs around the pool, positioned too much to drink.  Anyone overseeing children must be fully alert, and able to keep track of them; and that’s hard enough as it is, because, as I’ve noticed many times, while watching kids at pools, they all seem to look alike when they’re wet!

It’s also a good idea to set rules – in writing – and post them prominently, poolside, along with emergency numbers.  Make sure that everyone reads them before going into the pool, and knows that they will be strictly enforced.  Keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd’s hook, or a life preserver, nearby; and, if you don’t already know it, learn CPR.  Don’t hesitate to yell at your kids if they violate any regulations; and, if necessary, do it loudly enough to scare their friends straight, too.

All pools should be enclosed with fences, at least four feet high, which have gates that can be locked, and no nooks or crevices that can be used as footholds.  Keep outdoor furniture, such as garden benches and picnic tables, away from the outsides of the fences, so that kids can’t use them as aids in climbing.

When they’re not in use, pools should be covered; otherwise, open them completely.  Never leave a cover on partway, because kids may get trapped beneath it.  When an above-ground pool is not in use, remove its ladder.  Don’t leave toys near the pool, especially moving things, such as tricycles and wagons.

Never let anyone dive into an above-ground pool, or from the sides of an in-ground pool; and don’t let anyone go down a slide head-first.

It’s also important to remember that even small amounts of water, such as can be held in wading pools, hot tubs, fountains, barrels, and even buckets, can pose perils to small children.

The point is to (please!) just be safe and happy, and have a wonderful time celebrating this, the

234^th birthday of our nation; and (please!) be kind to each other while you’re at it (aw, heck, I know you will!).

Happy, Happy, Safe, Safe Fourth of July!

Kathy

Ain’t it always the way?  After months of cold weather and cabin fever, suddenly, there’s an endless list of things to do outdoors; and that would be great, except that now, there’s not enough time to do them all.  Naturally, just as you’re rushing to prepare for summer, and the upcoming holiday that signals its unofficial beginning, it also happens to be one of the busiest months of the year for gardening.

So, besides getting your outdoor furniture, picnic table, patio umbrella, and grill ready, you have to do a lot of yard work, if you want the greenery to make for pleasant scenery at your Memorial Day cookout.

At this point, in most parts of the country, the weather is mild enough to plant nearly anything, except for the most tender perennials, annuals, and vegetables.  Just make sure that the average date of the last frost in your region has passed, before you put tender plants into the ground.  Remember, the soil must be warm and easy to work with, not having too much, or too little, moisture.

Now is a good time to plant lily, dahlia, tuberous begonia, and gladiolus bulbs.  In fact, if you continue to plant a few gladiolus bulbs every week, through the early part of July, you’ll have a steady show of blossoms throughout the summer.

Remove the faded flowers of daffodils and tulips, and give them some fertilizer; but don’t disturb the leaves, which are necessary for the production of next year’s buds.  Pinching about a half-inch off chrysanthemum stems that are over six inches high, will help to make the plants fuller and more prolific.

You can also plant hardy annuals, such as petunias, pansies, snapdragons, and dianthus, as well as primrose, coral bells, candytuft, and most summer-flowering plants, including phlox and daylilies.  Harden off houseplants and seedlings, little by little, by setting them outdoors for increasing amounts of time every day.  Put them in shady spots at first, gradually working up to sunnier places.  Cut back geraniums that have spent the winter inside, and repot them with new soil.  Lightly fertilize perennials as they begin to pop up from the ground.

Bring some extra color and life to your patio, by adding trellises, pergolas, and arbors, and planting climbing flowers, such as roses, clematis, and morning glories, to cover them.  Planters and planter benches full of vivid flowers are spectacular touches as well, and can be moved around to create eye-catching arrangements, seating borders, and centerpieces.  When you go shopping for flowers, choose some in colors that coordinate with your patio furniture, or your outdoor furniture cushions.

If this seems like a lot to do, well, it is; but don’t worry – there’s much more to come.  We haven’t even gotten into dealing with weeds, and the myriad other things that will constantly challenge your efforts to produce and maintain a beautiful garden.  So, actually, this is only the beginning of a never-ending battle!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy