Don’t Put Outdoor Furniture Away Too Soon
Sep 15th, 2010 by 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
