Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

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

As we’ve established, when packing for a picnic that won’t be held close to home (yours, or anyone else’s) it’s important to include anything and everything that you could possibly want or need.  Now, I don’t know whether or not anyone has ever actually accomplished this, but I do know that even the most organized, fastidious, list-making perfectionists can slip up sometimes.

Strangely enough, often, the overlooked articles also happen to be some of the most basic and obvious, such as salt and pepper, ketchup, or other condiments.  Another interesting-yet-common mistake that people make is forgetting something that is closely related to another item that they have already packed.

For example, they’ll put in the silverware (or plastic ware, as the case may be), but not the serving utensils, or the long-handled forks, tongs, and barbecue mitts that are needed for safely cooking on grills.  Likewise, they’ll bring blankets, but forget outdoor throw pillows, or towels (if they’re planning to go swimming).

Therefore, it’s best to think of things as belonging to certain families, so you’ll be able to make quick associations when you’re readying for an outing.  Perhaps you may even want to draw up some “family trees” for the essentials, and store them in your picnic basket.

Among the oft-forgotten things that should be on your lists are cutting boards, if you’re going to be slicing anything, and sharp knives, not only for said slicing, but for when you’re serving meat; in these cases, plastic knives just won’t, well, cut it.

You may also want to set aside an attractive, unbreakable vase to take with you on occasions when you wish to dress up the picnic table.  Fill it with flowers from your garden, or wildflowers that are growing near your picnic site, and you’ll have a lovely centerpiece.

Outdoor folding chairs are great to have along as well, but if you don’t have room for them in your vehicle, load up some of your outdoor furniture cushions.  You can use the ones from your patio chairs to sit on, and those from your lounge chairs for napping or sunbathing.  Take a beach umbrella with you for extra shade, even if you’re not going near the water; and don’t forget the first aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Books, magazines, puzzles, and lawn games, such as croquet, horseshoes, badminton, and quoits, are absolute musts for traditional outdoor family fun and recreation.  Of course, to make it official, you’ll have to leave the video games and other high-tech gadgets at home, turn off your  cell phones, and don’t check your e-mail (yes, I realize that’s a preposterous suggestion, but, at least, try it; you may enjoy your triumph over technology!).

Well, since I can’t think of another famous bear to quote, I’ll end this blog on a serious note.  While we’re all having our safe and happy Memorial Day celebrations this weekend (and that is what I wish everyone), the most important thing to remember is the true reason for this holiday.  It is meant to honor all of the women and men who have died while defending our great country, and showing appreciation to veterans, as well as those who are still serving in the military.  Without them, life here would surely be no picnic.

Happy Memorial Day!

Kathy 

Tags: beach umbrella, Croquet, lawn games, outdoor folding chairs, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, Quoits

If you’re captivated by the thought of starting a Japanese garden, but can’t imagine tearing out your existing landscaping, don’t worry.  One of its many fascinating characteristics is that a Japanese garden is not an all-or-nothing proposition.  It is just as adaptable to different-sized spaces as it is to various styles.  In fact, some of the most enchanting of these gardens exist in confined areas.  So, if you want to start one, you can actually experiment with, say, a little viewing garden.

A Japanese garden, properly designed, makes the most of a small plot of land, by creating the illusion of space and distance.  It also requires less maintenance than a regular garden, and doesn’t need nearly as much sun.  Therefore, if you have a troublesome, out-of-the-way spot where you have difficulty getting things to grow, it could be an ideal place for your Japanese garden.  Moreover, it will provide the privacy that is so essential to its authenticity.

Even if you don’t have a place that’s already hidden, you can use trellises, arbors, and/or pergolas to separate and define your existing outdoor living area, as well as the one you’re trying to establish.  After all, Japanese gardens aren’t exactly famous for featuring grills, patio chairs, porch swings, lounge chairs, picnic tables, and lawn games.

To start your garden, you need only three, fundamental elements.  One is stone, which can be in the forms of rocks, pebbles, cobblestones, or assorted types of gravel and sand.  Another is water, which can be real, or merely suggested, through the clever layout of sand, gravel, and, perhaps, a garden bridge.  The last, naturally, is vegetation, which can include low, slow-growing evergreens, as well as lighter-colored trees, such as Japanese maples, larger plants with vibrant colors and bold leaves, and smaller plants with foliage of a finer texture.

To conjure the perception of space, larger rocks may be set in the foreground, with others, of descending sizes, placed ever-nearer the background.   The same principle is applied to the plants, with the bigger, brightly-colored ones standing front-and-center, and the smaller, more delicate ones behind them, seeming to fade into the distance.

These are just a few of the principles used in designing a Japanese garden.  Of course, there are so many other facets that it’s impossible to cover them all in just a couple of blogs; but I will elaborate further in the near future.  In the meantime, if you’re so inclined, it really is a good idea to try one on a smaller scale before uprooting any landscaping.

Actually, it may be ideal, having a Japanese garden near the space where you have all of your outdoor parties.  That way, you can preserve your wild, Western ways, then go East for some quiet meditation when things get too rowdy.  Now that’s what I call having the best of both worlds!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden bridge, lawn games, lounge chairs, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic tables, porch swings, trellises