Though the size, color, and design of your porch swing should reflect your personality, you also want to make sure the material will suit your needs as well. Whether those needs are related to budget, sustainability, weather conditions, or durability, every material used for outdoor furniture and porch swings has its ups and downs. It’s good to know the facts before getting lost in the nearly endless varieties of patio furniture!

Western Red Cedar: The two aspects that cedar is most famous for are its aroma and resistance to decay. The naturally lustrous wood is warm with that rich reddish hue, and the subtly aromatic qualities fill any space it’s used in with a rustic and homey feel. Cedar is also filled with naturally occurring oils that act as preservatives against both decay and insect attack.

Western Red Cedar is also an incredibly affordable material. Though it’s rich in aroma, color, and natural protective oils… you don’t have to be rich to enjoy it.

But, artists beware, if you’re hoping to paint your cedar porch swing in anyway… cedar is not a good choice. It resists paint the same way it resists moisture and becomes incredibly difficult to paint.

Southern Yellow Pine: Pine is one of the most affordable woods out there: if budget is your main concern, pine porch swings may be the best bet for you! It’s also much easier to paint than Red Cedar, so people looking to add their own color and decorative painting to their patio furniture would find pine to be a great option.

It does lacks some of the weather-durability of many other woods. Though incredibly sturdy structurally, it is very susceptible to decay and damage. However, a pressure treatment process creates Pressure Treated Pine that boasts a 30 year warranty against rot, decay, and insect damage.

Grade A Teak: Teak is “grade A” if the tree has reached full maturity to provide the best quality wood. This process takes over 30 years, and only a few countries are able to export this fine and rare wood. Teak, once its achieved “Grade A status,” is one of the strongest woods available.

Teak is absolutely the best hardwood used to manufacture outdoor furniture because it is dense with a tight grain, durable, and has a high content of natural mineral deposits that effectively repel water and moisture. It will absolutely not warp or decay due to changes in temperatures.

Because this wood takes so long to become so great…teak patio furniture will cost you. It is absolutely the best, and it is absolutely the most expensive. Though, like other expensive products, it will last much longer than other materials and will be worth the price of not having to replace it in several years. But, if you’re designing on a tight budget… you might want to look elsewhere.

Polywood: If you’ve made the important and honorable commitment to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle, look no further than Polywood outdoor furniture. Polywood isn’t even actually wood… it’s engineered from polyresins, recycled plastics, and high density polyethylene, and then crafted to look and feel like real wood. Made completely of recycled materials, you will absolutely be doing your part to help the earth by using this material.

Plus, even though it looks, feels, and acts like real wood… it’s not. It requires barely any maintenance at all and will endure all weather conditions. It’s green and low maintenance, but if you’re someone looking for real, through-and-through wood… don’t be fooled by its appearance!

Well, these are the top four competitors for top spot in outdoor furniture materials. There are a lot of other materials out there, but hopefully knowing a little more about four of the most popular will help you make a more informed decision when you’re shopping for this spring’s outdoor décor.

Just like anything, what type of wood is best for you is completely dependent on your lifestyle, budget, and desired uses… so there’s no way for me to tell you exactly what to buy (besides, wouldn’t that take all of the fun out of it?), but at least now you can go into the decision as an expert!

Have Fun!

Hazel

If you put up some nice, just-plain-fall adornments in September, and added a Halloween theme later, at least, you won’t have to spend a lot of time on decorations in the next few weeks.  Because Thanksgiving is, of course, an autumn celebration, all you have to do is to de-spookify your landscape.

So, just take the fake spiders and webs off the trellises, pergolas, and arbors, and leave the sparkling, orange miniature lights.  After that, simply clear porch gliders, patio chairs, and chaise lounges, of all werewolves, mummies, and pumpkin-headed creatures, and put on the outdoor furniture covers.  Then, it’s only a matter of chasing a few ghosts and rubber snakes out of the yard, and you’re back to your beautiful fall outdoor décor, which is appropriate to the holiday at hand.

Leave the Christmas stuff for after Thanksgiving; and don’t let anyone pressure you into putting it up too soon.  Heck, you’ll need all of the extra time that you can get, in order to finish preparing your house and garden for the winter.  After all, some of those outdoor chores can be demanding, and, in many cases, very unpleasant.

Dealing with all of the fallen leaves, for example, can be a disagreeable job.  While, not long ago, they were still on the trees, in all of their brilliant, breath-taking splendor, they are now piling up on lawns, walkways, and roofs, causing all kinds of mischief.

One of their favorite pranks is to clog up gutters, and, thus, prevent the adequate drainage of water from the roofs of houses and other outdoor structures.  Although cleaning them out is a detestable duty, it’s something that must be done before winter arrives.  Otherwise, ice jams can form, and cause water to back up and, perhaps, seep into the house.

So, get the ladder out of the garden shed, and rise to the task; and don’t forget your heavy-duty work gloves and your scraper.  You can also make another helpful tool out of a plastic, gallon jug; just cut off the top half, hold it by the handle, and use it to scoop the leaves from the gutter.  Take out as much debris as possible by hand, before using the scraper to remove any built-up dirt and gunk; then rinse the gutter thoroughly with a hose.

While you’re up there, inspect for leaks, dents, and crooked pipes, and see that the gutters and downspouts are fastened securely to the house.  Furthermore, make certain that the downspouts are directing the water at least five feet away from the foundation of the house, and that they are not blocked.  To ensure that a downspout is operating properly, put a hose into the top, run the water, and check to see if it is running out at the bottom.

If there is a blockage, you may be able to break it loose, by packing rags around the hose at the top of the spout, to seal it off, and then running the water at full power; and if that fails, try using a snake.

Uh, a plumber’s snake, that is.  Not one of the rubber specimens that you drove out of your yard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As November first necessitates the removal of all kinds of ghouls, goblins, and ghostly Halloween décor, it can be a daunting task to add cheer to November’s gray skies.  Plus, those in the north are storing their patio furniture for the winter, leaving lots of outdoor decorating schemes feeling empty. Many people feel torn; not wanting to jump the gun on Thanksgiving decorations and not at all ready for the red and green of late December.

But, November advents the season of family.  Both Thanksgiving and the multitude of religious holidays happening in December all fall together: friends and families are opening their hearts and homes to provide comforting warmth from the cold.  But, how do you translate that to your front porch?

Easy. Pineapples. Seriously? Yup!

Pineapples are an historic symbol of hospitality. Given as a gift to Christopher Columbus by the native people of Central America, the pineapple served as a sweet treat often presented to royals as a special gift.  When sea-travelers returned home from their voyages, they would often impale pineapples unfit for eating on their porch railings.  This advertised that the man of the house was home and eager to receive friends as visitors.

Today, placing pineapples around your home still gives the same welcoming feeling.  The bright sweetness of a fresh and bright pineapple is perfect against the November chill.  Placed in front door wreaths, the hardy variety will give punches of color.

As those in cooler climates finally retire their outdoor furniture for the season, adding pineapple outdoor décor will create a seamless transition. One way to do this permanently is through post caps. Pineapple post caps are traditional while still maintaining distinct personality.  While post cap lights provide illumination, putting two pineapple post caps on either side of an entrance will give Colonial styling and welcoming feelings for guests.

Have Fun!

Hazel

Weathervanes are truly fascinating.  Once, vital tools for tracking weather conditions, they are now, for the most part, rooftop accessories.  Still, that doesn’t mean that they don’t serve important purposes.  No-o!  Just as fashion accessories can turn a nice outfit into a smashing ensemble, the smallest home accents, such as weathervanes, can make the biggest impact on outdoor décor.  Of course, besides their roles as eye-catching ornaments on the roofs and cupolas of houses, barns, garages, garden  sheds, gazebos, cabanas, and many other buildings, weathervanes still do their jobs to perfection.

Sure, they may not be the first sources that most people check when they want to know the, uh, current conditions, but some do, indeed, consult them from time to time.  Another great trait of theirs is that they can be used as expressions of people’s personalities, hobbies, lifestyles, and even their geographical locations.  Furthermore, it seems that this has always been the case.

For example, as I mentioned, the first known specimen, a bronze weathervane, is thought to have been crafted in 48 b.c., by the Greek astronomer, Andronicus.  It was forged in the shape of the Greek god, Triton, who was a merman, and was between four, and eight, feet long.  It was erected on top of the Tower of Winds, an octagonal structure, in Athens, which featured the likeness of a different wind deity on each side.  So, with every change in wind direction, Triton’s trident would point to the god who was, supposedly, in control of the weather that day.

References to weathervanes have also been found in writings of Mesopotamia that are over 3,500 years old, and China, where strings or flags were used to read wind directions, as far back as the 2^nd century, b.c.  After evolving for several hundred years, weathervanes changed significantly in Europe, during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  They were being made from many different materials; and, in the Victorian era, new and fanciful designs were being introduced, which included mythical creatures, and various animals.

Naturally, the European settlers eventually brought them to America, and relied heavily upon them to predict the weather, and to help them to improve their farming methods.  In the early colonies, the best weathervanes were imported from Europe: and some, dating back to the 17^th century, still exist today.

Over the years, they continued to increase in popularity, and people began to create original and unusual designs.  Those living on the coasts would have nautical-themed weathervanes, made into forms that included ships, sea creatures, lighthouses, sea gulls, and anchors, while those in rural areas had horses, roosters, cows, eagles, and pigs.  It was, and still is, the same way with decorative mailboxes, which also reflect people’s interests.

Today, it’s not surprising that weathervanes are still as cherished as ever.  After all, they make head-turning embellishments for homes, garages, and garden structures; and, as birthday, holiday, anniversary, and housewarming gifts, they can’t be topped.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

This is one of those robust, autumn days, which separates the true players from the amateurs, as the trees compete to see which one can hold onto its leaves the longest.  In fact, with today’s 50+ mph winds, it’s all that they can do to keep from losing their branches.  Heck, even the birds are having difficulty hanging onto their limbs – er, the trees’ limbs, that is; not their own.

Yes, the whipping winds are sending showers of foliage and rain flying in every direction; and, every once in awhile, a bird that has been swept off a branch comes swirling by in a cascade of leaves.  Now, the only reason that I find this amusing is that the birds quickly regain control of their own navigation systems.

Most of them retreat to the security of my arbor, or one of my trellises, and plot new courses for their chosen destinations.  Interestingly enough, even amid the blustery torrent, they are not deterred, but are even more determined, to reach their objectives, which, more often than not, are my birdfeeders.

You know, I really admire the way that they can pull themselves out of tailspins.  I mean, even I had a rough time fighting the currents when I went out to keep my patio furniture from becoming airborne.  Luckily, my oak picnic table remained steadfast; but, as a precaution, I put the picnic table benches, and the aluminum patio chairs, into the garden shed.  A few outdoor accent tables and ottomans had gotten blown around a little; but, because they’re made from everlasting polywood, they were unscathed.

I was also impressed by the tenacity of my outdoor furniture covers.  No matter how fiercely the wind tried to rip them from the porch glider and Adirondack chairs, their heavy-duty ties and Velcro® closures held fast.

After I was satisfied that everything was secure, I noticed something that was actually quite at home in the tempest.  There, atop the cupola on my shed, was my trusty eagle weathervane, looking as dignified, graceful, and majestic as ever, with nary a ruffled feather.  That’s not surprising, though, as there’s a certain nobility about all weathervanes, which, most likely, comes from their long, proud, and colorful history.

After all, they once served an important purpose.  Long before people were able to turn on their radios or televisions, and get forecasts from meteorologists, armed with the latest in sophisticated technology, weathervanes were the foremost tools of weather prediction.

As a matter of fact, it is believed that the very first weathervane was created in 48 b.c., by the Greek astronomer, Andronicus.  Back then, wind gods were big; and there is archaeological evidence that they were often featured on the weathervanes that adorned the homes of wealthy Greek and Roman landowners.

Although we no longer need them to keep us apprised of impending climatological changes, we still love weathervanes.  Attractive, charming, and whimsical elements of our outdoor decor, they now come in dozens of shapes, including horses, pigs, cows, arrows, mythical creatures, angels, and eagles.  Of course, one of the most popular of all time is the rooster; and that’s another bird that can really hold its own against high winds and heavy weather.

Indeed, like the ones in my backyard, it has a lot of pluck.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

For many gatherings in which food is featured, the table on which it is served is central to the ambiance; so, basically, setting the table is setting the tone for the evening.  At your autumn outdoor dinner party, however, it will be a slightly different situation; but that doesn’t mean that the appearance of your picnic table or outdoor dining table won’t matter.  No-o!  In fact, because your outdoor décor will sweep your guests into a celebratory spirit the moment they arrive, it will be even more important to add some knockout special touches.

Indeed, in this case, you’ll have to see that your dining area is as brilliant as the rest of the landscape, lest mealtime be anticlimactic to the cocktail hour.  Luckily, this will not only be easy to do, but it should be a lot of fun, too, because all you have to do is to play around with the season’s colors, textures, fruits, flowers, and vegetables.  Furthermore, because you can use them to create the simplest, or the most elaborate, decorations, they’ll be appropriate for anything, from a burgers-on-the-grill cookout, to a formal, seven-course-meal affair.

Whatever type of get-together you’re hosting, the basis of your table décor will, naturally, be the tablecloth.  Therefore, right from the start, you’ll have tons of options, from the homemade, to the store-bought; and this goes for all of your other embellishments as well.  Moreover, no matter which you choose, the first rule to remember is that there are no rules.  Certainly, there are all sorts of fabrics and paper that can serve as tablecloths.  So, look around and see what you have, that can be fashioned into a unique covering; and don’t worry if you’ve never seen it used for that purpose before.  Heck, that will make it all the better.

Obviously, if you’re going to buy a fall tablecloth, you’ll have thousands to choose from, as they’re available in endless colors, color combinations, and patterns, with some of the most popular designs featuring leaves, pumpkins, and gourds.  Although many of these are stunning, and nearly irresistible, before you select one, forget how gorgeous it is on its own.  Instead, try to imagine how well it will go with everything else on, and around, your table.

Besides the tableware and napkins, envision it with the outdoor furniture cushions on your outdoor dining table chairs, and any patio chairs, porch gliders, or chaise lounges that are nearby; and don’t forget to put outdoor throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and patio umbrellas into the picture.  If it’s going to make things look too busy, distract from the coordinated colors of your outdoor furniture group, or get lost among them, you may be better off going with a solid color, and dressing it up with accents and accessories.

Actually, if you decide to do this, there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to use something that you already have in your home.  Even a plain, white tablecloth will work; you can top it with a burgundy, russet, orange, red, or yellow runner, or add a bit of shimmer, by using a shiny fabric, in gold or bronze.  In any case, whatever you use will be covered by the palette of colors in your table décor.

Of course, that will be before dinner; afterward, it will also be covered by the colors of whatever you’re serving.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Certainly, you’ll want to create the perfect atmosphere for your outdoor dinner party, as well as the ultimate experience for those attending it; and the food, the outdoor décor, and the company will be integral to your achieving that goal.  In fact, there are times when putting together just the right combination of these ingredients can almost guarantee success.  However, when you’re planning an outdoor affair, especially at this volatile time of the year, there’s another force that can undo all of your efforts at the drop of a hat; er, rather, let’s make that several drops – of rain.

Indeed, sometimes, Mother Nature can get mighty testy when she is not included on the guest list; and if she decides to crash your party, there’s not a thing that you can do about it.  Moreover, in some cases, rain may be the least of your worries, because she does not simply have the element of surprise – she has many of them; and if she’s really angry, she may show no quarter.

Therefore, your first consideration should be keeping your guests out of her path, as well as her wrath.  Luckily, there are steps that you can take that will prevent everyone from being entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature’s capricious nature.  These precautions can also help to preserve the food, the tableware, and the decorations.

Of course, the ideal situation would be to have a gazebo or a pavilion that’s large enough for all of the guests, the picnic tables, and the patio furniture.  In the absence of either of these garden structures, a patio that’s covered by a roof, awning, or even a pergola, will afford some level of protection.

Even if you have a small gazebo that won’t accommodate the entire party, you may want to, at least, keep the food in it, on an outdoor buffet.  Then, make sure that whatever picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, or bistro tables that you will be using are equipped with patio umbrellas.  You can get them in beautiful fall colors, such as burgundy, bronze, plum, red, orange, gold, and russet.  Another option is to put a large market umbrella over the outdoor serving table and the outdoor bar.  Naturally, if you have any other kind of outdoor structure, such as a garage, pool house, cabana, sunroom, or shed, or even an enclosed porch, you should use it to house the food.

Otherwise, it might be wise to rent a tent or two; but if you don’t, just be certain that you have some kind of backup plan, in case things get nasty, and the party has to move indoors.  Wherever you intend to take refuge, you must provide adequate seating for everyone; so, if you don’t have enough outdoor furniture, get some extra folding chairs.  If there’s not adequate room to fit a picnic table inside, you can use a folding table, some outdoor accent tables, or even bring in just the picnic table benches.

The key is to make arrangements for dealing with unfavorable circumstances, and have everything set up in advance.  That way, you, your guests, and your party, can continue the revelry, unscathed.

On the other hand, there is always the chance that your foresight will irritate a certain, spiteful entity, who may feel cheated that she didn’t get to have her revenge; so, just be careful, as she may be waiting to launch another assault the minute you step back outside.

After all, it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Now that you’ve gone to the trouble of decorating for autumn, it’s time to show off your handiwork; and there’s no better way to do that than to have an outdoor dinner party.  That way, you can also demonstrate your fabulous hosting skills, as well as your culinary creativity.

One of the best parts about this get-together will be that you’ll be able to concentrate on the menu, instead of feeling pressured to come up with a clever motif.  Because it’s an affair that’s meant to celebrate the season, the theme, as well as the color scheme, will already be established.  Truly, with your home and landscape dressed to the hilt in fall’s finery, it will be evident as far as the eye can see.

All you have to do is to enhance your party area with the ideal accents and accessories; and, once again, you won’t have to go to great lengths to find them.  You can use many of the things that went into making your outdoor décor, so everything will tie in splendidly.  You’ll have lots of fun dreaming up novel arrangements to display, not only on your outdoor dining table or picnic table, but on outdoor accent tables and outdoor buffets as well; and you can even adorn your patio furniture.

Certainly, you’ll have no difficulty getting people into the mood of the occasion.  In fact, they’ll be infused with the spirit of merriment the moment that they arrive, especially if your porch, garden structures, trees, and shrubs, are glistening with strings of miniature lights.  Besides sparking a festive atmosphere, they’ll highlight some of the beautiful leaves, which would otherwise be virtually invisible at night; and you don’t want to let that happen, as they are the stars of the season.

Unfortunately, though, there are many factors that can dim your enjoyment of the foliage (aside from living in a climate where it doesn’t change much in the fall).  For one thing, even if you choose a date that comes before the leaves are supposed to peak in your region, an unexpected cold snap can cause their intense colors to fade earlier than anticipated.

Then, again, the vines and flowers on your garden structures may have leaves that simply don’t change to attractive autumn colors.  For example, I have some on my patio that are quite lush during the summer, but just turn a spotty, brownish-yellow, then shrivel up, before they fall.  You may also have new arbors, trellises, or pergolas, that don’t have anything growing on them yet.

So, if you have a dearth of leaves in your yard, or if you want to augment the ones that are already there, it’s not a crime to use fakes.  You can get them at craft stores, in “branches” or garlands, some of which come already entwined with strings of lights.  Put them in centerpieces and wreaths, drape them over door frames and windows, and wind them around garden structures, including gazebos.

Indeed, artificial leaves can make exquisite, even elegant, decorations; and some of them look very authentic, particularly at night, in soft light.  Of course, they can also be on the delicate side.

Therefore, you should handle them with care, as it will be quite expensive to replace them every year.  After all, they don’t grow on trees.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Well, autumn is here, and the publications and retailers are all touting all the outdoor decorating you can do with wreaths, pumpkins, and winter squash.  After all, autumn is one of the most colorful seasons of the year, so it is only appropriate to accent your garden or porch with punches of orange, red, and evergreen.

However, there is another way to add some lively color to your patio.  Birdhouses and Birdfeeders make perfect outdoor décor for fall for more reasons than one.  First of all, the air is getting cooler and a lot of birds are losing their food sources.  Hanging a few birdfeeders is a fantastic way to help out your local bird life by providing supplemental food!  While many birds migrate south for the winter, many others stick around and forage for sustenance throughout the seasons.

Those same birds that brave the winter will also benefit from birdhouses.  Providing a safe and sheltered area for a bird to create a nest will not only help out your winged pals, it might also benefit you in the spring.  Many birds will lay eggs that will hatch into nestlings this spring.  While having baby-bird neighbors can sometimes be noisy, there is no match for the excitement of watching them grow and eventually learn to fly.  Especially if you have children in the house, this fascinating experience is truly wonderful!

But, besides your humanitarian efforts, birdhouses and birdfeeders will help dress up your garden shed, pergola, or patio.  They’re available in nearly any imaginable design.  Last Christmas I bought a lighthouse birdfeeder for my grandfather, as he has always loved to read and tour old lighthouses.  The birds don’t care what their house looks like, they’re more concerned that it’s sturdy and protected.  So, go ahead and indulge yourself with a fun and funky birdhouse or birdfeeder that will pick up your spirits as the days get shorter.

Even if you decide to go with a simple and neutral toned birdfeeder or birdhouse, you’ll still be adding plenty of color to your garden or outdoor living space.  The birds, males especially, will dazzle you with their brightly colored and eye-catching feathers.  Buy a book or find a website on bird identification, and enjoy the sights while learning to spot which birds are which by their colors and other features.

So, while adding pumpkins, mums, and tri-color corn will add significant pizzazz to your gazebo or porch, don’t be afraid to take the idea of living color to another level.  Flowers and vegetables or nice, but birds will fly, change, and continuously amuse you.

Have fun!

Hazel.

There’s no doubt that the things that you can find in your own backyard and garden, on a nature walk, or during a visit to a farmers’ market, can be used to make some spectacular outdoor décor.  After all, that’s what they are, anyway; you’re just gathering, arranging, and exhibiting them in strategic places, in and around your home.

At the same time, like most people who are dressing up their homes for fall, you will probably use artificial embellishments as well; and that’s understandable.  In fact, it’s necessary in some situations, such as those in which an item that you wish to use won’t hold up in a long-term display.  Luckily, however, a good number of autumn’s natural elements are quite hardy.

Pumpkins, as we’ve established, can often last through the entire season; that is, as long as they’re left intact.  I mean, once they’re carved, even the most menacing-looking, sharp-toothed, jack-o-lanterns will, after about a week, begin to resemble old men who have misplaced their dentures.  Twigs, berries, corn stalks, hay bales, Indian corn, pinecones, gourds, and acorns, are also extremely durable; but, alas, the multi-colored leaves, which are autumn’s proudest emblems, are also the most fleeting.

Therefore, we must take pleasure in them while they last.  Aside from hiking in the woods, or driving through the country, we can, of course, enjoy them from our porch swings, hammocks, and patio chairs.  Unfortunately, with the sun going down earlier every day, by the time we’re finished with work, and other obligations, it’s nearly dark.

Here, again, store-bought decorations can come to the rescue.  For example, we can string miniature, twinkling bulbs through our vine-covered arbors, pergolas, and trellises.  This will afford a twofold advantage, as it will prolong the time that we have for viewing the foliage, while allowing us to see it, literally, in a completely different light.  Indeed, as lovely as those crimson, bronze, and golden leaves are during the day, they’re absolutely dazzling after dusk, when highlighted by a soft, orange-white glow.

Actually, once you adorn your garden structures with lights, you may even start looking forward to the early sunsets.  Not only does this enhance the beauty of your landscape, but it automatically creates a festive atmosphere.  This is especially exciting when you’re hosting an outdoor dinner party, where delighted guests can enter through an arbor that’s sparkling with lights.

To make things even more striking, you can illuminate the path with walkway lights, put post cap lights on fences, and wrap strings of lights around trees, shrubs, and planters.  You should also have lots of candles, along with outdoor lamps and lanterns, on picnic tables and outdoor accent tables, in the main party area.

Now, if you have a gazebo, it will be, at least, a stunning focal point; but, if it’s large enough, you may be using it as the center of the gathering.  Whatever the case, if it’s decked out with lights, and other fall decorations, the effect will be downright spell-binding.

So, if people start asking how you managed to conjure such a magical evening, you can just tell them that you have your own, personal Gazebo Wizard.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy