Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

It’s a most unusual day; in fact, it’s been a most unusual week.  Although November is nearly halfway over, the sun has been shining relentlessly for days, and the temperatures have been hanging around in the 60’s.  It has given me the chance to get some more use out of my patio chairs, before I have to put the outdoor furniture covers on them and store them in the storage shed for the winter.  I’ve also seen many others sitting on their porch swings and porch gliders, and even sunning themselves in chaise lounges, as if it were still July.

Indeed, this is a spectacular day.  The sky is a bright blue, the birds are busy at the birdfeeders, and even a few bees are buzzing by; but, it is becoming a bit breezy.  This is, obviously, making it difficult for the trees to carry on that game they like to play, where they try to see how long they can fool us into thinking that it really is still summer.  Every time there’s a burst of wind, their charade is diminished, as they are forced to relinquish more of their leaves.

While that may thwart their attempts to keep up convincing fronts, it certainly creates some heavenly scenery.  That’s because all of their remaining leaves are a vivid yellow; and, illuminated in the intense sunlight, they appear to actually be glowing.  Thus, with every gust, the resulting cascades of gleaming gold are magnificent to behold.

So, my advice to the trees is to just let go; and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to do that than right now.  After all, there’s no percentage in holding onto something lifeless and lackluster, when they can dazzle the waiting world with a whirlwind of golden brilliance.  Not only will they be a lot happier, but they will be much more appreciated; and by a wider audience, at that.

That often happens in life.  We stay with the familiar, avoiding change, and then, when it comes, we wonder why we ever resisted it; and it generally turns out for the best.  That’s kind of the way that I feel right now.  Like many others, I’ve had a sense of trepidation about the approaching winter.  Oh, sure, I enjoy the cooler weather; but I cannot stand how quickly the year passes.  Furthermore, there are some things, such as higher utility bills, that I could live without; so, yeah, I’ve said that I wouldn’t mind prolonging the season slightly.

On this gorgeous autumn day, however, that’s no longer the case.   I’m truly excited about the shifting weather patterns, no matter what course they may take.  What’s more, I think that everyone is feeling somewhat giddy today.  Awhile ago, a friend called and invited me to a cookout this evening!  Apparently, she, too, has been inspired by the recent sightings of people relaxing on their patio furniture, and has put together an impromptu, outdoor party, in November.

All right – something strange, different, and wonderful!  Tonight, just two weeks before Thanksgiving, I’m going to be sitting at a picnic table with a bunch of friends, eating hamburgers off the grill.  Hey, I can handle that!

Still, there’s no doubt that the winds of change are beginning to blow; and I can handle them, too.  In fact, I’m gonna saddle ‘em up, and ride – and the sky’s the limit!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, chaise lounges, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic table, porch gliders, porch swings, storage shed

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

Tags: Arbors, chaise lounges, garden shed, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor structures, patio chairs, Pergolas, porch gliders, trellises

Whether you’re putting your porch furniture in the storage shed, or under some outdoor furniture covers, if you’re hosting a large party for Thanksgiving, it’s a good idea to keep some of it handy.  After all, you may need a few picnic table benches, patio chairs, or outdoor folding chairs, for extra seating.  Moreover, if you have a kids’ picnic table, the problem of where to seat the children is already solved.

Of course, before the big day, you’ll still have to get your home and yard ready for winter.  As for the vegetation, if you’re going to take any of it indoors for the season, make sure that no unwanted houseguests come along for the ride.  Check the leaves, stems, and the topsoil, for stowaways; and wipe off the bottoms of the planters.

As the decreasing sunlight eliminates the need for extra nutrients at this time of the year, your houseplants won’t have to be fertilized.  Most of them won’t require as much water, either; but, because the air inside of your home is likely to be very dry, make sure the soil stays moist, and give plants an occasional misting.

Before putting planters, window boxes, and flower boxes into storage for the winter, remove all debris, and clean them with a solution of mild soap and bleach. To keep garden hoses from freezing and cracking, drain them and store them in the shed, too.  Put insulation on all outdoor water connections, to prevent the pipes from bursting, which is one of the most common – and most disastrous – cold-weather troubles.

Naturally, leaves are in abundance now; and if they’re still on the trees, sporting their autumn colors, they’re adding to the scenery.  However, if they’ve already fallen, as most have by now, they may be contributing to some ugly scenes, depending upon where they have landed.  For example, if they’re piling up on sidewalks, they can be dangerously slick, especially when wet.

If they’re left lying on the lawn, in thick mats, they may kill the grass underneath them; but, you can always run over them with a lawnmower and turn them into mulch.  You also have the option of raking them up, putting them into a compost pile, and letting them rot for the winter, so that they’ll be ready for your garden in the spring.

Another place where leaves may be gathering, and conspiring to cause havoc, is on your roof.  One of their favorite tricks is to use rain as a waterslide, which will take them into your gutters.  There, they will form clogs, and prevent the gutters from doing their jobs, which is to drain the water from rain, and melting snow and ice, away from your home’s foundation.

Therefore, cleaning gutters is another one of those chores that should be done before the weather gets nasty.  While you’re at it, prune the branches of overhanging trees, and you may be able to keep some of the leaves from falling onto the roof in the first place.  However, because they can blow in from all directions, this may not eliminate the problem completely.

You know, when you think about it, it’s ironic that they’re called leaves.  I mean, they never go away!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: kids picnnic tables, outdoor folding chairs, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, picnic table benches, Planters, porch furniture, storage shed

Now that November is here, things are really getting serious.  The Christmas commercials have already started to air (unfortunately), and, from here on out, everything is going to be about the holidays.  In just a few weeks, it will be Thanksgiving, and, in all probability, you’ll be getting ready for that; but, before you can relax and enjoy your turkey dinner, you’ll have to make sure that your home is prepared to deal with the cold weather ahead.

Of course, this includes its interior, exterior, and landscape.  Indeed, even though there’s not much heavy gardening to do, there are a few outdoor chores, including some yard work, left to be accomplished.  So, dig your thick, warm sweater out of the closet or cedar chest, get back into the crisp, invigorating air, and finish those tasks before it’s too late.

Actually, even if you live in an area that’s facing a harsh winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re completely finished with planting.  As long as the ground is not frozen, you can still plant the spring-flowering bulbs of crocuses, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.  You can also put in some trees and shrubs now, so that their roots will have a chance to establish themselves before spring.  Just remember to cover the trunks of saplings, and other tender trees, with paper tree wrap, before the end of the month.

If you’re going to transplant any shrubs, plants, or trees, such as azaleas or rhododendrons, excavate their new holes before you take them out of the ground.  Make them roomy enough to give the plants plenty of space to grow; and when you dig them up, extract large root balls that include as much of their root systems as possible.  Replant them right away, using a blend of the existing soil, along with healthy doses of compost, peat moss, and transplanting fertilizer.  Stake taller plants and trees, until their roots become steadfast; otherwise, they may be toppled by strong winds.

You can prune the vines on your grape arbors, after they’ve gone dormant; and any climbing vines, roses, or berries, should be secured firmly to their trellises, so that they won’t be whipped around by gusty winds.  If you’re planning to move things around next year, this is also a good time to sketch out a fresh garden design, and to put in new garden structures, such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas.

Another way to ensure that you’ll be prepared for next year is to clean, sharpen, and oil your garden tools.  Besides having your lawnmower’s blades sharpened, have its oil changed, bolts tightened, and other parts inspected and/or cleaned.  Use a file on trowels, hoes, clippers, and shovels, and a whetstone on pruning shears, then coat the metal parts with penetrating oil; and apply heavier oil to any moving components.  Sand rough spots on wood handles, and then rub them lightly with some linseed oil.

It’s also time to put your patio furniture into the garage or storage shed for the winter.  However, if you don’t have a large enough storage area, protect your porch swings, patio chairs, and picnic tables, with outdoor furniture covers.  Just make sure that they have heavy-duty ties that can endure even the fiercest winds.  Remember, you’re tucking them in for a long, winter’s nap.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, cedar chest, grape arbors, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio chairs, patio furniture, Pergolas, picnic tables, porch swings, storage shed, trellises

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

Tags: adirondack chairs, aluminum patio chairs, arbor, birdfeeders, cupola, eagle weathervane, garden shed, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture Covers, patio furniture, picnic table, picnic table benches, porch gliders, trellises, weathervanes

Sure, your outdoor furniture can provide you with premium seating for foliage viewing (or, to use a more common – and, I think, comical – phrase, “leaf peeping”).  That, alone, is worth delaying the shrouding of it in outdoor furniture covers, and the shoving of it into the storage shed; but that’s not the only valuable service that it can offer.  No-o!  Indeed, it can be as much a part of your outdoor décor now, as it is in the summer.

Now, if you live in a warm climate, or have an enclosed porch or gazebo, where you use your patio furniture year-round, you can dress it up with some outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows in autumn hues, such as gold, russet, red, yellow, brown, and burgundy.  Heck, this is a good idea no matter where you live, if you’re not going to be putting anything into storage for a couple more months.

As for the decorations, take your inspiration from nature.  For starters, of course, there are pumpkins, which are the quintessential symbols of the season.  They can be found in abundance everywhere, from farmers’ markets, to supermarkets; and there are hundreds of pumpkin patches where you can pick them fresh.  Instead of getting just one, choose a bunch of them, in assorted sizes, because they’re good for so many other things, besides making jack-o-lanterns.

Truly, pumpkins are great, for a number of reasons.  For one thing, they can be used in countless ways, inside and outdoors; and on top of that, they’re natural.  Furthermore, they can last all the way through to Thanksgiving (yes, fall decorations should still be in place on that day; let the Christmas lights wait until the turkey has been gobbled!).  Actually, there are several other non-artificial things that you can use for ornamental purposes as well.

Visit roadside markets and nurseries for cornstalks, bales of hay, straw, and the many other types of gourds that are available; or find a farm that offers them at very little cost.  You can even take a walk in the woods, and simply collect most of the items that you’ll need.  Using the real things, instead of imitations, will not only save you money, but will look much more elegant and refined.  If you don’t consider yourself to be particularly creative, go to a craft store, or look through some magazines, for ideas.

You can place pumpkins along your porch railings and steps, set them on your outdoor accent tables, or use them in centerpieces for picnic tables and outdoor dining tables.  Put hay bales and pumpkins on and around patio chairs, or stack them up against outdoor lamps, mailboxes, and mailbox posts.  If you want a scarecrow, make your own, and sit it in a porch chair.

There is no end to the possibilities for fall decorating; and the best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune, or have a lot of experience in designing.  In fact, if you stick to using only what nature provides, you’re sure to have an attractive and tasteful display.  After all, you certainly won’t find any giant, inflatable pumpkins growing wild.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor decor, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chair, storage shed

Even though you’ll be sitting around on your patio chairs, porch swings, lounge chairs, and picnic tables, as you enjoy autumn’s breath-taking scenery, that doesn’t mean that you have to just sit around.  You can also be doing some of those chores that must be finished before the onset of cold weather.  In fact, if you’re going to be storing your patio furniture in the garden shed for the winter, before you put the outdoor furniture covers on it, you can give it a good cleaning; and that includes the outdoor furniture cushions.

The amount of cleaning that they will need will depend upon how heavily they were used during the summer, and how diligently you kept up with regular maintenance.  If you hosed them down, or, at least, wiped them off, periodically, you shouldn’t have to deal with a lot of built-up dirt or mildew.  Moreover, if you tended to spills immediately, and made sure that anyone who was slathered in suntan lotion put a towel on the outdoor furniture cushion before sitting down, you probably won’t have set-in stains, either.

Naturally, the method that you will use to wash your patio furniture cushions will be determined by the materials from which they are made.  Some of the most common fabrics are acrylics, such as Sunbrella®, woven polyesters that are coated with PVC, and vinyl; and these are normally treated to be resistant to water, mildew, and UV rays.  Usually, they have polyester fillings that won’t hold water; but some may contain urethane foam, which is not completely waterproof.

The thing to remember is that, even if outdoor furniture cushions are designed to stand up to the elements, they can lose some of their resistance, over time.  Harsh detergents, for example, can break down their waterproof barriers, stiff-bristled brushes can scratch or damage their seals, and tanning products, besides causing stains, can weaken some fabrics.

In most cases, everything that you need to know, including the type of material, and the cleaning instructions, should be listed on the label.  However, if you’ve committed the egregious crime of removing the tag, not only will you be left in the dark about how to care for your outdoor furniture cushion, but you may suffer serious “penalties of law” as well.

If your outdoor furniture cushions are made from a treated, acrylic fabric, such as Sunbrella®, PVC polyester, or vinyl, you can hose them down to loosen trapped dirt and dust.  Most stains can be removed with mild dish detergent and a sponge.  The best formula is a quarter-cup of detergent to a gallon of water.  To get tougher stains out, you can use a soft-bristled brush, or a product that has gentle scrubbing agents.

Outdoor furniture cushions that are more heavily soiled, or mildewed, may need a deeper cleaning.  If so, many manufacturers recommend soaking them for about a half-hour, in a solution of one cup of non-chlorine bleach, one cup of laundry detergent, and three gallons of warm water, then rinsing and drying them thoroughly.  Of course, before you do this, you should make sure that it’s all right to use bleach on the fabric; and even if it is, always dilute it in water, rather than using it full-strength.

Remember, if you protect your outdoor furniture cushions, they’ll protect you – where it counts!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: garden shed, lounge chairs, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch swings

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

Tags: adirondack chairs, garden bench, garden sheds, grills, hazebo, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table bistro set, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor sofas, patio furniture, picnic table, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch glider, porch swings

As September drops temperatures, many people are looking for solutions for winter storage.  Patio furniture covered in outdoor furniture covers, gardening equipment, outdoor furniture cushions, and other supplies and pieces often must be stored inside over the winter.  But, most of the time, garages and basements are already filled with other storage. What to do? Sounds like it’s time for a garden shed!

Forget the boring particle board sheds you may remember, garden sheds have made a complete turn-around in styling and options!  And, just as New York Fashion Week is gracing the streets of Manhattan this week with brand new fashions, so too are sheds shocking people with their brand new features! Here are some highlights:

Sheds with Cedar Tongue and Groove Siding: For a rustic appearance, try a storage shed with cedar tongue and groove siding.  The cedar wood is naturally resistant to insect damage and decay and will keep the interior smelling fresh. The horizontally stacked siding almost looks like a log cabin, and will blend in flawlessly with any country inspired space.  Plus, going with a high quality material like cedar will ensure you can use your shed year after year, instead of having to replace it after a few seasons.  There’s no reason for your garden shed to be an eye-sore, so get one with a gorgeous exterior to compliment your home

Sheds with Porches: Surprised? Don’t be! After all, porches are one of the most coveted features on a home… why not have  a garden shed with a porch?  Aside from the aesthetic benefits and the perk of being able to hang a hammock or set out some patio chairs, porches are also extremely functional for a storage shed.  Shielded from the rain and the harshest of the weather conditions, a porch becomes the perfect place to work on a bicycle when the grass is still muddy or to let a garden bench dry after you’ve painted it for the spring.  Plus, if you’re worried that a shed will bring down the look of your garden, a garden shed with a porch makes the structure almost look like a guest house!

Potting Sheds: If you have more plants and garden tools to store than patio furniture and outdoor décor, a potting shed might be your perfect option. With an expansive polycarbonate skylight, your potting shed can be used for both storage and growing! The Polycarbonate skylight is actually a 4′ x 8′ sheet of a multi-wall insulated material that is often used in greenhouses.  If you always wanted a greenhouse but worried about space… a potting shed is a perfect solution.  There’s still room for your family’s storage, but the skylight allows you to use your potting shed to keep plants warm and healthy!

Though the coldness of winter may seem far off, now is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning your storage shed.  It will be installed and ready to go by the time your patio furniture and gardening supplies need to be put away, and you can enjoy the peace of mind of quiet winter!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: garden shed with a porch, garden sheds, hammock, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, patio furniture, potting shed, storage shed with cedar tongue and groove siding

Labor Day has come and gone; and, in its wake, it has left millions of people shaking their heads – as they do every year – and wondering how summer managed to slip away so quickly.  In many regions, there are also those who are mourning the passing of the season, as it means that they’ll soon be moving patio furniture, picnic tables, and grills into their sheds until next spring.

Naturally, these items won’t have to be tucked away under outdoor furniture covers just yet, as there’s still plenty of fair weather left, even in areas where the winters are harsh.  Moreover, those who live where it’s always warm can use their outdoor furniture all year long, as can people who have enclosed porches, patios, gazebos, and sunrooms.  Truly, the latter group is growing larger every year, as folks are becoming increasingly unwilling to give up outdoor living.

Of course, they want to be able to decorate these living spaces as meticulously and fashionably as their other indoor rooms.  That’s why today’s outdoor furniture comes in materials, styles, and colors that will complement any motif; and why it’s also as versatile and comfortable as indoor furniture.  In fact, when you’re furnishing your indoor/outdoor living room – or kitchen, or bedroom – you may even find that patio furniture offers more choices.

Take, for example, the basic chair.  Sure, there was a time when the patio chair bore little resemblance to the one in the living room.  Often made with a flimsy aluminum frame, and stiff, woven plastic strips, it barely had the strength to last for more than one season.  Modern porch chairs, on the other hand, are solidly constructed from a variety of materials, including cedar, pine, oak, cypress, teak, cherry, vinyl, aluminum, cast iron, synthetic wicker, and polywood.  They are also available in dozens of colors and styles, and can be topped with outdoor furniture cushions in scores of colors and patterns.

When you’re trying to find the equivalent of a couch, the outdoor sofa actually comes out ahead of its indoor counterpart.   After all, besides a stationary outdoor sofa, you have the option of selecting a garden bench, porch swing, glider, face-to-face glider, or outdoor settee, which also come in a wide range of materials and colors.  This goes for outdoor loveseats, too.

Certainly, you’ll also want a rocker; inside or out, it’s a universal favorite.  As a matter of fact, most people have rockers that they have cherished for years; and, in many cases, these rocking chairs have been in their families for generations.  Fortunately, contemporary outdoor rocking chairs are not only as comfortable – and comforting – as the old-fashioned ones, but they are durable enough to become heirlooms as well.  What’s more, if you’re not satisfied with an outdoor rocker for one, you can get an outdoor rocking bench.

Of course, no room, of any description, is completely furnished until it has a place where you can rest your feet.  That’s no problem, either, because, these days, you can find ottomans in materials, styles, and colors, to match any piece of outdoor furniture.

Hmm.  I wonder if I’m alone in feeling that the plural of ottoman should be ottomen.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: face-to-face glider, garden bench, Gazebos, grills, orroman, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor rocking chairs, outdoor settee, outdoor sofa, patio chair, patio furniture, picnic tables, porch chair, porch glider, porch swing, rockers, rocking chairs, Sunrooms