Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

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

These days, when you’re shopping, you’ll notice that there are tons more choices, for pretty much everything, than there used to be.  Sometimes, this is good; but other times, it’s just overkill.

For instance, the spectacular improvements in outdoor furniture that have occurred over the past several years, are wonderful, and long overdue.  No matter what you’re looking for – porch swings, patio chairs, or picnic tables – in addition to the classic wood types, you’ll also find polywood, vinyl, and aluminum pieces that are nearly indestructible, and available in dozens of colors.  So, it’s great to have a huge selection of patio furniture.

On the other hand, the constant expansions of some product lines can reach ridiculous proportions.  One example, which is truly monstrous, is in the world of Halloween decorations.  It wasn’t that long ago that most people would simply have a few cardboard witches, skeletons, cats, and jack-o-lanterns in their front windows.  Moreover, among the store-bought items were many things that were made by the kids who lived in the homes, including those tissue-and-pipe cleaner ghosts (of course, that was when it was strictly a kids’ day); and nothing went up until deep into October.

Well, things are different now – and how!  First of all, many people treat Halloween like a major holiday, and begin decorating for it two months early, as elaborately as they do for Christmas.  There are also enormous Halloween “superstores,” filled with costumes, outdoor lights, full-sized mummies, zombies, skeletons, and vampires that actually rise from their coffins.  Then, there are those ghastly, gigantic inflatable decorations, which feature ghosts popping out of pumpkins, skeletons riding motorcycles, and witches on broomsticks.  Sheesh!

Okay, sure, it’s fine to have more Halloween decorations to pick from; but the true, uh, spirit, of the day calls for more of the homemade touch.  After all, kids still love to make Halloween decorations; and, in fact, because they have help from their computers, they can produce things that look as good as any that you can buy.  Of course, it’s even more fun when you go to a craft store and get them some supplies, or even dig up things around the house, that they can use to create their decorations by hand.

Don’t worry, though; there are many larger things that adults can tackle, like, say, making corpses, monsters, scarecrows, and giant spiders.  Heck, with all of the phony blood, stick-on scars, and severed body parts that are available at those Halloween stores, it’ll be a cinch.  You can sit them in your porch glider, pose them in a lounge chair, stretch them out in a hammock, or even hang them from the roof of a gazebo or garden shed.  You can also make fake spider webs for your handmade arachnids, and wrap them around arbors, pergolas, and trellises.

Naturally, the kids can help with these projects, too.  It’ll be a great way to spend more quality time together as a family, teach them the lost art of Old World craftspersonship, and let them feel the pride of creating things, such as authentic-looking monsters and spiders.  At the same time, they’ll be learning how to use porch furniture to its fullest potential, as well as the proper techniques for applying fake blood.  You know – all of those good, old-fashioned family values.

That is, if you’re the Addams family.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: Arbors, garden shed, gazebo, hammock, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, patio furniture, pergolas trellises, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch glider, porch swings

I must say, those birds really know how to party, for they are not only hardy, but hearty.  Although it may be rainy and cold, from Cardinals, to Chickadees, all remain bold.

Braving the elements, they come out to feed, on millet and nyjer and sunflower seed,

Devouring it all, to the last crumb of suet; and it’s just so amusing, watching them do it.

Yes, the birds continue to gather in full force today, despite the nasty turn the weather has taken.  Of course, it’s no surprise, because that’s just what wild creatures do.  However, they can always use a little help, especially during the winter; and, in return, they will provide a source of constant entertainment.

So, if you’re going to put up some birdfeeders, whether they’re tube, hopper, platform, hanging, or post-mounted types, it’s important to situate them properly.  Naturally, they should be placed where you and your friends will be able to watch the flying circus when you’re outside, relaxing in your Adirondack chairs.

On the other hand, for more than one reason, they should be kept at a respectable distance from your patio chairs and picnic table.  For one thing, birds won’t come around if you’re hanging out too close to the birdfeeders.  For another, obviously, you won’t want them, uh, loitering, on your outdoor furniture.

Now, there’s no way to avoid the occasional airstrike (shall we say?); but that’s going to happen, whether you’re feeding the birds, or not.  In fact, one of the good things about having birdfeeders is that you have some control, as you can contain the largest concentration of bird activity in the area of your choice.

Mine are on the perimeter of my patio, at the edge of the woods, which is the perfect spot for them.  Although the birds land everywhere, including on the patio furniture, they bounce around so quickly, that they rarely stay in one place – except at a birdfeeder – for more than a few seconds.  Anyway, I don’t have to worry too much about it, because I have some very durable outdoor furniture covers that are easy to clean.

Birdfeeders – and birdhouses – should also be placed near sources of shelter, not only from the wind, but from predators.  At the same time, you’ll want to be able to observe them from inside your home.  So, pick a location that’s near the house, and a few feet from shrubs, vines, or even a brush pile, where they can escape from prowlers; but make sure that it won’t make a good hiding spot for potential attackers.

If you keep your birdfeeders no more than five feet away from a window, birds will be less likely to fly into it.  Then, if they do, at least, they will not have built up enough momentum to seriously injure themselves.  The chances of such accidents will be further reduced if there are curtains, blinds, or sun-catchers visible in the window.

Indeed, the birds will appreciate anything that you can do to spare them the pane.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, birdfeeders, birdhouses, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, patio furniture, picnic tables

Of course, there are many indicators of how far we are into autumn; and we all have specific ones that are of particular significance to us.  Some are things that occur in nature, while others may be yearly events that we host, or attend.  For me, it’s the big, annual fall blowout on my patio, which happens to be going on at this very moment.

If it seems strange that a huge party is taking place in the middle of the week, lemme ‘splain you that it’s not just a one-day affair.  No-o!  This is so enormous that it will go on indefinitely; and, I must admit, it can get majorly crazy.  There’s an endless buffet, with several different kinds of food; and the guests are pigging out uncontrollably, as if they haven’t had anything to eat in weeks.  In fact, even though there’s more than enough for everyone, a few of them are actually fighting over it!

I’m not kidding!  Right now, some of them are chasing others around the picnic table, and one is actually hiding underneath a picnic table bench.  Over in the corner, three of them are on my outdoor sofa, arguing so loudly that others, in nearby patio chairs, are chattering at the tops of their lungs, trying to drown them out.  There are so many of them out there that they’re even sitting on my outdoor accent tables and ottomans – and each other!

I know, they’re a little short on manners; in fact, they’re acting like wild animals, which, as I’m sure you know, they are.  Yep.  For me, and, I’m certain, for other “birders,” when the birds start acting extra-nutty, and ultra-ravenous, it’s a definite sign that the cold weather is on its way.  To make things even more official, today, the slate-colored juncos have returned as well.

Although they’re in the region all year, visiting my patio daily throughout the fall and winter, they always disappear from the vicinity of my birdfeeders sometime in the late spring.  I guess they must have an ample source of another type of food in the summertime, which has now, apparently, run out; so things are getting serious.  Of course, there are many other birds that will be looking for new food supplies now, too, as they start their winter diets.

So, if you haven’t been feeding the birds this year, now is the time to start.  Besides those that will become your regular guests, you’ll also be seeing a lot of birds that will be stopping by to fuel up for the long trips to their winter destinations.

The best way to attract the widest variety of birds is to get an assortment of food, along with several styles of birdfeeders, such as hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted.  You can get them in an array of designs that include gazebos, lighthouses, pagodas, and log cabins, which will enhance your outdoor décor.  While you’re at it, get some birdhouses, too.

The best part is that you’ll benefit as much from feeding the birds as they will.  I assure you that it’s one of the most entertaining, fun, and rewarding things that you can do.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, my guests seem to have torn right through that huge block of suet, so I have to go and put out another one.  I’m totally serious.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, ottomans, outdoor accent tables, outdoor sofa, patio chairs, picnic table, picnic table bench

For much of the country, the outdoor living season is coming to an end.  But, for the millions of people enjoying warm weather all year long, it is prime time to get started on a fantastic outdoor living area.  Plus, for those that are already hankering for the dawn of spring… now is the time to begin planning large scale outdoor structure projects.  Saving your logistics and design considerations for spring will mean that projects may not be completed until the season is already well underway.

When looking to create a vacation at home, great inspiration can be drawn from hotels, resorts, and destination spots.  After all, they’re the experts in crafting spaces that exude the luxury of a summer holiday.  Whether or not you live in the tropics, you can design an outdoor space fit for relaxation retreats.

Recently, a Bermuda resort created a combined pool structure using a gazebo and two pergolas. The 14x 18 treated pine rectangular double roof gazebo was simplified by removing the floor and railings while larger custom posts were added to create drama.  Two attached treated pine pergolas expand the space while adding a dynamic architectural element to the gazebo. The perfect blend of shade and style, a similar structure would do very well poolside in a residential home as well.  The resort created a small grilling and cooking area, but it could easily be expanded to a full outdoor kitchen.

The resort decked out their structure with an outdoor dining set, two chaise lounges, and some extra patio chairs.  However, adding a swingbed, porch swing, and a deep seating collection would add another level of relaxation for entertaining.

If you’re interested in creating an at-home oasis, don’t be afraid to take tips from the professionals.  Plus, start planning, designing, and thinking now when many outdoor furniture retailers are running discounts and sales so you can start the first warm day of spring in your retreat!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: chaise lounges, deep seating collection, gazebo, Gazebos, outdoor dining set, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor structure, patio chairs, Pergolas, pool structure, porch swing, rectangular double roof gazebo, swing bed, treated pine pergolas

Besides the tablecloth, you’ll also have to choose placemats and napkins for your outdoor dining table; and these, too, are available in huge varieties of colors, patterns, and fabrics.  Moreover, when selecting them, you may have to consider how well they will coordinate with your outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows, and rugs.

Certainly, this is more of a concern in smaller spaces, where all of the outdoor furniture is close together.  If you have a place that’s large enough for the patio chairs and the outdoor dining set, or picnic table, to be situated well apart from each other, it may not be much of a worry.  Then, again, if your dining area is separated by a pergola or a trellis, or if you’re going to be eating in your gazebo, you may not have to think about it at all.

Whatever the case, you have several options, including using a tablecloth that has designs on it, with solid-colored placemats and napkins, or vice versa.  You can also come up with some interesting combinations in textures, by using various fabrics for the tablecloth, placemats, and napkins; or use something completely different, such as bamboo, for the placemats.

Naturally, for the napery, and even the tableware, for that matter, you can always go the paper route; and it’s not news to anyone that some of it is quite attractive.  However, even though paper can work well for casual get-togethers, if you’re hosting a nice dinner party, it’s best to scrap the idea, and go for a more elegant setting.  Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have to use the good china (unless it’s a really formal affair).  For outdoor dinner parties, the everyday stuff is fine; in fact, on your beautifully decorated table, it will look smashing – uh, perhaps I should make that, gorgeous.

Another alternative is to use plastic; but not the kind that’s on par with paper plates.  These days, you can get thick, sturdy, high-quality plastic tableware that looks just like glass.  Actually, this can be a wonderful choice, because clear, colored glass, not only adds to the resplendence of the table, but heightens the opulence of the occasion as well.  Choose rich, autumn hues, such as red, amber, gold, or burgundy; and make sure that there are plenty of candles on the table, to give the whole setting an enchanting glow.

Undoubtedly, real glass is the ultimate; and you can get colored glass plates, goblets, glasses, vases, salt-and-pepper shakers, candleholders, and serving bowls, at a very low cost, in retail, outlet, and even antique stores.  Although certain antique glass items are very expensive, you’ll find hundreds of them that sell for only a few dollars.

The best part is that they don’t have to match; as a matter of fact, mixing pieces from various sets will add to the charm of your outdoor dining table setting.  If you don’t want to buy a lot of antiques, pick out a few, interesting objects to combine with your other dishes and glasses.  Of course, if you don’t have real glass tableware, the authentic-looking, plastic kind will look just fine, especially in the glimmer of the candlelight.

Indeed, any jewel-toned accents that you can find will lend a warm, luxurious ambiance to your gathering.  For example, you can get some vintage jewelry, or go through your old jewelry boxes and pick out some bracelets and necklaces with broken clasps, and mismatched, clip-on earrings.  You can use the earrings to hold place cards, and the necklaces and bracelets to make sparkly napkin rings, or decorations for wineglass stems, candles, and candleholders.

Aside from making your table shine, this is also a great way to give new purpose to some of your favorite old pieces of jewelry that have been stashed away for years.  Hmm.  I sure hope I’m not the only one who hangs onto things way longer than I should.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gazebo, outdoor dining set, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio chairs, pergola, picnic table, trellis

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

Tags: chaise lounges, outdoor decor, outdoor dining table, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor furniture group, patio chairs, patio umbrellas, picnic table, porch gliders

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

Tags: Arbors, garden structures, gazebo, Hammocks, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, outdoor lamps, patio chairs, Pergolas, Planters, porch swings, post cap lights, trellises

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

Tags: Arbors, enclosed gazebo, Garden Bridges, garden structures, gazebo, Gazebos, outdoor accent tables, outdoor decor, patio chairs, Pergolas, picnic table benches, Planters, trellises