All Outdoor Patio Furniture

Colorful patio umbrellas are such familiar sights, that we rarely give them a thought.  Yet, just like Adirondack chairs and porch swings, they’re integral to outdoor décor, whether on our own outdoor dining tables, or the commercial picnic tables on restaurant patios.  Certainly, they’re everywhere.

The same is true of the beach umbrellas that we see when we visit the shore, or the market umbrellas that are fixtures on outdoor kiosks and street vendors’ carts.  Of course, we all have just plain rain umbrellas in our homes; and many people keep extras in their cars and at their workplaces as well.

Therefore, it’s hard to believe that such a common item was once forbidden to commoners; but it was.  Actually, there was a time when the umbrella was considered to be one of the most important symbols of royalty, and was prohibited for use by anyone but the members of nobility.

Although no one knows for sure where or when the very first one was made, historians agree that umbrellas have been around for thousands of years.  There is evidence of their use in the courts of China and Egypt, between 1100 and 1200 b.c.; and it is known that the ancient Greeks and Romans used an early form of the patio umbrella for shade.  In fact, it was a Roman woman who was the first to oil the cloth canopies of umbrellas to make them more resistant to the weather, and increase their protection from the sun (although I’m sure they weren’t touted as being “UV-resistant” at the time).

The word, umbrella, is based on the Latin, umbra, meaning shade.  Its diminutive form, umbella, was modified, to ombrella, in Italy, where it is first known to have been used, in 1611.  The word, parasol, from the Old Italian, parare, which means, to shield or ward off, and sole, meaning sun, was originally used in 1660.

Umbrellas, or parasols, were status symbols, and, the more tiers that they had, the more important the people who used them.  For example, the Emperor of China is believed to have had a four-tiered parasol, while the King of Siam had one with nine tiers, each of which featured ornate tassels.  At one point, he was described as the “Lord of the twenty-four parasols.”

The Greeks are responsible for the popular use of the umbrella by women.  Following the custom of holding umbrellas over statues of Dionysus at festivals, women began holding them over statues of Athena, and other goddesses, at feasts that were held in their honor.  It is thought that this is where the parasol, as a fashion accessory, got its start.

During the Middle Ages, an umbrella became a part of the Pope’s ceremonial regalia.  It is speculated that the widespread use of umbrellas across Europe began in Italy, in the 12^th century, when Pope Alexander III granted the Doge of Venice the right to have a parasol carried over him.

Naturally, the umbrella would become a must in England, where the weather is famously damp.  As a matter of fact, that’s where the market umbrella was first used, in 1685, to shelter customers of coffee houses.  Then, in 1830, the first umbrella shop opened in London; and it is still in business today.

So, the next time you’re sitting around your picnic table, enjoying a day at the beach, or simply walking in the rain, be thankful that the nobles ever allowed us regular folks the privilege of using outdoor umbrellas.  Indeed, they must have been quite open-minded.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: adirondack chairs, beach umbrellas, commercial picnic tables, market umbrellas, outdoor decors, outdoor dining tables, patio umbrella, patio umbrellas, picnic table, porch swings

With this nation’s love of outdoor living, it’s no wonder that so many people are reluctant to make complete retreats to closed quarters when the weather gets cold.  It’s also no surprise to find that, each year, millions more are refusing to relinquish their summer lifestyles.  This accounts for the huge resurgence in the demand for sunrooms, as well as the growing practice of enclosing porches, patios, decks, and gazebos.

These indoor/outdoor rooms allow at least a semblance of being in the open air, and help to keep us in touch with nature, and prevent us from getting full-blown cases of cabin fever.  Because of the popularity of these rooms, as well as the increasing trend toward turning our yards into outdoor living rooms, where we spend much of our time during the warmer months, outdoor furniture is no longer a seasonal thing.  These days, people are shopping for porch swings, porch gliders, Adirondack chairs, and accent tables, year-round.

Furthermore, in keeping with the meticulous décor of these living spaces, patio furniture is also available in more styles, colors, and materials than ever.  Of course, there are some kinds that are perennial favorites, such as wicker porch furniture.

Indeed, wicker outdoor furniture has been around since, at least, 3,000 B.C., when it was used in Egypt.  It is also known to have been common in ancient Rome and Greece.  In fact, it arose from one of the oldest recognized crafts, which is basketry.  Apparently, soon after they began using pieces of reeds, rattan, willows, osiers, twigs, and bamboo, to make baskets, people realized that they could weave these materials around stiffer rods, shaped into various forms, and create furniture.

The first piece of wicker outdoor furniture in America actually came over on the Mayflower; but the wicker furniture industry didn’t get started in this country until sometime after 1850, when a young grocer came across large quantities of rattan on the docks of Boston.  Having never seen the likes of it, he made some inquiries, and found that it was a climbing palm that is native to Southeast Asia, and was used in ships that had been to that region, to keep cargo from shifting on the return voyages.

Shortly thereafter, this entrepreneur sold his grocery store, and established his own rattan company.  Before long, his business was booming, and he had his own fleet of ships that he used for importing rattan, which was highly sought-after by basket and furniture makers.  After starting his own furniture business, he enjoyed quite a bit of growth for a good part of the mid-to-late 19^th century, and had nearly cornered the market, until many other companies began making wicker furniture.

Before the turn of the century, the Victorian style, with its ornate curves and intricate patterns, was quite popular.  However, in the 20^th century, people started looking for simpler designs with cleaner, straighter lines.  Although manufacturers changed their styles to accommodate the public’s shifting tastes, the demand for the furniture declined over the next few decades.

In the 1960’s, however, wicker patio furniture began its comeback.  Today, along with authentic wicker, you can even find synthetic wicker pieces that are nearly indestructible.  Available with outdoor furniture cushions that come in every color and pattern imaginable, wicker remains among the most popular outdoor furniture in existence, and is central to the décor of millions of indoor and outdoor rooms.

Don’t you just love a happy ending?

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: accent tables, adirondack chairs, Gazebos, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture cushions, patio furniture, porch gliders, porch swings, Sunrooms, wicker outdoor furniture, wicker patio furniture, wicker porch furniture

The end of August beckons pencils, notebooks, school buses, and that fated end of summer.  As children and teachers prepare to head back to school, it’s hard to not assume your endless afternoons of family outdoor living are headed toward a close. But, rather than bidding farewell to your outdoor furniture, why not plan a party to bring everyone together to celebrate one last “hurrah!” Encourage your children to invite friends that will soon be classmates and their families.  That way, you can meet any neighborhood parents that you have not yet had a chance to get to know.

This is always the time that it feels like the Summer season got away from us.  And as many parents have a tinge of sadness as the Autumn season puts our children out of reach for nearly 8 hours a day, this is a wonderful time to bring everyone together.  Lounging in outdoor rocking chairs and porch swings will give the parents a no-stress occasion to talk about the upcoming year and perhaps solutions for car pooling to athletic practices or play rehearsals. Meeting the families of your kids’ classmates is an important part of getting involved with their overall education, so let this be a time to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year through good food and meaningful introductions.

Especially if you’ve missed opportunities for outdoor entertaining, crafting a dinner party for a time other than Labor Day weekend is a grand idea.  That way, guests that have already committed to family reunions or other engagements will still be able to attend your event.

Try to strike a balance between Summer and Autumn.  This gathering will be your opportunity to start to bring in Autumn decorating influences, while still celebrating summer.  Decorate picnic tables with vases or planters that mix daisies and hydrangea with mums and asters.  It’s not time for pine cones and pumpkins yet, but past due for Fourth of July décor.  Have fun mixing and matching your more subdued summer and autumn outdoor décor for an End of August celebration that hits the nail right on the head.

Give the kids, and yourself, a grand opportunity to enjoy that casual summer fare.  Keep it simple with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and potato salad. This is also a great opportunity to use a lot of the vegetables and herbs that your garden is producing too fast for you to use!  Tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans will all do terrifically in a big salad created from your homegrown lettuce.  Share the bounty of your garden with guests to celebrate what an amazing summer we’ve enjoyed this season.

If the weather is right, it might even be a chance pull your outdoor dining sets out from under your porches or gazebos, and out further into your garden.  Try setting up a few outdoor bistro sets or your picnic table as deep into the greenery as possible.  If you’re worried about the state of the food, you can always keep the eating under your pergola or other usual spot, and simply move your patio chairs or garden benches out into the yard.  Desserts and conversations can move seamlessly out into your late summer blooms as the longer summer day turns to dusk.

Give everyone something to take away with them to remember the experience.  If you have any seeds that your flowers have begun to produce, make little bags for guests to plant for next summer.  If you still have vegetables or herbs left over from your garden, this is a wonderful opportunity to give them as gifts.  Encourage new acquaintances with classmate-children to exchange contact information.  The end of August is the perfect time to allow families to spend some last quality time together before the start of school, as well as meet and greet the parents you’ll be sure to see throughout the school year!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: garden benches, Gazebos, grill, outdoor bistro sets, outdoor decor, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, pergola, picnic tables, Planters, porch swings

Naturally, wood outdoor furniture has different care requirements than those of polywood, vinyl, aluminum, or plastic.  There are many types of wood from which it may be constructed, and each has specific characteristics that give it a beauty all its own.  While these traits also affect a wood’s durability, there are other factors that will determine how long it will actually last.

One of the variables is the way that people decide to treat (or not treat) it from the start.  Of course, the best way to ensure that your outdoor wood furniture will hold onto its good looks and structural integrity is to know something about the individual kinds of wood.

Western Red Cedar, for example, is one of the most popular woods, as it is gorgeous, and exceptionally durable.  With its rich texture, inherent radiance, and deep, warm tones, which range from light amber to honey brown, it makes spectacular porch swings, outdoor dining sets, and garden benches.  Cedar has innate oils that repel insects, and make it highly resistant to decay, as well as dimensionally stable properties that help to keep it from warping.

If you wish to maintain its original hues, use a sealer on your cedar outdoor furniture when it’s new; otherwise, leave it unfinished, and it will eventually turn to a rustic gray.  If you want it somewhere in between, wait until it reaches the tone you desire, and then seal it.  You can also change the shade of the wood by staining it.

Treated Southern Yellow Pine also makes stunning, sturdy outdoor chairs, chaise lounges, and picnic tables, that will withstand years of heavy use and harsh weather.  Treated pine undergoes a process of kiln-drying, before and after a special pressure treatment, which helps to prevent decay, and minimize warping, checking, and twisting.

As with cedar, you can seal and/or stain treated pine outdoor furniture to retain its yellow hue, or allow it to weather to a yellow-tinted gray.  Applying a stain/sealer once a year will preserve the wood’s luster, and protect it from the elements; and it’s best to use one that offers UV protection, and is resistant to mildew.

Teak is one of the best of all hardwoods for making outdoor furniture.  It grows in rich soil that infuses the wood with a high concentration of mineral deposits, which make it heavy, dense, waxy, thermally stable, water-repellent, and resistant to decay, insects, and warping.  You can sustain its resplendence with a stain/sealer, or let it turn to a silvery-gray.

You’ll find quality stain/sealers at any hardware store, in many color options, including clear, honey, cedar, and redwood.  Darker stains are better for maintaining the natural look, as they provide more protection from UV rays and body oils.  Applying a couple of coats every few years may be sufficient; but a lot depends upon your region’s climate, and how much your wood outdoor furniture groups are exposed to the elements.  If you leave them out all year long, unprotected by outdoor furniture covers, you may have to treat them annually.

The good news is that virtually every kind of wood patio furniture, when properly treated and maintained, will stay attractive and solid for quite a long time.  Knock on wood.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: cedar outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, garden benches, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining sets, Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Furniture Covers, outdoor wood furniture, picnic tables, porch swings, wood outdoor furniture, wood outdoor furniture gruops

It’s hard to believe that Labor Day will be here in just a few weeks.  In some parts of the country, that means the end of the season for patio chairs, picnic tables, and grills.  Of course, those who live in warmer climates, or have enclosed porches, patios, sunrooms, or gazebos, can use their outdoor furniture all year long.  However, millions of porch swings, chaise lounges, outdoor dining tables, and patio umbrellas will be cloaked with outdoor furniture covers, and/or headed for sheds and garages.

No matter where your porch furniture will be spending the cold months, now is the time to clean and, if necessary, repair it.  After all, at this point in the summer, it has probably seen a lot of action, and is likely to have been spilled upon, or somehow marred, along the way.

So, if you’re going to continue to use it, you’ll want to spiff it up for the fall; and if you’re not going to be seeing it until next spring, you’ll be glad you cleaned it before you put it into storage.  Furthermore, depending upon the material that it’s made from, and the type of injury that it has sustained, there’s a chance that the damage could worsen over the winter.

For example, certain kinds of metal, such as cast iron, or wrought iron, may develop rust patches.  Naturally, these will get larger anyway; but if left untreated for several months, they can really get out of hand.  Therefore, you should do regular inspections for rust, and get rid of it immediately.  Whenever you spot a spot, sand it down, cover it with primer, then apply a rust-resistant paint that is made for outdoor use.

Fortunately, today’s aluminum outdoor furniture is a lot more durable than some of the flimsy specimens of old.  In fact, many of the newer aluminum outdoor chairs and picnic tables can be exposed to the elements, year-round, without ever rusting, bending, chipping, or breaking.  You may be able to clean these with only a wet sponge.

However, for outdoor aluminum furniture in general, or other aluminum items, such as patio umbrella stands, or lounge chair legs, use dishwashing liquid and water.  Never use a product with an alkaline base, such as window cleaner, or anything else that contains ammonia.  Clean the piece with a cotton cloth, rinse thoroughly with a hose, and dry.  Then, with a soft cloth, rub on some non-abrasive car wax, and buff when dry.

To clean plastic outdoor furniture, apply the same dishwashing liquid solution with a sponge, and let it soak in for a few minutes.  Use a toothbrush to get dirt out of crevices.  You can also make a paste out of baking soda and water, spread a layer of it on with a sponge, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.  To keep spilled liquids from penetrating and setting in as stains in the future, follow up the cleaning with a coat of car wax.

Now, if you don’t have, or don’t want to use, dishwashing detergent or baking soda, there is another alternative.  Although it is not widely recognized as such, shaving cream is a gentle, non-toxic solvent and cleaner.  Just spray it on, let it soak in, rub with a soft cloth or toothbrush, and rinse it off completely.

Hmm.  Shaving cream, wash cloth, toothbrush; well, if nothing else, your patio furniture will certainly be well-groomed!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: aluminum outdoor furniture, chaise lounges, Gazebos, grills, outdoor aluminum furniture, outdoor chairs, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture coveres, patio chairs, patio furniture, patio umbrella stands, patio umbrellas, picnic tables, porch furniture, porch swings, Sheds, Sunrooms

Birdfeeders are attractive – and, as far as I’m concerned, essential – elements of outdoor décor, as are bird houses and birdbaths.  Apparently, millions of others feel this way, too, as bird-feeding is one of the most popular pastimes in the country.

However, some people stop feeding the birds during the summer, usually because they feel that, at this time, they don’t need any help from us.  Well, that’s true in any season, because, even though it can make things easier for the birds when the ground is frozen over, they’ve survived on their own for millions of years.

The thing about feeding the birds is that, while it may give them certain advantages, it’s an incredibly enjoyable activity for people.  Moreover, in the summer, it attracts a wider variety of birds in their most colorful plumage of the year.  For example, male goldfinches are a brilliant yellow now; but soon, they will turn back to the dull, greenish-yellow hue of the females.

Providing birdfeeders in the summer is also good for the many types of birds that produce several broods during the season.  Having a steady, dependable source of food nearby will save them hours of foraging; therefore, they will be able to spend more time in their nests (and they won’t have to pay for daycare!).  Of course, as numerous studies have shown, this will also significantly decrease the chances that their babies will grow up to become delinquents.

Besides keeping the fledglings from eventually becoming jailbirds, you’ll be responsible for their first experiences at birdfeeders, once they leave their nests.  You will even have the pleasure of watching the parents teach the young birds how to use them, right in your backyard.

To get the most out of feeding and watching birds, offer an assortment of foods.  Black oil sunflower seeds are popular with many species, as are hulled peanuts, white millet seeds, and pieces of fruit, such as oranges, raisins, cherries, grapes, bananas, and apples.  Thistle (nyjer) seed is the absolute favorite of finches, and will draw flocks of them.  Safflower seeds are great, because they attract many desirable birds, but are a turn-off to grackles and squirrels.  Avoid using mixes that contain milo and sorghum, which birds will not eat.

You can never have too much suet; although some people think of it as a winter food, believe me, it gets eaten up like crazy in the summer.  I use no-melt peanut suet, because it not only brings in woodpeckers and nuthatches, but appeals to nearly every other kind of bird, too.

It’s best to use different types of feeders as well, such as hopper, platform, hanging, tube, and post-mounted birdfeeders, placed where you’ll be able to see them from inside your home.  Outdoors, situate patio chairs, chaise lounges, porch swings, hammocks, and other outdoor furniture, at a distance that will enable you to get an optimal view, without scaring the birds away.  You don’t want to do that, because they will bring you endless hours of amusement and delight; kind of like court jesters that you can respect.

Furthermore, I recently read of another bonus of feeding birds, which I – and countless other birders – have known all along.  Studies have now proven that watching birds actually improves our moods, and even makes us feel more optimistic.  I can say with certainty that this is true, because, even after those zany birds have spent the entire day gobbling up the food, I still see my birdfeeders as being half-full.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: bird houses, birdfeeders, chaise lounges, Hammocks, outdoor decor, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, porch swings

We’re all aware of the chores that we have to do around our houses while the weather is still warm.  The problem is that we always think that we have plenty of time to accomplish them; but, the next thing we know, it’s the end of July, and August is charging straight at us.    

Besides the gardening, yard work, and maintenance, there will be things that are in need of repair.  So, while you’re outside, cooking on the grill, sitting in your porch chair, or playing croquet in the backyard, look around and see what needs your attention.

For example, if you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, patio, sidewalk, or pool area, check to see if it is cracked or dirty.  Do a thorough inspection, so that you don’t miss any spots that need to be fixed.  Move any outdoor dining tables and lounge chairs that are around the pool, and look under your patio chairs, accent tables, and picnic table.  Clear all of the outdoor furniture away from the places that you are going to be cleaning or mending.

Use a power washer to clean concrete; and, while you’re at it, observe the direction in which it sends the water off its surface.  If it’s causing it to flow toward your home, that could be troublesome.  Check around the outside of the foundation for any spots that may be cracked, crumbling, or deteriorating in any way.  Next, go down to your basement and examine it from the inside, looking for water stains, or any other signs of leakage.

If you discover that water is getting in, you may be able to change the course of the drainage, by removing or altering the grade of the concrete.  If you can’t correct the problem on your own, consult a professional.

To get rid of oil or grease stains on driveways, or garage floors, you can use TSP (trisodium phosphate), which you’ll find at any hardware store or home center.  This stuff really works well, but you’ll have to wear rubber gloves when you’re using it.  Just mix one cup of it with a gallon of hot water, saturate the area, and let it soak in for a half-hour; then, scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse completely.

To patch up concrete, clean the damaged section with a wire brush, then sweep away any residue with a whisk broom.  For narrow cracks, use masonry crack filler, which is available in cartridges, so you can inject it into the gap.  Fill larger crevices with vinyl concrete patching compound, and smooth them over with a putty knife.

When you’re dealing with asphalt, it’s actually a good idea to look for cracks at least twice a year.  If and when you find any, you can quickly eliminate them by using a caulking gun to fill them with asphalt patching caulk, then leveling the surface with a putty knife.  Otherwise, they’ll just keep growing wider, and, eventually, growing vegetation.

Sure, you just want to be able to relax on your porch swing and admire the view; but you certainly won’t enjoy watching a bunch of weeds sprouting from – and ruining – your driveway, especially when you know that it’s all your phalt.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy.

Tags: accent tables, grill, lounge chairs, outdoor dining tables, Outdoor Furniture, patio chairs, picnic table, porch chair, porch swings

classic Pasisian balconies

If you have a small porch, you may be confronted with the issue of choosing and arranging outdoor furniture that will make the most of this outdoor space.  But, before you start fretting, take a moment to give thanks!  Even a small Parisian balcony is something to be thankful for, as an outdoor space attached to your home is a wonderful gift.

But, now that you’re thoroughly thankful for your porch, it’s time to figure out how to make the most of it.

For you dwellers of the small porch, don’t shy away from adding patio furniture.  I find Adirondack chairs and outdoor rocking chairs the most versatile pieces for smaller porches.  They’re easily transportable, fun to re arrange, and can be grouped or separated as needed.  Try facing all of your patio chairs outward to face the view.  You might be thinking, “My view is of a busy road and a neighbor that frequently mows the lawn in his underwear.” You could look into planting trees or trellis sections along the edge of your yard to block that view entirely with green.  But, we’re focusing this post on porches! So, why not try hanging a multitude of hanging flowers and plants around your porch?  Or, if the situation is serious, see if you can hang durable indoor-outdoor curtains or sheers to help camouflage the view. But, also don’t discount the fun of people watching.  While you may have tired of your exhibitionist neighbor-landscaper, your guests might find it thrilling!

Using a mix of outdoor rocking chairs, Adirondack chairs, patio chairs, and other outdoor furniture, you can arrange them to all face out but cluster them to still encourage conversation.  If you feel comfortable, by all means go for larger porch gliders or garden benches, but don’t over-crowd your porch if the space just isn’t available.

Also, evaluate how you’ll use your porch carefully.  Are you looking for a space to relax or to relax… and eat? Or both?  Your porch might not fit a picnic table, but there are plenty of outdoor bistro sets and trestle picnic tables that are perfect for small outdoor spaces.  Plus, you can pull the chairs or benches from that bistro set over to your other outdoor chairs if you have a few extra people over to sit a spell.

If outdoor dining is really your preferred method of enjoying your porch, by all means go for it!  Survey your options for patio dining sets and outdoor bistro sets until you find something that fits your space, your style, and your budget.  And, don’t be afraid to ask for customized options!

If you have the room, make sure to still craft a little secluded corner for yourself.  Even if you use an outdoor rocking chair you plan to pull over to the larger group when guests arrive, have a home base for it.  Add an outdoor accent table for piling books and setting your drink on, and know that that little corner of the porch will be your special spot.  If you prefer afternoon naps to afternoon snacks… string a hammock in the corner of your porch.  It will give you a retreat, while adding a hint of relaxing whimsy to your over-all design scheme.

No matter the size of your porch though, porch swings will work anywhere!  In fact, you might want to use one  to craft that personal retreat I mentioned earlier.  Find an outdoor furniture retailer that provides customizable lengths, measure the widest part of your porch, and ask them what size they recommend to get the most use from the area.  Don’t forget to also get plush outdoor furniture cushions and throw pillows to make your porch swing a destination!

So, no matter the size, shape, or view from your porch… remember that it’s a blessing! Use your space wisely with expert outdoor furniture arrangement, and you’ll enjoy it for longer!

Have Fun!

Hazel

Tags: adirondack chairs, garden benches, hammock, outdoor bistro sets, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor rocking chairs, patio chairs, patio dining sets, patio furniture, picnic table, porch gliders, porch swings, porches, trestle picnic tables

It’s the same every year; in winter, people fantasize about cooking on their grills, eating at their picnic tables, relaxing on their porch swings and gliders, and doing a little gardening.  Then, suddenly, summer is in full swing, it’s too hot, and things are growing, blossoming, and ripening so fast that it’s nearly impossible to keep up with them.

Certainly, there’s no such thing as a “little gardening” in July.  Naturally, we wouldn’t mind it if we had only to tend to those gorgeous flowers that we’ve been waiting to see in full bloom, or harvest the fruits and vegetables that we so patiently cultivated.  What we can’t stand are the tedious, repetitive, maintenance chores, and the constant skirmishes with the marplots that have been put on this planet specifically to ruin our landscapes.

Indeed, along with the mouth-watering sight of those plump, juicy berries that are finally ready to be picked, there’s the nauseating spectacle of those rotten, prickly old weeds that seem to have regenerative powers.  They’re not confined to our lawns and gardens, either.  No-o!  They also pop up between and among bricks, stones, cement slabs, and gravel, weaving hideous, insidious unwelcome mats across our walkways, driveways, and patios.

There are many sprays available that will supposedly kill the weeds, and prevent new ones from growing, for the rest of the season.  Some of them contain harsh chemicals (although their labels say that they’re safe after they’ve dried), while others are organic, and, purportedly, non-toxic to people and pets.  Even so, some folks hesitate to use them.  I’m a little reluctant, too, because I have birdfeeders and birdhouses around my patio, and the birds are always pecking about between the bricks.

A lot of people swear by the very simple approach of pouring boiling water into weed-infested cracks.  As a bonus, this method will wipe out colonies of ants, yellow jackets, and other ground-nesting insects that happen to be living within these crevices.  Saltwater is also effective for killing weeds, but it ruins the soil as well; so if you use it, avoid areas that you have pinpointed for future plantings.

If weeds are young, and not yet firmly established, use a hoe or a rake to expose their roots, early on a cloudless day, leave them where they are, and let the sun finish the job.  Of course, you can always remove weeds the old-fashioned way, by digging them up with a spade or a trowel.

Before you decide on a weeding technique, however, consider the type and consistency of the soil in which they’re growing.  For example, if it’s loose, you may be able to pull them up, roots and all, with no more effort than it would take to pluck the aforementioned ripe berries – or to spray the weeds.  This is often the case in gravel driveways, or older brick, stone, or concrete paths and patios, where you may just need one of those little scooter things that you can sit on (or an outdoor ottoman), for your weed-extracting expedition.

Sure, there’s a lot to do in the garden in July; and even though fighting against weeds may be an uphill battle, there’s no reason to throw in the trowel.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: gardening, gliders, grills, outdoor ottomans, picnic tables, porch swings

Any home on the market today absolutely must have curb appeal.  If it doesn’t, its owners may be in for a lot of drive-by viewings.  However, getting people to stop for a better look is just the first step.  The next is even more significant.  They have to get out of the car; but if the yard is unattractive, they may not even go that far.

Indeed, the landscape of a house can make all the difference in potential buyers’ decisions about whether or not to take those first steps, and then, to continue to the front door, for the full tour.  The problem is that there are so many aspects of it to consider, that it’s difficult to get everything right.

Sometimes, home sellers are so wrapped up in getting the insides of their homes show-ready, that they don’t give the exteriors all of the attention that they need.  Certainly, they’ll cut the grass, prune the hedges, and weed the garden beds; but it takes a lot more than a lush, well-kept lawn, neatly-trimmed shrubbery, and beautiful flowers, to entice people to explore further.

Of course, they want to see a place that’s charming, inviting, and picturesque; and they want to be able to put themselves into that picture, living the good life.  Outdoor furniture can contribute greatly, in that regard.  Porch swings, gliders, outdoor sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks can really make a house look warm and welcoming.

Other outdoor décor items can influence people as well.  While a few birdfeeders, birdhouses, and some planters are fine, yards that are cluttered with too many garish lawn ornaments, such as plastic deer and geese, gazing balls, and the dreaded gnomes, can be repellent.  It’s best to let the interested parties see the gorgeous greenery.

Actually, though, even if the grass, plants, and trees all look spectacular, there can be other elements that people find disturbing.  One thing that can instantly detract from the impression of a meticulously-maintained landscape is the sight of weeds or grass growing in the cracks of pavement, or between the bricks of patios and walkways.  This can be taken as a sign that the inside of the house may not have been kept up properly, either.

On top of that, if the cracks are in the concrete, instead of between separate, solid sections, it shows, without a doubt, that the property is in need of some repairs, and, apparently, the pavement is not the most pressing issue.  This will get people thinking about all of the other things that they may have to fix; so, it’s definitely worth it to replace broken or cracked driveways and walkways.

After working so hard to get people moving toward your front door, don’t let them step on a crack on the way there.  It may not break anyone’s back, but it could break the deal.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: birdfeeders, birdhouses, gliders, Hammocks, lounge chairs, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor sofas, Planters, porch swings