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.

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

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

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

One of the things that many people love about summer is being able to relax on their porch swings, chaise lounges, and Adirondack chairs, and admire their gardens.  If you’re in that number, you know the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having created such beauty through hours of hard labor.  Unfortunately, for a lot of people, much of that effort has gone toward trying to keep pests from destroying their handiwork.  In fact, they will continue their struggles in on-going, and, what often turn out to be losing, battles.

Indeed, it seems unfair that, even as you toil in the soil, there’s a host of bugs looting the leaves, pillaging the petals, stalking the stems, and ravaging the roots, of the plants that you are trying to nurture.  It appears that the only course of action is to assault them with a barrage of sprays, powders, and anything else that’s available at garden centers.  These days, however, because people are becoming increasingly loath to use pesticides that can harm the environment (thank goodness), they’re searching for other ways of rubbing out those little wretches.

Luckily, there are dozens of organic products to choose from; but applying these will also take up precious time that you could be spending cooking on your grill, eating at your picnic table, and napping in your hammock.  Moreover, they will wipe out things that are valuable to your garden as well.  Remember, not all of those creepy creatures have malicious intent; many of them are actually waiting in the, uh, wings, to support your endeavors.

Seen and unseen, they are always there, patrolling above and below the soil, and carrying out their vital missions.  With pistils at the ready, these unsung heroes deliver much-needed supplies of pollen to waiting troops.  At the same time, special units are deployed to devour enemy insects that would cause the annihilation of your vegetation; and all of this is accomplished without the use of chemical warfare.

Therefore, instead of attacking everything that crawls, start a recruiting drive to enlist these beneficial bugs as allies.  Whether you’re trying to cultivate flowers, fruits, shrubs, trees, or vegetables, your first tactic is to strategically place the nectar-rich plants in your garden that will entice them over to your side.

These powerhouse pollinators and elite exterminators include bees, lacewings, ladybugs, flower flies, and mini-wasps.  In many cases, their larvae alone have insatiable appetites.  For example, a ladybug larva can consume up to 40 aphids per day, while a single lacewing will eat as many as 10,000 of them over the course of its lifetime.

The favorite flowers of these famished forces include Dill (Anethum graveolens), Korean angelica (Angelica gigas), Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Goldenrod (Solidago), and French marigold (Tagetes patula).

Add these lovely plants to your landscape, and you’ll soon have some selfless soldiers doing your drone work for you.  Of course, you’ll have to return their thoughtfulness, by being kind to them as well.

So, the next time you’re bothered by buzzing as you snooze in your swingbed or steamer chair, look twice before you bring in the swat team!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Every year, millions of people get married outdoors.  Some take their vows in their own backyards, as they stand in beautifully-decorated gazebos, or beneath arbors or pergolas, while others choose public places, such as parks or beaches.  No matter where the ceremonies are held, however, those who are planning outdoor weddings must be prepared for every eventuality.

For example, I once attended an outdoor wedding in Minnesota, during the second week of October.  Naturally, when I first heard of it, I was worried that the event could be ruined by cold temperatures, rain, or, considering the location, even an early snow.  Instead, there was a freak heat wave, and it was 94º on the big day!

Now, even in August, that would have been a bit uncomfortable; but it wouldn’t have been the nightmare that it was for the out-of-towners who had packed for chilly weather.  So, if your ceremony is going to be outside, stay abreast of weather conditions, and e-mail your local forecast to long-distance guests a few days in advance.

Remember, their comfort is key to the success of your event; and, aside from the weather, seating is one of the most crucial considerations.  For the actual ceremony, of course, you’ll probably have to rent some wood outdoor folding chairs.  If you want to dress them up, you can use ribbons, or, for a more formal look, go to any event planner and get some of those white outdoor furniture covers that are designed to slip right over the chairs.

Afterward, during the period when people will be mingling, make sure that they will find patio chairs, garden benches, outdoor sofas, settees, porch swings, and porch gliders, in all areas where they are welcome to wander.  Don’t leave anyone without a place to sit.

Wind is another thing that can blow your plans; and it can kick into high gear on any day of the year.  Therefore, it’s best to avoid light fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, for bridal, and bridal party, gowns.  Likewise, long trains and veils may prove to be injudicious selections if it really gets gusty.  You should also plan for wind when you’re getting your hair done for the occasion.

Of course, even more substantial materials will be tossed around in very high winds; so, for good measure, you may want to use fishing weights, which can be spray-painted to match any color, to hold down veils, dresses, and tablecloths.  You can also use the weights on ribbons, and attach them to place cards, to keep them where they belong; or put the cards into decorative photo frames, which will be your favors.  Moreover, be sure that the patio umbrellas on your outdoor dining tables and picnic tables are held down firmly with heavy umbrella stands.

Indeed, there’s an endless list of details to tend to, in order to be certain that your outdoor wedding will go off without a hitch.  Uh, I’d better make that, in order to be certain that everything will go smoothly.  After all, if there’s not a hitch, it won’t actually be a wedding!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

As we’ve established, there are several things that you can do to fix, or hide, scratches in your wood patio chairs, porch swings, gliders, and accent tables.  On the other hand, you may be better off replacing things that are beyond repair, or have bigger problems than just having a few marks on them.

This can be a good move, for many reasons.  For one thing, newer wood outdoor furniture, especially if it’s finished and/or treated, tends to be less susceptible to scratches than are older pieces.  It’s also more resistant to decay, mildew, and insects; and these days, it’s available in a much wider range of styles.

Of course, you can also opt for polywood, vinyl, aluminum, or synthetic wicker outdoor furniture.  Some of these materials are nearly indestructible, so you may never again have to worry about scratches, dents, chips, or warping.  Furthermore, you can often find them in just about any color imaginable.  However, even if you get something more contemporary, such as a polywood outdoor dining table, for your patio, you may still want a traditional cedar picnic table for your backyard.

This is often the case, because people simply love wood.  There’s no denying that it has (always had) an irresistible, and indescribable, charm.  Somehow, it seems to radiate warmth, beauty, and comfort – and, in many instances, luxury – and we’ll never stop loving it.  The good news is that, besides being able to repair it, there are lots of things that you can do to prevent, or, at least, mitigate, any damage that it may incur.

Naturally, staining and/or sealing unfinished wood outdoor furniture when it’s new, will give it a big head start.  The only problem is that, like everything else, finishes come in a bewildering number of choices, including lacquer, shellac, polyurethane, penetrating oil, and acrylic and alkyd varnishes.  You’ll also have to select from satin, semi-gloss, and glossy varieties, and decide whether or not you want a stain, a sealer, or a stain/sealer for your outdoor wood furniture.

Because picking the right one can be puzzling, it’s best to arm yourself with knowledge before you venture into the hardware store.  Just for starters, remember that, whatever type of finish that you buy, the only way to get the best results from it is to follow the instructions on the label, and heed warnings about safe usage, proper ventilation, and flammability.  You should also make sure that it is resistant to mold, mildew, insects, and UV rays.

Next week, I’ll attempt to make things a bit less confusing, by explaining the differences, characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks of these products, so that you’ll be able to find the perfect finish for your outdoor furniture.

Right now, however, I’m just looking for the perfect finish for this blog!

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

While we may not be thrilled to find nicks on our wood outdoor furniture, usually, we can be relieved if they’re minor ones, as these are the easiest to handle.  Of course, the amount of damage that a particular piece will suffer, in any situation, will depend upon the kind of wood that it’s made from, and whether or not it is finished (and, if it is, the type of finish can also make a big difference).  Even so, in many cases, it is possible to fix scratches, or, at least, make them less noticeable.

Certainly, there are other things that can mar wooden outdoor furniture, such as the white rings that often appear after someone has set down a glass without a coaster under it.  If you can blot up the moisture right away, it may not leave a trace; but if you don’t get to it in time, a hairdryer may save the day.  Put it on a low setting, and run it over the spot a few times, keeping it at least six inches away, so that the wood will get warm, but not hot.  If that fails, try rubbing the area with some boiled linseed, olive, or vegetable oil, then wiping it clean.

If nail polish gets spilled on your wood outdoor furniture, don’t wipe it up, because it contains solvents that can soften and remove the finish.  Just wait for it to dry, gently scrape it off with something plastic, such as a credit card or a driver’s license, then apply some wax, using superfine steel wool.

Undoubtedly, it’s nice to know that we can restore the good looks of our wood picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, porch swings, and garden benches.  At the same time, however, we must also remember that, like beauty, the damage sometimes runs deep.  A burn, for example, can be quite troublesome; but if it’s not too severe, try rubbing it with a paste made of fine fireplace ash and lemon juice.  Afterward, wipe it clean, and touch it up with the same kind of finish that is already on the wood.

If it’s a deeper burn, surround it with masking or painter’s tape, and scrape out the burned wood with the rounded blade of a craft knife.  If necessary, re-stain the exposed wood, then use a mixture of equal parts of clear nail polish and acetone-based polish remover to fill the hole, one coat at a time, making sure that each layer dries before applying the next.  Finally, use superfine sandpaper to smooth the surface before you remove the tape.

Because such burns are usually caused by cigarettes, you may be able to prevent them by not putting ashtrays on your outdoor coffee table or accent tables.  Ask smokers to light up only on the perimeter of the yard, or in another designated area, and provide large ash urns, or empty coffee cans, filled with a few inches of sand.  Indeed, this is the best way to make sure that people will keep their butts off your outdoor tables.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Colors play significant roles in our lives; so much so, in fact, that they’ve seeped into the fabric of our language and our culture, and have even saturated our sensibilities.

Each color has its own, special meaning, and many are used universally to represent and convey specific feelings and ideas.  Colors influence our moods, and can be used to warn, welcome, comfort, excite, soothe, and inspire.  They are famously invoked to denote rage (I’m seeing red!), envy (the green-eyed monster has reared its ugly head), sadness (I’m feeling blue), cowardice (yer yella!), good health (I’m feeling in the pink!), and more.  Those that aren’t used in expressions are often turned into names, such as Violet, Sienna, and Pearl (although the term, “pearls of wisdom,” puts that last one into both categories).

In some cases, colors are crucial to orderly societal functions.  For example, when driving, everyone knows that red means stop, green means go, and yellow means step on it!  (Just kidding, of course!)  Likewise, we’re all aware of the indications when we hear “red alert,” or “code blue.”

Colors are commonly associated with pride, strength, and unity, as on a nation’s flag, or a team’s uniform.  They are also integral to some of our major celebrations and holidays; on Independence Day, red, white, and blue prevail, while at Christmas, red and green dominate the scene.  Some monumental affairs, such as weddings, are completely planned around theme colors.

Even the degree of happiness that we feel in our own homes is affected by colors.  When we decorate a room, no matter what style we choose, or which materials and furniture that we use, our satisfaction with the results often depends largely upon the color scheme.  This is equally true of our homes’ exterior areas, including porches, backyards, patios, decks, and gazebos.  Actually, because these have become, for millions of people, the main places for entertaining during the warmer months, outdoor décor is more important than ever.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to bring color to these spaces.  Besides your natural surroundings, which may include a variety of multi-hued vegetation, you can plant some garden beds, and display flowers in window boxes and planters, as well as on trellises, arbors, and pergolas.  Furthermore, because outdoor furniture comes in so many different shades these days, patio chairs, picnic tables, outdoor dining tables, and porch swings, can be just as colorful as the flowers.  Even solid wood outdoor furniture groups can be embellished with outdoor furniture cushions and patio umbrellas, which are available in countless colors and patterns.

So, just as is the case with everything inside your home, your outdoor furniture can reflect your taste, style, and personality; or, perhaps I should say, it can show your true colors.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

In the coming months, millions of people will be hosting backyard parties, and cooking all sorts of meats on their grills.  Whether they are charcoal grills, gas grills, or electric grills, they will produce tempting aromas that will have all of the guests who are sitting around picnic tables, on porch swings, gliders, and patio chairs, waiting eagerly for the main course to be done.

Of course, that aroma will be even more tantalizing if the food is being smoked.  Indeed, smoke has been used for centuries, to preserve meats for long periods of time; and now, using barbecue wood chips is seen as the ultimate way to enhance their flavors.  Moreover, the variety of woods that can be used is just as extensive as the assortment of meats that can be grilled or barbecued.

Hickory, which is commonly used for most of the brands of bacon, and other meats, that we always find in grocery stores, is probably the most familiar of all, and is recognized as the leader among the smoking woods.  It smokes intensely, for long periods, and penetrates deep into the meat, giving it a nice, pink hue, and a savory, smoky flavor.  It’s great for smoking pork, red meat, poultry, and game.

Certainly, however, hickory is not the only option, as there are tons of other chips, made from all kinds of woods.  Each one creates its own, distinct flavor, and is thought to be particularly suited to specific types of meat.

One popular choice, mesquite, is a southwestern wood that’s ideal for use with beef, chicken, fish, pork, and lamb, and is ideal for making jerky.  You have to be careful when using it, though, because it is one of the hottest burning of all of the smoking woods, and has an extremely bold, rich flavor that can rapidly overpower the taste of the meat.  To prevent this from happening, many experienced outdoor cooks recommend mixing it, in equal parts, with hickory, unless it’s being used to make jerky.

Cherry wood smokes for a fairly long time, and creates a delicate, fruity, sweet smoke, that does not overwhelm the flavor of the meat.  It can be used for burgers, steaks, chicken, pork, seafood, quail, and game hens.

Oak is also a well-known and widely used wood.   Although, like hickory, it smokes strongly for long intervals, its flavor is not as strong.  Considered one of the most versatile of all of the smoking woods, oak can be soaked in anything from wine to whiskey, to create various flavors on all kinds of meat.  Wine barrel oak, which has been aged in wine for at least ten years, adds a wonderful, fruity smoke to burgers, beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and wild game.

These are but a few of the woods that can be used to make any meat more succulent and delicious.  You can experiment with these, and many more, to add diversity to your outdoor fare.

So, if you can’t afford that trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, you will, at least, be able to enjoy some great, smoky flavors.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy.