Not so fast. First of all, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard for months to come, even if you have to get a fire pit or throw blanket to sit outside. Second of all, and more importantly for the budget conscious among us, many outdoor necessities, like grills, patio furniture and yard ornaments go on sale this time of year. Big box stores and local garden shops need to clear out their inventory to make way for the winter stock, so you can score a deal if you are shopping now.
But this is a big project, so here are seven tips for making the most of your outdoor space.
Decide How You’ll Use It
Just because you might see sale tags on a beautiful picnic bench doesn’t mean you should snag it. Think long and hard about how you’ve used your outdoor space so far and how you want to use it in the future.
When guests were over this summer, were you short on seating? Did your container garden wilt on a shady balcony? Thinking through how you could rearrange and improve the set up to better fit your needs is critical to making the most of your outdoor space.
Watch the Light
Before you lay your first patio stone or plant your first perennial, think about the light in your new space. Is there enough sun for plants that require full light? Is your desired area for deck furniture bathed in hot afternoon sun without any chance of shade? The presence of sunlight in your outdoor space will have an impact on what you plant and which furniture you buy.
Talk to Experts
Even if you are putting in a deck or patio DIY style, you can still talk to specialists. Some will come out and give free consultations; others might charge a small fee. Also talk to the plant and garden experts at your local garden store. If you are growing a vegetable garden, they’ll be able to tell you which varieties do best in your local climate. You could even schedule appointments with them to make sure you’re not competing with other customers.
Start With the Hardscaping
There is nothing worse than having to dig up plants after you’ve spent days getting your yard just so. So after you have a plan and have talked with the pros, start with the hardscaping. These are the stationary architectural elements that will be there for years to come: patio stones, walkways, decks, fountains and more.
Plant Landscaping or a Garden
Once you’ve got the permanent fixtures in your yard, now it’s time to fill in with the landscape. Choose a mix of plants — for instance, low maintenance perennials and shrubs as well as your beautiful annuals.
Furniture and Furnishings
Now comes my favorite part — the furniture! This time of year you may be able to score a deal or two, but think about your needs. Do you want a lounge furniture setup that is perfect for reading a book while sunbathing or do you prefer an eating area? Do you need umbrellas to help with shade? Be sure to have a way to cover your outdoor patio furniture in the winter to make it last even longer.
Live in It!
And now the final step — enjoy it! So many people move immediately on to the next DIY project without relishing their hard work. When the winter months do come, your backyard memories will inspire warmth.
Perfecting the outdoor extension of your home is a big job, and now is the right time to take it on! Leave your advice for making the most of your outdoor space in the comments below.
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