20 steps to a gorgeous garden
With the warmer weather here, I look forward to finally using the other room in my home -- my outdoor room. Decks, patios and even a nice porch can extend and enhance our indoor living spaces and our lives. Find out what you can do to make your own little private haven!
What's needed to create a perfect outdoor atmosphere? The same things as you need indoors -- comfortable seating, a table or two to set down a drink or a good book, and some well-chosen
accessories. Spruce up your outdoor living spaces this summer and entertain or relax in style.
20 steps to make your yard an oasis
- Lattice walls can help mask a bad view (or an ugly fence/wall) as well as provide privacy.
- A trellis or arbor supports hardy climbers and helps to define your space, while also offering some of the same advantages of lattice walls (as mentioned above).
- Deep porches beckon you and your guests to linger a little longer.
- Take advantage of a fenced-in corner of your yard and claim it as a cozy nook -- it will be intimate and inviting when you place an old iron bench or wooden glider there for quiet conversations
or tea.
- The great outdoors allows you to spread out and enjoy different areas of your yard and gardens. Place different seating and work areas throughout.
- Garden shelters/structures, such as gazebos and pergolas, provide just enough coverage from the elements and add character to ordinary decks. Even big-box retailers like Target and Home Depot
now stock gazebo patio structures, so setup can take just hours, versus weeks to have a contractor to complete the job (or years for you
or your spouse to get it done).
- Set up a cooking station, such as those commonly found in summer kitchens. These open-aired kitchens typically include small wet bars, cooktops and barbecue areas. Grilling, serving cocktails
or hosting a buffet becomes effortless when you have everything at hand.
- Furniture cast-offs are great for outdoor use, too -- a few scuffs and dents add to the charm.
- Don't be afraid to use plump pillows and fabrics outdoors. Simply cover seat cushions with water-resistant fabrics or take them in at night.
- Fabric remnants can be used as tablecloths. No need to sew up the edges -- just tuck the ends under and let them puddle on the ground. Lightweight cotton throws and bedsheets can be used as
well, while large dishtowels make great napkins.
- Hang lanterns from fence walls and use lots of hurricanes for candles. Pot plants, herbs and flowers and place them on steps, on tables and in corners.
- Accessorize your backyard with garden statuary and antique gardening tools.
- Old shutters hinged together make a great screen -- one that's perfect for adding vertical interest as well as adding a surface for climbing plants.
- Hang bird feeders and houses from tree branches and fence posts.
- Mix up the formal with the informal when entertaining -- whether you're having tea in the garden, hosting a neighborhood barbecue, or planning a quiet moonlit supper for two.
- Hang an iron chandelier from a pergola and dress it up with crystal drops.
- No need to buy plastic plates and cups -- just use the real thing. Mix-matched china with floral patterns looks especially lovely.
- Dress your table with low flower arrangements so they won't blow over.
- String white lights through trees and along banisters for extra sparkle.
- The best thing about outdoor rooms is that there's no need to redecorate -- from delicate cherry blossoms to bright sun-ripened fruits, nature will always take care of that for you.
