Extending the Summer Season

Summer is pretty much at its end, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your outdoor furniture yet.  There are things you can do to your outdoor living area so you enjoy yourself outside during the cool weather.  Here are some tips to extend the summer season…

Buy or Install a Fireplace or Fire Pit

Locate fire pits and fireplaces in areas where it can be an extension from inside, where people can go in and out the house easily, but not too close where smoke can get into the house.  Portable fireplaces are less expensive and give you the option to move it where you need it. Firepits and fireplaces can be gas or natural and be made of a variety of materials, including brick, Lannonstone, and fieldstone.

A natural or gas fire ring, like the Lannonstone and brick one shown here, will keep you warm on a cool autumn day

Purchase a Portable Outdoor Heater

Outdoor heaters can be table top or floor heaters and can run on propane, natural gas or electricity (infra-red).

Create a comfortable outdoor sitting area with cozy furniture and portable propane heaters

Experiment with Outdoor Lighting

Put out tiki torches and candles for a romantic, welcoming feeling.  Install low-voltage or line voltage lighting and up light onto plants and architectural elements and statues.  Path lights can create a safe environment and help navigate from one area to another.  Lighting can make a property seem larger and create more curb appeal.

Night lighting lets you enjoy your landscape during the early fall evenings

Install Landscape Plantings with Fall Color

Plant late summer and fall blooming perennials like Asters, Sedum, Rudbeckia and Russian Sage.  Trees and shrubs like Maples, Ornamental Pears, Burning Bush, Sumac and Arrowwood Viburnums have leaves with great fall color.

Create an Outdoor Living Room

Arrange comfortable outdoor furniture with plush pillows to lounge on with cozy blankets.  Use a tent canopy or a trellis / pergola over the area to create a room-like space and shelter from the wind.  Coffee tables, lighting and planters complete the living room feel.