They allow you to direct the shade more than the standalone versions do, but they’re more expensive.
If you’re looking for shade for entertaining or sun relief in a smaller area, think about adjustable choices like offset umbrellas. It’s less expensive than the permanent version and can be easily moved where you need it.
While you’re waiting for your new plantings to mature - or instead of them - consider a pop-up gazebo. Experts say vines that work well are morning glories, hops, sweet peas, clematis, and black-eyed Susan. (Some trees can even be in planters.) The downside: It’ll take a while for new plantings to get established so they offer much protection.Ī quicker-growing natural choice is vines that can be trained to climb trellises. Planting trees and hedges not only cools off your patio but also adds beauty, a relaxing vibe, and privacy. A shade option will help you get the most out of your patio and yard. No matter how much you love being outside, when the sun’s scorching, you’ll want to grab your drink and sunnies and head for the AC. Another selling point for LED and solar: You’ll use less energy. So, there’s less chance of getting burned. The charging panel will need to be in an area that gets a lot of sun.īoth solar and LED lights are cool to the touch, unlike incandescent bulbs, which heat up in seconds. Solar string lights run on energy from the sun, and if you don’t have an outdoor outlet, they may be what you need. That means they should be outdoor rated and designed for all weather conditions. Opt for outdoor string lights that are durable and safe to be used outside. When shopping, check whether the bulbs are removable for replacement and whether they’re incandescent or LED. But what about suspending them above a dining area, maybe in parallel rows? Or illuminating your whole backyard by anchoring the lights to a large tree and the roof of your house? You can even drape them over a privacy fence to liven up a functional backdrop. Sure, you can hang light strings on trees. Why limit lights to holidays when you can add string lights to your patio or backyard and bask in the magic for several seasons of the year?ĭon’t be afraid to get creative. They’re especially compatible with drought-prone areas (and there’s no shortage of those these days!). There’s another budget and maintenance benefit: After perennials are established, they don’t need as much water. Even though some bloom for just a few weeks a year, others bloom more than once, or, like bleeding hearts, are long-term bloomers. It’s true they’re more of an upfront investment, but the flowers return year after year. You get bored with an English cottage garden one year and want to switch to a Mediterranean look the next.īut in the long run, perennials are a better investment, and they grab just as much attention as annuals. And they appeal to the fickle among us (you know who you are). They mature faster, so you’ll see lots of blossoms soon. When you’re deciding what to plant, the first decision is annuals versus perennials.Īnnuals have their pluses.
#5 Plant Perennials Instead of Annualsįlowers are a sure (and budget-friendly) way to add pops of color and eye-catching beauty to perk up a down-in-the-dumps patio. Arrange them to create attractive storage. If a dumpy layer of clutter and scattered pots make your patio look sad, consider adding DIY storage to keep all of your outdoor whatnots neat and tidy.Īn easy option is to paint wooden crates (about $10 each) to match complement your patio and weatherproof the wood with a sealant. #4 Design Outdoor Creative Storage Spaces Paint over the treated spot and that chaise will be right back in its glory days and ready for you in your white shorts. It also protects against future rusting, adding years to your chaise's lifespan. Or use a chemical rust converter (such as Rust-Oleum), which actually changes the rust into a different substance. For less effort, use a drill with a wire brush attachment.įor more extensive rust issues, you can use an acidic agent like vinegar to help with the removal.
Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or steel wool - and a bit of elbow grease - to scour it away. If the damage isn't too extensive, the job can be as simple as scraping it off. But replacing it is expensive - and a waste! Give it a rust-busting makeover, instead. Lounging on your patio, cocktail in hand, requires something to lounge on.īut if that secondhand chaise you bought post-college is covered in rust, you're not going to be relaxing on it in your summer whites anytime soon.
0 kommentar(er)
