How to extend the life of your outdoor space this fall

Basically overnight, the summer disappeared and there’s a chill in the air. Which begs the question, is your outdoor space ready for the chillier weather?

Living in Canada, we all understand that once winter hits, we lose access to our outdoor space. That’s why it’s important to ensure you make the most of your outdoor space throughout the fall. Here are a few tips to help you do so:

1) Don’t be afraid to keep gardening

My favourite part of this season is the beautiful fall colours and plantings available. There are many beautiful options to add to your garden or patios. If you aren’t a gardener or don’t have time to invest in a fall garden, then pick up some potted options at your local grocery store or nursery and embrace the cooler season.

2) Cozy up your patio

Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and patio heaters allow you to continue using your patio on colder evenings. If a heater is not in your budget, you can still enjoy the last few weeks in your outdoor space by staying warm with a cozy blanket and a hot beverage.

3) Decorate your yard

Pumpkins, gourds, hay, corn stalks and Thanksgiving/Halloween decorations can be used creatively to decorate your yard or patio. It is a fun way to get the entire family involved. This task doesn’t need to be commercialized. By enjoying a hike in the woods you can often find objects from nature to embellish your outdoor space. Make it a game with the kids to see what they can contribute.

4) Maintain your deck

Janet Scott from Bombay Outdoors believes it is important to clean off wood decks in preparation for the cold weather. First sweep the deck and then scrub with deck soap to prevent mold and mildew from growing. A little prep means less work in the springtime.

5) Clean your concrete and pavement

A concrete sealer will help extend the life of your concrete patio. We should be winterizing our patios, walks and driveways. Remove any large vehicles from patio brick pavers so they don’t shift. It is also a good idea to add some sand if needed into the cracks. And make sure to direct any water away from pavers.

6) Prep your furniture

Covering your patio furniture will make for easier cleaning when it’s time to put it into storage for the winter. You can use a bed sheet to keep fallen leaves and dirt off the cushions. When the snow starts falling, make sure the furniture is stored indoors or has a heavy duty protective cover. Next spring you will be happy you did this.

7) Keep your yard clean

Rake leaves and garden clippings from the grass to let the sun shine through to the ground. Store and organize garden tools in a shed or garage. Drain the oil from motorized tools such as lawn mowers to avoid engine corrosion. Clean the blades of tools to free them of dirt and grime. Once it’s colder, you’re not going to want to do these things. Get it all out of the way now so you can make the most of the remaining beautiful fall days!

As with most things in life, you are better served with a little planning a preparation. Be sure to check out our Pinterest board for further tips and inspirations.

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts Inc. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.