Fall is a time to embrace the outdoors. The wonderful, brisk weather invites people to appreciate cooler temperatures. One place to fully appreciate great weather is right in one’s backyard. A well-designed patio is ideal for use all year long. When the cooler weather comes along, now is the time to think about making small changes. Small changes make it easy for the homeowner to lounge outside in the crisp air with a cup of hot cider as they welcome guests to their home.
A Fire Pit
Fire pits are one of the best ways to create a center of warmth in the backyard. A fire pit can also serve as a source of light when the sun goes down, and it gets colder earlier in the day. This is where families can get together and toast bread early in the evening. A fire pit can also serve as a focal point for the entire patio. Fire pits are easy to keep going. The flames can be fed with stray branches on the owner’s property. Children and adults can sit together and warm themselves by the flames.
Pergolas
Pergolas and other on-site structures are just right for fall. They add character to the yard and make each one unique. A pergola can add shade during the summer and provide a place to take shelter on colder days. Pergolas also make it easy for people to grow climbing vines like tomatoes and grapes. Late fall harvest is possible. Think about the placement of the pergola or other structure on the property. It should compliment all other existing structures. Decks can be combined with pergolas and lovely landscaping to make the yard come alive with fall color and detail.
Proper Lighting
Well, thought out lighting can make it easy to use the yard even when darkness falls earlier and earlier. Lighting can be used to illustrate a path from one area of the yard to the next. It can also be used to make it possible to appreciate a lovely vista from all areas of the yard. Any homeowner should think about where they want to place such lighting and why. Small lights can be scattered across the steps from the yard to other places. Larger lights are useful along places where people eat meals and interact with guests.
Relaxing Outdoor Furnishings
As summer turns to fall, furnishings can be used to make that transition easier and still use the yard with ease. Use cushions that are comfortable and yet can withstand the weather all year long. Furniture covers can be used to protect items from an early cold snap and then taken off again when the weather warms up. Larger pieces can be placed against the sides of the patio to keep them even more weatherproof as the fall season continues. Comfortable backyard furnishings make it easy to create a yard that invites great meals and lots of wonderful conversations.