RE-LEAF: Winter offers chance to build outdoor projects
By Debbie Frost
Winter is a great time to do building projects in the home landscape. Take advantage of our relatively mild weather to plan and execute.
Patios, pergolas and porches are all practical, beautiful and enjoyable. They are often thought of as a luxury item but if designed correctly, they can be highly functional and add value to your home.
They can easily extend useful living space, suitable for relaxing, dining and enjoying the outdoors. In most cases, they are often attached to or near by your home, which makes them even more effective.
Hardscape can be added to an existing patio to make the space a little more generous and useable.
Added cement, pavers, flagstone or decomposed granite are a few of the materials available.
Walkways that connect the home to gardens, gates or other seating areas can also be a very useful and beautiful addition.
Walkways can be made of concrete, pavers and other hardscape materials or simple soft materials such as mulch, pine needles, pecan shells or grass clippings.
Overhead structures like pergolas, arbors and ramada create outdoor living spaces. These and other structures can be made of wood, metal or vinyl materials.
Structures can be enhanced with plants around them for framing and sheltering. Vines can be planted around them for shelter, enhancement and/or needed shade. Outdoor kitchens also make a great additions to outdoor spaces.
Outdoor kitchens can be as simple as a grill and a counter or include an island with seating, sinks, refrigerators and completed with overhead roof and lighting.
Speaking of lighting, don’t forget landscape lighting. What an enchanting addition to your landscape.
Not only does it create a charming look, but it is also practical adding an element of safety for getting around the garden and helping guard against intruders.
All this just in time to add to your Christmas wish list.
Create re-leaf for your garden with a winter time project.