Creating a Fall Patio for Enjoyment

There is a feeling in fall of peace. I seem to notice the sky, trees and plants more. I also enjoy the fall colors, which are very vibrant in my NW Pa location. It’s a time when I set down by the creek and watch the leaves float by or spend an afternoon on the patio.
photo credit: Don Hanover III

But many people will need to prepare their yards and patios for colder weather. And few hours of work will help you to enjoy your patio area for a few more months and leave you prepared to the winter months ahead.

Power wash the patio base and all the furniture to remove dirt and pollen that has built up over the summer months. If you do not have access to a power washer, use a hose with a nozzle attachment at the highest pressure

Small maintenance:

• Patch any cracks in the concrete patio pad with sealant from the hardware store.
• Repaint or reseal wood fences or decks after the pressure cleaning.
• Throw out summer annuals, which are starting to fade. You an also overwinter any annuals if you have the space. I always overwinter my geraniums, mums and dusty miller plants. Keep the plant pots for future projects, but clean them with soapy water and bleach if they need additional cleaning

Add accents to your patio furniture with fall-friendly fabric. Deep reds, chocolates, golds, orange and greens complement the outdoor foliage as it changes colors.

Pillows, throws, rugs and placemats are a few ways to add change to the patio area. You may even have an additional patio umbrella that will compliment fall. Tip: Spray non-outdoor fabrics with Scotch Guard so they will not mold or get dirty after rains.

New planters and flowers will change the feel of the patio area. Mums, pansies and zinnias will add color around your patio. Create new window boxes or add flowers to a fence or trellis.

Ornamental grasses, bright cabbages, shamrocks or fall vegetables, like red and orange peppers, will add a feel of fall to your patio. And the pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks tucked near the patio or in the yard will create a fall harvest theme.
photo credit: fauxto_digit

Natural centerpieces for the patio tables using stone pebbles, grapevine and thick white candles will add to your evening’s outdoors. Wicker will also fit well in the fall décor of your patio design.

I enclose my patio in late fall so that I will be able to enjoy the winter months in an indoor/outdoor setting. And by preparing my patio area now, enclosing the patio later is quite easy.