Author: LadyJ

I’m Julie Beckwith, capable wife and now blogger. I seek to help homeowners improve their health and life while increasing the value and enjoyment of their home, all within budget. I’m good at numbers and have been the CFO – that’s Chief Family Officer – for the Beckwith family for a number of years now. I love my simple life in retirement and have become passionate about recycling, including reusing and upcycling as well as composting and gardening. This LivingOnThePatio blog is my latest interest after a career in product management for the 5th largest national bank and owner of a successful marketing agency. Today, I’m on a mission to assist homeowners to create and benefit from their own outdoor living space because life happens on the patio!

Bird Watching Adds to Patio Fun

There is a delightful joy that comes from bird watching from your own patio.

It happens sometimes when least expected — you’re sitting on the patio in your Adirondack chairs or in your hammock and a bird lands close by. What do you do? You might freeze a bit so as not to startle them — most likely they will stop too. If they feel comfortable birds might begin to search the ground for something — bugs, nest building materials, etc. They may remain long enough for you to notice their markings, the color of their feet, the size of their bill. You probably wish you were knowledgeable enough to know exactly which species you are looking at.

Welcome to the New Trend:
Bird Watching

Bird watching? Yes, learn about the birds that visit your backyard from the comfort of your own patio. Or, as Jim Wright from the North Jersey Record calls it ‘Patio Birding’. According to Wright, all you have to do is sit outside on your deck, or porch, or balcony and take in the sights and sounds.

Let’s face it, birds are EVERYWHERE. So if all you ever do is wait for the show to begin when you visit the patio for whatever reason, that will work. There are ways, though, that you can make those bird “pop-ins” far more likely and more enjoyable. By offering birds a place to nest or to get food, water, or shelter, they will come to visit your backyard. Once they start flocking you then can have fun identifying each species and their unique behaviors. What should you do?

Create a Bird-friendly Habitat

Help with Nesting Materials
During spring and summer, when birds start nesting, habitat becomes really important for a bird. Offering birds a comfortable, safe place to hang out is a great way to bring them to your yard. Birds will land on trees and shrubs in your yard and use their branches and twigs for nests while others collect the brush from downed branches.

Offer a Birdhouse
You can also build or buy a birdhouse, which essentially mimics a tree cavity, but be warned: birds can be incredibly picky about the height, size, and location of their birdhouse. Find birdhouse information at the National Wildlife Federation, the Cornell Lab or the National Audubon Society.

A Birdbath is a Nice Amenity
Bird baths help birds care for their feathers and remove pests when water is scarce. In winter, place a bird bath in the sun or get a heated one to keep it from freezing.

Attract Birds with Food

Plant Native Seed-bearing Plants
The best long-term approach to bring birds to your yard is to add native plants. Many birds love seed-bearing plants, and just about every plant will naturally bring bugs, a key food source. However this works best if you avoid using pesticides since the “pests” are exactly what draw birds. The National Audubon Society offers more guidance for creating a bird-friendly yard with suggestions of plants that provide food. And the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife program has spent 50 years helping educate home gardeners and helping them transform their yards into wildlife refuges that include birds.

Install Bird Feeders
Once you have established your native plants, you can also fill a few feeders with seed. And just like birds, feeders and supplies are everywhere — grocery stores, big box stores, pet stores, hardware stores and specialty shops. But realize that different birds gravitate to different feeders. Some like tube feeders, others prefer platforms or simply to eat seed off the ground. Although you can research which types of seeds particular birds prefer, just about any seed will bring them to your yard. Some feeders have a camera that sends photos and videos to your smartphone.

While a feeder is the quickest way to create a backyard feast, it’s not always the optimum solution because not all birds even eat seeds (who knew?) Woodpeckers, for instance, prefer suet (ever hear of Bark Butter?). Orioles like oranges and grape jelly. Hummingbirds enjoy nectar, or sugar water, which you can make at home. Here’s a recipe for hummingbird nectar from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.

Safety Issues When Feeding Birds

Some risks to feeding wild birds from a feeder include the possibility of spreading disease. It’s recommended that you scrub feeders with a solution of 10 percent non-chlorinated bleach a few times a year.
Window collisions are another danger so place feeders within three feet of the glass or more than 30 feet away to keep birds safe.
A feeder in the open, too far from a tree or other shelter can expose smaller birds to hawks looking for prey.

Know that feeding birds probably means feeding squirrels, too even with “squirrel-proof” feeders. While there are some items that can make it harder for a squirrel — a dome above or below a feeder or weight-activated springs that shut off access_ — realize that most squirrels have figured out a way to get to the seed Some experts sprinkle a little seed on the ground, to make feeders less tempting.

Start Your Bird Watching Education

For starters, identify a few birds that you know really well or the ones that are already using your backyard and become really familiar with them — understand their habitat, the markings of a male and a female, get to know their song, whether they are migrating, or consistently looking for food. A fun way to get introduced to native birds is to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual global event held in February sponsored jointly by the Cornell Lab, the National Audubon Society and Birds Canada. Our library here in Vinton, Virginia provides packets of information including a “Backyard Bird Count Bingo” card — check with your local library. You can download a checklist of native birds from the site as well. Also available to help you with identification are Sibley field guides. If you prefer a digital option, try the free Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell recommended by our guest author Phil Lyon, which can help you identify birds by appearance and behavior or by their sound; he also recommends a premium birding app like “iBird Ultimate Guide to Birds”.

You also may want to invest in a good pair of binoculars, and keep them handy to spot details your naked eye might miss.

Bird Watching Requires Patience

If you are gradually and casually getting into bird watching, curb any impatience you might have. Sam Cohen writing A Beginner’s Guide to Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard for The Discoverer says “I’d sit outside on the patio for 15 minutes at a time and grow frustrated if I didn’t see a single bird in the trees. I had no idea how much patience, curiosity, and positivity was needed to bird watch recreationally. It’s not as simple as observing birds gliding through the air. It’s about growing more perceptive, and becoming attuned to patterns I didn’t know were there.”

Most bird watchers agree that to really enjoy patio bird watching you need to understand how birds use the landscape, how they interact with plants, how they eat, what they eat, etc. That is simply going to require some time and adjustment. For example, many birds arrive at dawn with the still morning and cooler temperatures. Similarly, they tend to become more active at dusk especially in the summer when temperatures drop. Jim Wright, mentioned earlier, calls it dusk birding and settles in a comfortable chair with a table for ice tea or lemonade. And you might want to include a tasty snack and a cocktail while bird watching on the patio.

You may want to keep a guidebook or paper journal handy for taking notes and sketching. Many bird watchers have a “life list” that includes every species they’ve ever seen. But don’t worry if you are not into all the counting and labeling. Just taking time to enjoy your patio and the bird watching it offers will bring you great joy.

And remember, every day is Friday on the patio!

Birds and Mental Health

We asked our good friend and “Birding” hobbyist Phil Lyon to speak to some of the benefits he’s gained over many years of enjoying the birds in his current locale of southern Missouri and throughout his travels. Here are his thoughts:

Early in my youth, I developed an affinity for the outdoors that I have continued into the autumn (some might say, winter) of my life. In addition to hiking through much of Colorado and developing an interest in gardening, I took up the hobby of “Birding” which is different from bird watching. Bird watching is considered a pastime, while “Birding” is a sport that will connect you with many new and sometimes challenging outdoor places. The object of “Birding” is to see as many different species of birds as possible in a year, in a defined area, such as the continental United States. To excel at “Birding” one not only needs to be able to identify birds by their appearance, but it is also helpful to identify them by their song. For those who are interested in knowing more about this sport, I would recommend you read the book “The Big Year” by Mark Obmascik or watch the movie of the same title, staring Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Steve Martin.

Some might ask, “what does this have to do with Birds and Mental Health, from the Patio”? For me, “Birding” became a way to stay connected with nature, get some exercise and improve my mental well-being. Just watching and listening to a variety birds seemed to be very mentally relaxing for me. Studies have indicated that being around birds and in particular listening to their various songs can improve one’s mental health and happiness.

Competitive “Birding” can require a great deal of time, travel and expense; and it is also helpful to be in good physical condition to be able to hike to some of the more remote areas where rare birds are found. Not everyone has the time, money or physical ability to do competitive “Birding”. An alternative is to “Bird” your backyard from your patio, or deck.

Even if you don’t live in a rural area with a large backyard and a multitude of trees as I do, there are still ways to attract a large variety of birds. Setting up bird feeder stations, over time, will begin to attract birds to your yard, even if you have no or few trees for them to rest in. Keep in mind that some birds are only ground feeders, while others will only go to feeders off the ground. If you can place your feeders near a tree, it will improve your chances of getting a few rarer birds then just the more common sparrows, doves, and finches. If you are interested in learning more about Bird Feeder Stations, a good resource is searching on YouTube. A channel by “Mark’s Backyard Birds” is a good resource for feeder designs and ideas. For those who want to identify birds in your backyard, a good resource is the cell phone app “Merlin Bird ID” which can help you identify birds by appearance and behavior or by their sound. For those who want to know more about birds, a good bird identification book could help or a birding app like “IBird Ultimate”. And finally, a pair of binoculars is a good investment to get more enjoyment out of your patio birding experience.

As spring approaches, I look forward to taking my morning coffee out to my deck, and listening to the birds singing as they work to attract a mate or to keep others from encroaching upon their territory. Their songs always bring a smile to my face.
Phil Lyon

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Bird Watching

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Are you a bird watcher? What kinds of birds can you see from your patio? Snap a photo and post it with your comment so we can enjoy what you’re seeing!

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Outdoor Living Space Benefits Good Health

Really? Can an outdoor living space help in gaining better health? Yes.

One big way is to create an environment, at least at home, that helps reduce stress and other negatives which do not contribute to our well being. There are many “someday” or “nice to have” or “wanted not needed” projects on our to-do list. It can take a lot of convincing and persuading ourselves to move those projects onto a “must have” list. Like many people, time, energy, and resources are limited. So before taking on a project, it needs to be imperative — you want compelling reasons why an outdoor living space at your home should become a priority. That is the basis of the research that has become this blog post.

It should come as no surprise that taking time to sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature is good for your health. Many people know about the benefits of gardening. But you may be surprised at why having your own outdoor living space is the preferred way to improve the many areas of your health.

So keep reading to learn nine plus surprising health benefits derived from spending time in an outdoor living space, as well as a few steps that will help with motivation to start or enhance your patio, garden, or outdoor living space for better health.

Reduce Inflammation:
Increase Vitamin D Levels

Between work, commitments, and sleep, it can be hard to find time to soak up the sun. Fortunately, just 15 minutes of sunshine a day can increase your vitamin D levels and help you feel better. Vitamin D not only reduces inflammation but it increases calcium absorption, leading to stronger, healthier bones. It’s also valuable for preventing feelings of depression and increasing positive emotions. So instead of eating at a desk or in front of the television or inside your dining room or den, enjoy your meal on your patio, or lay down for a nap in a hammock. Take your morning coffe e outside and greet the day. All you need is 15 minutes.

Reduce Inflammation:
Breathe Fresh Outdoor Air

Another way to reduce inflammation is to breathe in organic airborne chemicals produced by certain trees called phytoncide s. And fresh outdoor air is full of phytoncides – they help our bodies to increase production of the NK white blood cells that kill infected cells within us. High levels of phytoncides come from common oak, cedar and pine trees. What a benefit if you have these types of trees on your property! If not, consider planting some. Your local Garden Clubs of Roanoke or in your locale can help with the selection of these types of trees. And there is more than one health benefit to having trees in your yard — keep reading.

Reduce Inflammation:
Practice “Earthing” or “Grounding”

A third way to reduce inflammation, is to practice “earthing” or “grounding”. Grounding or earthing refers to direct skin contact with the surface of the earth, such as with bare feet or hands. The earth supplies the body with negative electrons and neutralizes damaging free radicals linked with chronic inflammation, according to a published stud y about earthing at the National Institute of Health. But for a variety of reasons, many individuals are reluctant to walk outside barefoot. So give yourself and others permission to kick off your shoes and walk on the patio and across the lawn, walk barefoot to water your lawn or garden, play with the kids barefoot. Think of it this way — walking barefoot has the blessing of science!

Prevent Nearsightedness

On average, Americans spend around 6 hours and 43 minutes per day watching electronic screens, including TV, computers, smartphones, and tablets.That’s a lot of screen time! For children, spending more time outdoors has been linked with a decrease in the development of nearsightedness. In adults, spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the eye strain, stress, and headaches associated with “computer vision syndrome.” Viewing objects at a range of distances is one of the best ways to maintain eye health, especially for those who use electronic screens daily.

Outdoor living spaces help you to focus on beautiful flowers and plants in your close range of vision and zoom out to birds and faraway views. In adults, there’s good evidence to suggest that spending time outdoors could help slow the natural deterioration of aging vision. So set up a birdbath or a feeder and watch the show from your deck or patio. It’s a great way to get rid of those glasses!

Sleep Better

Blue light from television screens, tablets, and cell phones has the potential to suppress melatonin production and throws off your circadian rhythm. It can disrupt the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep we humans need. Turning off devices and lights can lower your blood pressure and allows your body to prepare for sleep. And when you turn off your devices, where can you go? Outside!

Enjoying the night sky on your patio, in a hammock, or sitting around a warm soothing outdoor fire can help us unplug, slow down, and decompress to the sights, sounds, and aromas of our backyard.

Reduce Stress

Being outside in nature can reduce your heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. Simply breathing in fresh air is one of the best ways to boost your mental health and reduce stress levels. Studies have reported a 13% drop in cortisol levels, and a 6% decrease in pulse rate. In Japan, a forest bathing trip called “Shinrinyo ku” is a short, mindful visit to the forest and is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy. Now forests occupy 67% of the land in Japan so forest bathing is easily accessible. If you are fortunate enough to live near woods, you can breathe in those phytoncides and reduce your cortisol levels. And if you have your own trees, that’s even better! Otherwise, having a beautiful, serene, safe space in your own backyard makes it easy to unwind on your schedule and pace.

Improve Your Memory

Our offices, cars, gym, or even our homes are where routine, productivity, and work are the priorities . . . and where thoughts and meditation can be interrupted. A University of Michigan study found that memory improved by as much as 20% after spending time sitting or walking in nature. When I worked in corporate America I regularly spent time in my office, the bathroom, the stair case, an empty conference room to practice presentations and speeches. Guess where I learned is the healthiest place to practice? Outdoors! Before studying or preparing for a meeting, spend some quiet time on your patio to clear your mind, settle your thoughts, and focus.

Strengthen Relationships

Spending time together in nature increases cognitive function which can help in thinking and communicating more clearly. Communication and interaction are keys for successful relationships. Now, we expect that our homes are designed to provide that interaction and communication. But again, so many families are plugged into the tablet, the TV, the phone that little personal interaction takes place. We can make it easier. While an outdoor space can simply be an extension of your home offering additional square footage, a space that’s designed for specific activities can give you and your family more areas to interact and play together. For example, an outdoor kitchen area for the foodies, or a fire pit for storytelling, or a sand pit for games. Create outdoor spaces that encourage talking.

Live Longer

A stud y by the University of East Anglia found that increasing the time you spend outdoors reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and premature death. And who doesn’t want that? The research team studied data from 20 countries including the UK, the US, Spain, France, Germany, Australia and Japan and gathered evidence from over 140 studies involving more than 290 million people to see whether nature really does provide a health boost. Guess what they found? The study cited exposure to outdoor environments as increasingly recognized as a treatment to both preventing and helping treat disease. Additionally, older adults who spend time outdoors heal faster and get more exercise. So contemplate, exercise, eat or socialize for at least an hour a day on your patio.

Add Value

Installing an outdoor living space is one of the biggest home improvement trends coming out of the COVID pandemic. This space can be adapted specifically for the needs of the homeowner and family:

As a garden room
An outdoor kitchen or bar
A seating area
A patio for entertaining
Even as an outdoor home office

A recent surve y conducted by HomeLight indicated that adding just a deck to your backyard can lead to a 109% return on your investment. No matter what you and your loved ones enjoy doing, there’s a way to shape your outdoor living space into your lifestyle.

Improve Work Productivity

Studies have shown that employees who spend just 29 minutes a day outdoors can increase their productivity by 45%. Time outdoors reduces mental fatigue, increases creativity, and reduces burnout. Outdoor occupations only make up 3.1% of the workforce, so most of us work inside. Between work and home, the average American spends around 93% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. So that leaves just 7% of available time to enjoy the outdoors during the work week. If this statistic holds true for many, why not make sure that your ability to enjoy the outdoors is just steps away from your back door? When you have only a small amount of time to enjoy the sunshine, having your own outdoor living space is convenient and highly beneficial.

So, What Can You Do?

Now, this is a lot of information, right? But it’s good stuff. It can benefit you and your family. And it can benefit others as well. So now that you have access to this information, what can you do?

Share Information

Most people have only a vague idea about the ways that being outdoors can be healthy. As you can see from the information presented here, there are specific benefits that everyone should consider. The best way to help those you like and love is to share this information. Right now, think of at least two people that you personally know who would find this information useful. No need to bombard them — just share a point or two.

Prioritize Outdoor Living Space

Evaluate your personal “must have” project list regarding your own outdoor living space. Where does it fall on that list? In the top three? Or, encourage your family and friends to consider whether their “must have” list should include an outdoor living space. Review all of the benefits outlined here. And then create an action plan. Without a plan you may never get to enjoy the surprising health benefits of an outdoor living space. Make it happen!

Encourage Involvement

Invite friends and family to help you with outdoor living space brainstorming ideas, help you in your garden, help you to kick-back for a lazy afternoon an or evening of entertaining on your patio, or for fun and games in your outdoor living space. Getting involved, participating in, having fun, and learning the ropes helps people experience the benefits themselves and encourages them to be proactive in developing and enhancing their own outdoor living space.

Research

Included in any research you may do, review the section on this blog: Your Patio: Getting Started to see some of the planning tools you’ll need to make sure your outdoor living space gets developed or upgraded to bring you and your family the greatest joy and benefit. We can help you navigate through options and get you better prepared before you start.

Planning can never be underestimated given the cost of outdoor projects and the desired benefits you hope to achieve. Make thought, discussion, and planning on paper the first steps you take when considering any outdoor living spaces. We can help you with an onsite or video conference consult if you are ready to move forward on your project.

Questions?

Given the volume of information presented here, you may have some questions. Some I can readily answer and others I may have to research. But I’ll do my best to help answer questions that will get you on your path to an outdoor living space that offers you benefit.

Please use the comment space below to ask any questions so that my response may be enjoyed by all readers. If you have inquiries of a confidential nature, use this contact for m to speak personally to me.

Outdoor Living Space: Good Health, Long Life, and Well-being

I hope it’s evident how valuable it is to have a living space that is designed with your needs and desires in mind so you will get the most pleasure possible. The benefits listed here show how important an outdoor living space is for good health, long life, and well-being. Consider all of the benefits talked about in this post when thinking about your project list priorities for planning or enhancing your outdoor living space. Then, have fun living in an environment that meets your wants and needs and adds great value to you and your family and friends.

Please Leave a Comment: Outdoor Living Space Benefits Good Health

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Let us know if you’ve experienced the same health benefits discussed in this post in your outdoor living space. Attach a photo to your comments so we see how you’ve created your outdoor living space.

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Winter Patio Fun — 7 Ways to Warm It Up!

Have you ever stood at your kitchen window — or any window — looking out over your patio in winter, missing the summer fun you had? Perhaps you’ve wondered how long it would be before you could again sit outside and listen to the birds, watch the bees, and feel the breeze? Well, don’t wait for summer to enjoy your patio. You can enjoy winter patio fun too!

Learn all about the inspiration (and essentials) for winter patio fun. Make your patio warm, cozy and welcoming during the months of winter, even if you don’t live in a cold-winter part of the world.

And, believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to get outside. It’s true! Spending time on your patio during winter can be surprisingly enjoyable. A few perks that come immediately to mind include:

Fresh Air
Being outdoors, even in colder weather, can provide a refreshing change of scenery and fresh air, which can be invigorating.
Quiet and Peaceful
Winter might bring less noise, certainly fewer insects, offering a hushed and more serene outdoor experience compared to the other seasons.

Obviously there are going to be times when being outdoors is not feasible or enjoyable — think below freezing temps or a windy gale — brrr. But ultimately, spending time on your patio during winter allows you to embrace the weather, connect with nature, and find comfort in the outdoors, even when it’s colder.

Seven Ways for Warmer Winter Patio Fun!

With the right setup, such as heaters, blankets, and maybe a fire pit, your patio can become a snug little haven. Here are several ways to get your winter patio fun started:

1. Outdoor Heaters

Invest in outdoor propane or electric heaters, such as standing heaters, tabletop heaters, or mounted heaters. They can provide significant warmth and help keep your patio comfortable. You might be interested in this Patio Heate r that we use for our frequent winter happy-hours.

2. Fire Pits or Chimineas

These not only provide warmth but also create a cozy atmosphere. Fire pits and chimineas come in various designs and sizes and can burn wood, propane, or natural gas. And while A Fire Pit is Year Round Fu n, it REALLY comes in handy during winter. Remember to “think safety” when using heating elements or fire sources outdoors. Following manufacturer instructions and placing heaters or fire pits on stable surfaces away from flammable materials is essential for the utmost safety.

3. Outdoor Rugs and Curtains

Covering the floor with outdoor rugs helps insulate the area, while outdoor curtains or windbreaks can shield your patio from cold winds and helps retain the heat. The curtains on our 12’ by 12’ Toja Gri d pergola work as a wind break in winter as well as a sunshade in the summer.

4. Cozy Seating and Blankets

Use comfortable cushions on the outdoor furniture, especially if the furniture is metal. Add lots of throws or blankets for guests to bundle up in. These do not have to be fancy. But enjoy decorating your outdoor space – it’s an extension of your home and your unique style should be reflected in your outdoor living space.

And by the way, having some comfortable and warm winter garb to wear is critical for an enjoyable outdoor cold-winter experience. We’ve embraced fleece vests, hats, and gloves as well as poly-fill puffer jackets which can be easy on the pocket book but very effective at keeping out the cold. We’ve acquired much of our outdoor winter wardrobe from the cool website: 32degrees.co m

5. Enclosed Spaces

Consider creating a partially enclosed area with a roof or walls to protect against wind, cold, and precipitation. That was the idea for our Grilling Dec k – weather protection to grill all year long!

6. Hot Beverages and Snacks

Serve warm drinks and have snacks available. Having hot cocoa, tea, or coffee on hand can help keep everyone warm from the inside out. Try our recipes for Black Bean Chili, White Bean and Bacon Sou p and Julie’s Hot Toddy’s.

7. Light Up Your Patio

Lighting your patio in winter, in particular if there is snow on the ground, creates a dynamic visual effect as the light reflects against the snow and radiates throughout the entire environment.

Popular lighting options are string lights (powered or solar), a variety of lanterns (powered, solar, or fuel such as lamp oil), or bottle lights (powered by batteries). All of these options can be hung between trees or along a pergola. A combination of lighting options offers some functional lighting — say, you’re sipping a warm beverage and need to see — as well as lighting for ambiance to set a mood on a crisp winter evening. Shop for a variety of bottle and jar lights her e.

Let the Winter Patio Fun Begin!

Now that you’re all set up with heaters, blankets, and maybe a fire pit — your patio can become a cozy winter haven. Enjoying the crisp air while staying warm and bundled up can be a delightful experience. Once you have created a cheerful atmosphere, here are some ideas to maximize the use of your outdoor living space for winter patio fun:

Stargazing
Winter nights often bring clearer skies, making it an excellent time for stargazing. Your patio can offer a perfect vantage point for observing the night sky. Learn all about the basics of Stargazing as Great Entertainmen t.
Outdoor Activities
Depending on your interests, you can still engage in outdoor activities like reading, enjoying a hot drink, or even doing some winter birdwatching.
Entertaining
Hosting friends and family on the patio during winter can be a unique and memorable experience. Cozy gatherings with warm beverage s, yummy foo d, and good company can make the cold weather more enjoyable.

And it is a good idea to have a handy basket of hand warmers, chap stick for dried lips, extra gloves, mittens, and hats — whatever is necessary to keep your guests warm and toasty. Comfort is critical when entertaining on the patio in a cold-winter environment.

However you decide to warm up your patio, make sure you continue to use your outdoor living space during the winter months for winter patio fun. And remember, every day is Friday on the patio!

Winter Patio FAQs

How do you create a winter outdoor space?

Sometimes winterizing the outdoor space is as simple as bringing indoor comforts outside. Lay a rug, hang a curtain, or add a canopy. It could also be as simple as having some blankets and pillows around. Add these to the seating in this space, and you can count on staying cozy all season long.

Do patio heaters really work?

As temperatures drop, outdoor heating keeps your exterior spaces cozy. Unless you live in a state where winter plummets below 0°F, the best outdoor heaters and outdoor fire pits will keep outdoor spaces accessible far longer than they would be without.

Can I garden around my patio in winter?

There are plenty of plants for patios in winter. Evergreen bushes, conifers, grasses, flowers, and even succulents can be part of the display. Consider plants with winter interest as well, such as those that have persistent berries or interesting bark.

How should I light my winter patio since it gets dark earlier?

As night falls earlier in winter, creative lighting turns your patio into a winter wonderland. Twinkling string lights can transform your garden or patio into a celestial sanctuary mirroring the starlit winter sky. Wrap them around bare tree branches, cascade them over fences, or weave a canopy of light above your head.

Dot solar LED lanterns along pathways, hang them from branches, or cluster them around your seating area. With creative lighting ideas, craft an atmosphere that wraps you in a warm embrace against winter’s chill.

Please Leave a Comment

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Is winter an outdoor season for you? What do you like best about being outdoors in cooler weather? Are you having winter patio fun currently? If yes, how are you enjoying your patio in winter near Roanoke, Virginia, or in any other location, anywhere? Please attach a photo to your comment so we can see how much winter patio fun you’re having.

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Glamping in Your Own Backyard

Setting up a glamping tent in your backyard can be a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining a level of comfort and luxury. Glamping, short for “glamorous camping,” combines the experience of camping with some of the conveniences and comforts of home.

Exploring the Glamping Phenomenon

It was during my research about National Relaxation Day last year that I began to explore the glamping trend. Glamping has emerged as one of the most popular consumer trends in the US. According to Grand View Research, the global glamping market size was $2.73 billion in 2022 (USD) and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2023 to 2030. In the past, staycations were primarily used for special occasions, but in recent times, individuals, couples, families, etc. have realized that they need to indulge themselves on their days off from work and family commitments. Many nowadays choose nearby getaways for long weekends, preferring vacations within the borders of cities. Apparently, a tiny (but growing) group of people have opted to glamp in their backyards.

What is Glamping?

There is a difference between regular old camping and glamping. Glamping is short for “glamorous camping” and is supposed to combine the experience of camping with some of the conveniences and comforts of home. Glamping has become popular among individuals and couples seeking a unique and comfortable outdoor experience, as well as for special events like weddings, retreats, and corporate getaways. The concept of glamping aims to provide a balance between the adventure of camping and the luxury of a hotel stay, allowing people to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. But the key to the whole experience is in one major element – the tent!

Glamping — It All Comes Down to the Tent

Glamping tents are an integral part of the glamping experience. These tents are designed to provide comfort, style, and convenience while allowing guests to connect with nature. Glamping tents often feature larger and more spacious interiors, which can fit comfortable bedding, furniture, lighting, and sometimes even heating or air conditioning systems. They can come in various styles, such as safari tents, yurts, bell tents, cabin tents, and more, and are popular choices for glamping setups due to their roomy interiors and aesthetic appeal. To choose the right tent, think about your desired activities: if you wish to use your tent to sleep, make sure there is room for a comfortable bed; a seating area, and possibly a small table to read or work remotely. The key is: select a tent that is spacious enough to accommodate the modern comforts you wish to enjoy.

Elements for Your Backyard Glamping Tent

The goal of glamping is to create a luxurious and comfortable outdoor experience. Be creative and have fun designing your backyard glamping tent to suit your desires and needs.

While the type of tent you chose is important, here are other elements to consider as you go about creating a glamping tent in your backyard:

Furniture and Decor
As previously stated, the type of furniture you purchase will depend on how you will use the tent. Consider adding decorative touches like rugs (especially important to prevent tears or marks on the tent floor), floor cushions, and ambient lighting to create a cozy and visually appealing atmosphere. If you plan on sleeping in your tent, invest in a high-quality mattress or a thick sleeping pad for your bed. Use soft bedding, pillows, and cozy blankets to make the sleeping area inviting and comfortable.
Lighting
Use a combination of battery-powered candles, lanterns, and outdoor string lights, to create a warm and magical ambiance during the evening.
Heating or Cooling
Depending on the weather, consider whether you will be adding a portable heater or fan to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the tent.
Power Sources
Ensure you have access to power sources for using appliances or devices, using lighting, and other amenities. Extension cords or portable power banks can be useful for this purpose.
Privacy and Screens
Depending on your location, amenities and preference, you might need to use screens or curtains to provide privacy and keep bugs out.
Nature Integration
Take advantage of your backyard’s natural beauty. Position the tent to provide the best views, and access to the other parts of your backyard, such as the dining area of the patio for meals or board games, the fire pit for roasting marshmallows and the hammock for stargazing.
Weather Considerations
Be prepared for changing weather conditions by having rain covers, wind barriers, and other protective measures in place.
Safety Precautions
Always prioritize safety. Make sure your glamping setup adheres to fire safety guidelines and is secure from potential hazards.
Themes and Personal Touches
Customize your glamping experience by choosing a theme or adding personal touches that reflect your style and interests.

My Personal Glamping Journey Into My Own Backyard

Glamping became a focus of mine when I purchased the Timber Ridge Glamping Tent last year from Sam’s Club (and now available at Walmart) and set it up just to make sure we had all the parts. Not only was being inside the tent curiously appealing to me, but friends and family were drawn to it as well. It was just fun being inside even when it was empty. That’s when I decided that in 2023, the tent would be set up in the spring and I would spend the summer furnishing it and using it as my own personal space – I wanted to see how I would use it without any preconceived ideas. Given that the best place to set it would be on an incline in our yard (we live in a hilly neighborhood with limited flat spaces), I decided the furniture would be small and portable – quilted rugs and spreads on the floor, pillows and poufs to lay on and lean against. It became for me a place of quiet and reflection, where I would read and write and contemplate. As we did not add any appliances for temperature control inside the tent, in future I probably will set it up in late August or early September to take advantage of the cool evenings in fall.

*Wide open interior of Julie’s glamping tent — lots of room for chill’n and snacks*

*Plenty of pillows and poufs for easy relaxing in Julie’s glamping tent*

*Having fun with cool and unique decor in Julie’s glamping tent*

*Detail of one of the more colorful poufs for sitting in Julie’s glamping tent*

How to Use Your Glamping Tent

Using a glamping tent in your backyard can provide you with a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience while still enjoying the comforts of home. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your backyard glamping tent:

Weekend Retreat
Treat yourself to a mini-vacation without leaving home. Spend a weekend in your glamping tent to unwind, read, relax, and rejuvenate.
Outdoor Movie Nights
Set up a projector and screen inside the tent for outdoor movie nights. Grab some popcorn and enjoy your favorite films under the stars.
Family Campout
Introduce younger family members to camping by setting up a glamping tent in the backyard. It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience the outdoors in a safe and familiar environment.
Romantic Getaway
Plan a romantic evening for you and your partner. Decorate the tent with soft lighting, candles, and comfortable seating for a memorable date night.
Solo Retreat
Use the glamping tent as your personal retreat space on an ad hoc basis, whenever you need to recharge during your day. Meditate, journal, or simply enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Creative Space
Turn the tent into a creative oasis. Use it as a writing or art studio, or a place to practice a musical instrument without disturbing others.
Outdoor Dining Experience
Set up a small dining area inside the tent and have a gourmet dinner outdoors. It’s a unique way to enjoy a meal with a touch of elegance.
Social Gatherings
Host intimate gatherings with friends and family in the glamping tent. It’s perfect for small celebrations, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.
Fitness and Pilates Retreat
Use the tent as a space for pilates, meditation, or home workouts. Enjoy the fresh air while staying active and healthy.
Reading Nook
Create a cozy reading nook inside the tent with comfortable cushions and blankets. Spend hours getting lost in your favorite books.
Writing Retreat
If you’re a writer, use the tent as a quiet and inspiring place to work on your projects.
Wellness Retreat
Set up a space for relaxation and self-care. Practice mindfulness, stretching, or aromatherapy in your glamping tent.
Family Adventures
Involve your children in backyard camping experiences. Plan outdoor activities, storytelling sessions, and nature exploration.
Staycation Experience
Transform your backyard into a temporary vacation spot. Unplug from technology and fully immerse yourself in the outdoor setting.

The possibilities are endless! Tailor your glamping tent experience to your interests, needs, and the changing seasons. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or quality time with loved ones, a backyard glamping tent can provide a memorable and enjoyable escape.

And remember, if you’re dining in your glamping tent, check out the Patio Food section of this blog. There are super easy and super yummy ideas there for glamping tent eating fun.

Glamping FAQs

What is the objective of glamping?

The word glamping is a portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping.” Think of it as luxury camping. Instead of roughing it in a sleeping bag in a cramped tent with few amenities, you’ll be surrounded with luxuries to make the experience more comfortable.

How do you make glamping fun?

To keep everyone entertained throughout the day and evening, bring board games, lawn games, and cards. And if you’re ready to take your glamping experience to the next level, use a screen projector and a white sheet to watch movies outside. Also, fire pits add to the experience as well as star gazing. Of course great food and adult beverages are a must. And don’t forget to relax!

Why do people prefer glamping?

If you are someone that loves the idea of camping, but you are not quite ready to rough it in the great outdoors, then glamping might just be the perfect solution for you. Glamping will offer you a luxurious and comfortable way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing certain comforts.

Please Leave a Comment

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Are you currently enjoying glamping? What do you like best about glamping? Do you glamp at home? If you don’t glamp at home, where near Roanoke, Virginia, or in any other location, anywhere, do you love to chill out while enjoying luxurious glamping? Please attach a photo to your comment so we can see how cool your glamping tent looks or wherever else you glamp.

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Old Gardening Books Connect Past and Present

Today, anytime a person has a question about anything, one of the first responses is to ask “did you google it?” And internet research is an important part of getting answers. But it is not the only answer – and often the information on the internet has been gathered from books. While Google can provide quick facts, there are several reasons why reading old printed gardening books can be beneficial.

Why Read Old Books on Gardening?

While modern gardening literature and online resources are valuable and offer up-to-date information, old printed books provide a unique and enriching experience that can enhance your gardening knowledge and practices. They offer a different perspective, historical context, and a chance to explore the timeless wisdom of gardeners from the past.

Here are a few key reasons why you might want to explore adding old gardening books to your home library:

Historical Perspective

First there is the historical perspective. Old gardening books provide a glimpse into the gardening practices, techniques, and knowledge of past eras. They offer a historical perspective on how gardening has evolved over time, which can be fascinating and informative.

Traditional Wisdom

Next, these books offer lots of traditional wisdom. Many old gardening books contain traditional wisdom and tried-and-tested methods that have stood the test of time. They often offer insights and techniques that might not be commonly found in modern gardening literature. They can introduce you to traditional approaches that have been practiced for generations and might still be relevant and effective today.

Time-Tested Advice

Another advantage is time-tested advice. Old gardening books often feature advice and recommendations based on practical experience. The authors of these books had firsthand knowledge of gardening and shared their expertise to help readers achieve success in their own gardens. Such advice can be valuable and reliable, even if it predates modern scientific advancements.

Unique Plant Varieties

Very often, these books highlight unique plant varieties. Old gardening books may mention plant varieties that are no longer widely cultivated or available. Exploring these books can introduce you to heirloom or rare plant varieties that have been forgotten or overlooked in contemporary gardening. Rediscovering and growing these unique plants can add diversity and interest to your garden.

Inspiration and Aesthetics

Also important is inspiration and aesthetics. Old gardening books often have beautiful illustrations, engravings, and detailed descriptions that capture the artistry and aesthetics of gardening. They can inspire you with ideas for garden design, plant combinations, and overall aesthetics. These books can be a source of inspiration for creating a timeless and elegant garden.

Personal Connection

Lastly, there is that personal connection. Reading old gardening books can create a sense of connection to the past and the gardeners who came before us. It allows you to tap into the collective wisdom of previous generations and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history of gardening.

What You’ll Learn From Old Gardening Books

Now, of course, our local library has some excellent resources you can use to gain knowledge and perspective that old gardening books can bring. But there are several reasons why you might consider buying or purchasing old printed books on gardening:

Authenticity and Charm
Old printed books have a certain charm and authenticity that digital resources often lack. Holding a physical book in your hands, flipping through its pages, and experiencing the tactile sensation can be a delightful and nostalgic experience. Old books often have unique characteristics like beautiful illustrations, ornate covers, or handwritten notes, which add to their charm and appeal.
Collectible Value
Some old gardening books have become collectible items due to their rarity, historical significance, or the reputation of the author. If you have an interest in collecting books or enjoy owning valuable and unique items, purchasing old gardening books can be a rewarding hobby. The value of certain books may appreciate over time, making them an investment as well.
Access to Out-of-Print or Rare Books
Old gardening books often include information on plant varieties, gardening techniques, or specific regional knowledge that may no longer be readily available. Purchasing these books allows you to access valuable information that might be difficult to find elsewhere, especially if the book is out of print or not digitized.
Deeper Exploration and Research
Owning old gardening books provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration and research. You can spend time studying the content, referencing specific passages, and cross-referencing information. Old books often contain extensive details and insights that may not be found in condensed or modernized versions.
Aesthetic Appeal and Inspiration
Old gardening books are often visually appealing, with intricate illustrations, engravings, or botanical drawings. They can serve as a source of inspiration for garden design, plant selection, and overall aesthetics. Owning and displaying these books in your gardening library can enhance the ambiance of your space and ignite your creativity.
Preservation of Knowledge and History
By purchasing old gardening books, you contribute to the preservation of knowledge and history. These books represent a snapshot of gardening practices, techniques, and botanical discoveries from the past. By keeping them in circulation and appreciating their value, you help ensure that the wisdom and insights contained within these books are not lost to time.

While purchasing old printed books on gardening may require some investment and effort, the unique qualities, historical value, and the pleasure they provide make them worthwhile for enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a deeper connection to the gardening legacy of the past.

Where Can You Find Antique or Old Gardening Books?

Hunting in used bookstores, antique shops, and online auctions will turn up a fair share of gems, but there are several other reliable sources for quality old gardening books.

Woodburn Books consistently provides some of the most wonderful, high-quality old tomes, but expect to pay a premium.
Horizon Books is another, more specialized source for old gardening books.
Abe Books, Biblio and Alibris are also good sources with many titles to choose from.
And don’t forget to look for reprints: Several of the 17th-century English gardening books by William Lawson, for example, have been reprinted by Prospect Books.

We, too, are pleased to showcase some limited gardening books for sale on an online resource for independent booksellers. Click this link — livingonthepatio on Bibli o — to find gardening books with topics ranging from building your own green house to lasagna gardening to growing with indoor lights.

Relax and Read Old Gardening Books

Once you’ve acquired a few old gardening books you’ll want to sit back and relax and just soak up the wonderful knowledge in these books that will help you polish up your gardening skills and techniques, like the value of making your own compost to enrich your garden soil. Of course, you may want to head out to the patio with your books and, of course, a patio beverage and maybe a snack. Then, enjoy your read!

And remember, every day is Friday on the patio.

FAQs Answered — Old Gardening Books

What are 5 benefits of gardening?

In addition to providing nutritious veggies and fruits for your dinner table and beautiful flowers to decorate it, gardening offers a variety of health benefits.

Exposure to vitamin D.
Decreased dementia risk.
Mood-boosting benefits.
Enjoyable aerobic exercise.
Helps combat loneliness.

Does gardening make people happier?

Results of another study showed that gardening increased life satisfaction, vigor, psychological wellbeing, and cognitive function. Further research on gardening found it improved life satisfaction and mood.

What size garden should a beginner have?

A good size for a beginner’s vegetable garden is 6×6 feet. Select up to five types of vegetables to grow, and plant a few of each type. You’ll get plenty of fresh produce for your summer meals, and it will be easy to keep up with the chores.

What month should you start a garden?

Generally March and April, when the soil begins to warm, are the best months to begin sowing many hardy annual vegetable seeds outdoors including broccoli, cabbage, chard, carrots, peas and parsnips.

Should you till your garden in the fall or spring?

Spading or tilling the soil in the FALL allows for the winter conditions of freezing and thawing to naturally break the soil into its particles. This results in a crumbly state desirable for spring planting. Soil is often damp or wet in the spring which makes deep spading more difficult.

Is gardening really worth it?

Growing your own food is a healthy way to save money and enjoy fresh produce at home. When done correctly, even the smallest backyard plot can produce copious amounts of fruits and vegetables and possibly even a significant saving to the grocery budget.

Please Leave a Comment

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or tell us what we missed and can add to this post. Are you an avid gardener or a beginning enthusiast? Are you using old gardening books? Where did you find them? (We have several used book stores in Roanoke, Virginia.) What have you planted in your garden either to look at or to eat? Are there any “old world” gardening techniques that you have discovered and used with success? Please share! And post a photo of your garden with your comment so we can see the fruits of your labor.

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Pantone Color of the Year: Use it on Your Patio

Every December since the year 2000, the design world awaits the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year to inspire the next year’s design trends.

What does the Color of the Year have to do with living on the patio? Keep reading and you’ll find easy ways to incorporate the color into your patio and yard no matter the color, or year, or wherever you live — Roanoke, VA or anywhere else!

The Impact of Color

Chances are you have an immediate reaction to the color you see in your environment. This would be based on your personal experiences with the color.

There is a science to color
Our eyes convert visible light of varying wavelengths into electrical signals that get sent to our brain, which then converts those signals into our visual reality.
There is the psychology of color
Our brain also processes the thoughts, emotions and memories that we relate to different colors.
There is the culture of color
Our associations and perceptions of a particular color is influenced by the cultural trends and norms in which we grew up (in the U.S., blue for a boy, pink for a girl).

While colors can quickly help us identify and understand important information, they also help us communicate and feel emotions. So color is used across industries to achieve results and define experiences. All this reinforces why the Pantone color trend forecast is important and influential.

Who is Pantone?

In 1963, Pantone revolutionized the printing industry with the colorful PANTONE MATCHING SYSTEM^®, a then innovative tool allowing for the faithful selection and reproduction of consistent, accurate color anywhere in the world – you may have seen the printed color guide ‘fans’ used at a print shop. The tool organizes color standards through a proprietary numbering system and chip format, which have since become iconic to the Pantone brand. Pantone supports all color conscious industries; textiles, apparel, beauty, interiors, architectural, and industrial design, encompassing over 10,000 color standards across multiple materials including printing, textiles, plastics, pigments, and coatings. Pantone Standards are available both digitally and physically.

The Pantone Color Institute^™ is a consulting service within Pantone that forecasts global color trends and advises companies on color in brand identity as well as product development.

How is the Color of the Year Chosen?

The Pantone Color Institute studies color trends throughout the year in order to decide on the next Pantone Color of the Year. They take into consideration all aspects of society: fashion, marketing, social media and even politics. The hue chosen as Color of the Year has become increasingly influential in the vast world of design and brand marketing. When the new color is announced in December, designers and developers look into how it can be incorporated into their business.

Should You Care About the Color of the Year?

If you are a lover of color, then yes! The Pantone Color of the Year is a color trend forecast for the consumer, which means that it’s intended to be used for consumer products and designs. Some creative brands renew their look every year according to the new color, but most businesses cannot handle that much change. And neither can consumers.

But hey, it’s a fun way to be “trendy”. So, let us show you some easy ways to incorporate the Color of the Year into your patio and yard no matter the color or year.

Incorporate Color Into Your Patio and Yard

Color is such an emotional and dynamic element of any space or environment such that it is natural that we want to have pleasing colors in our outdoor living space. Here are a few suggestions on how to bring a splash of color to your patio area without breaking the bank:

Paint Something

Paint is an obvious way to incorporate color. Paint a flower pot or a piece of yard art, maybe even a few simple accessories like vegetable stakes or signs.

Rug Color

An outdoor rug is the ideal way to add color to your patio without changing the furniture, having to paint or wallpaper walls, or commit to an expensive carpet that might not last if the Pantone Color of the Year is fashion color and not a timeless classic.

Seat Cushions or Pillows

Add the color with those soft furnishings or an outdoor throw draped across a sectional couch or chair.

Flowers or Foliage

Search and find a color match in your garden or planter pots. Remember the Pantone Color of the Year permeates everything, even plants. And if you cannot find an exact match, you will be able to find some plant in the same color family.

Outdoor Tableware

As mentioned, many businesses look to include the color in their product lines including linens, glasses, serving ware, utensils, you name it.

Color Brings Life to Your Outdoor Living Space

I’m sure we’d all agree that color makes us feel vibrant and truly livens up any space as your personal taste determines. And it is easy to add whether by natural means such as colorful plantings or by human addition — paint, furniture, pillows, umbrellas, and more. Color can be found even in the food we enjoy — red watermelon, a deep green spinach salad, yellow corn on the cob, or one of Julie’s Cosmopolitan Cocktails, which incidentally, is a muted magenta color. So have fun bringing color into your outdoor living space and onto your patio. Change it every season and revel in how it makes you feel and smile. Enjoy!

Please Leave a Comment: Color of the Year

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Have you considered how you might add more color to your patio or outdoor living space? What has been your experience? How did you decide to add your color? Please add a photo to your comment so we can see how beautiful the color you’ve added to your patio looks.

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Patio Furniture: The “Buy New” Approach

No matter what your space looks like today, smart seating plans need the right patio furniture for the best outdoor life. Make the most of your summer enjoyment by finding and choosing the perfect furniture for your patio.

What to Consider Before Buying Patio Furniture

Material

The material of your patio furniture is important for both durability and comfort. However, no matter which material you choose, your furniture will require maintenance to last from year to year. Some common materials include:

Wood
Wood is a classic choice for patio furniture, and it can be very durable if it’s properly sealed. However, it can be susceptible to rot and insect damage, so it’s important to choose a weather-resistant wood such as teak or cedar.

Metal
Metal patio furniture is very durable and can withstand all types of weather conditions. However, it can be hot to the touch in direct sunlight, so it’s not the best choice for sun-rich climates.

Plastic
Plastic patio furniture is often the most affordable option, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. However, it can be susceptible to fading and cracking, so it’s not the best choice for long-term use.

Wicker
Wicker patio furniture is a great choice for those who want a stylish and comfortable option. It’s made from natural materials, so it’s breathable and comfortable to sit in. However, it can be susceptible to fading and cracking, so it’s important to store it indoors when not in use.

Click here for Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Patio Furniture in Good Condition in this post.

Style

The style of your patio furniture should complement the style of your home and your outdoor space to bring your lifestyle outdoors. If you have a traditional home, you might want to choose a more traditional style of patio furniture, such as wicker or wood. If you have a more modern home, you might want to choose a more modern style of patio furniture, such as metal or plastic.

Comfort

Patio furniture should be comfortable to sit in, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors – and that’s what LivingOnThePatio is all about, right? Look for furniture with soft cushions and pillows, weather resistant and make sure the seats and backs are supportive.

Durability

Patio furniture should be durable enough to withstand the elements. If you live in a hot climate, look for furniture that is weather-resistant and won’t fade in the sun. If you live in a cold climate, look for furniture that is made from materials that won’t crack or break in the cold.

Price

Patio furniture can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect patio furniture for your outdoor space, your needs, and your budget. The next step then, becomes where to find the best furniture for you.

Where to Look for the Perfect Patio Furniture in Roanoke, VA

This might not be as easy as it sounds, though. Today, as with most everything else, patio furniture can be ordered through the Internet and delivered to our homes. Retailers in most areas including Roanoke, VA definitely offer that option. In fact, a few reflect that reality by having very small showrooms — or no showrooms at all. This may not be an issue if you know exactly what you want. But we found that you can miss out on a lot of knowledge and help by not visiting a showroom in person.

Now if you live in the Roanoke area, we’ve had a chance to check out some local retailers and here is the result of our visits:

Better Sofas

This retailer makes a point of stating that “luxury is at the forefront of our outdoor furniture” and we love luxury if the budget permits! Their brands include BeachCraft, Castelle by Tropitone, Kingsley Bate, Klaussen Outdoor, Lloyd Flanders, MeadowCraft, Three Birds Casual, Treasure Garden, Tru180, and Woodard. Their showroom is 3631 Aerial Way and their ads state that they have the area’s largest selection of high quality handcrafted outdoor furniture.

We had the opportunity to meet and talk with Colby Rorer, the third generation owner, and we have rarely met with a more knowledgeable, passionate person when it comes to outdoor furniture (or any furniture, for that matter). While in business for over 32 years, Better Sofas has consolidated their showrooms in Roanoke at Aerial Way since March 2020. It is definitely a warehouse (two in fact), but full of beautiful collections and one-of-a- kinds. Colby greeted us at the front door, offered us mimosas (because what else should one have when looking for patio furniture?) and then held court by sharing with us all his tremendous knowledge as we looked through, touched, sat upon, and explored all that this warehouse has to offer. Most impressive is that no one is on commission and you can schedule an in-home appointment to get design help and ideas. Another huge plus is that each supplier has their own room where samples, fabric swatches and catalogues are housed. Really, you want to visit Better Sofas before you decide to buy any new patio furniture. And tell Colby we sent you!

TXTUR

We were introduced to TXTUR at a Star City Sustainability Series event about Upcycling Furniture through the Clean Valley Council in February 2023, and oh boy! were we impressed!

TXTUR has been a family owned business for 87 years, now employing about 200 local craftspeople in the Roanoke area. Their gorgeous showroom is located at 13 Church Ave SE in Downtown Roanoke, in the newly renovated historic Fire Station One (which also includes a boutique hotel, event space, and bistro). Under the new TXTUR label, most furniture, accents and accessories on hand are custom made to order by the TXTUR factory less than 2 miles away.

TXTUR has an exclusive line of outdoor furniture called the ‘Sound Collection’ designed by Alexander Munro. This extensive product line is built using South African Sapele, a wood similar to teak with a very smooth, even grain and excellent weathering characteristics. South African Sapele is sustainably harvested and built for 24/7/365 outdoor placement. There are a variety of fabrics from which to choose, including Valdese Weavers “Inside Out” fabrics suitable for outdoor use and Sunbrella. The collection is simply beautiful and of course is part of TXTUR’s unique upcycle process by taking back furniture no longer needed and giving it a second life.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Identifying themselves as the source for maintenance-free, all-weather outdoor furniture and accessories, including The Big Green Egg, their small boutique is at 3745 Franklin Road near Montano’s Restaurant. The brands they offer include Kannoa, all weather resin, DWL for cast aluminum, KingstonCasual, South Sea Rattan Collections, NorthCape, Southern Home and SoPoly. Sandy McNair has been in this location for 14 years and appears to handle both sales and customer service personally.

Atlantic Patio

According to the Atlantic Patio website, the owners started out at craft shows and fairs selling their handmade teak Adirondack chairs and morphed into offering a variety of outdoor patio furniture for sale from different suppliers, including the BarlowTyrie, Classic Accessories, Douglas Nance, Seaside Casual and Telescope Casual brands. They offer free shipping as well as Sand Dollar Rewards — points that can be spent as cash. BUT they have no showroom — just a distribution office at 2836 Nicholas Ave NE Suite D as everything is ordered online.

Patio Furniture From National Retail Providers

There are other furniture stores that offer home and patio furniture locally, such as Grand Home Furnishings and Ashley but if you are set on shopping at major national retailers, choices include:

Lowe’s: Lowe’s is a popular home improvement store that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
Home Depot: Home Depot is another popular home improvement store that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
Target: Target is a great place to find affordable patio furniture that is still stylish and durable.
Walmart: Walmart is another great place to find affordable patio furniture that is still stylish and durable.
Wayfair: Wayfair is an online retailer that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
Overstock: Overstock is another online retailer that offers a wide variety of patio furniture at a variety of price points.
Amazon: Amazon showcases patio furniture from a variety of different retailers.
Etsy: Etsy is an interesting place to find unique and handmade patio furniture.
World Market: World Market offers a wide variety of patio furniture that is inspired by different cultures around the world.
Crate & Barrel: Crate & Barrel offers high-end patio furniture for those who are looking for a ubiquitous, stylish and luxurious outdoor space.
West Elm: West Elm offers high-end patio furniture for those who are looking for trendy outdoor space.

So you see, no matter what your needs are, or budget may be, there is a patio furniture store out there that has the perfect piece for you. One caveat: if you are not sure of style or dimension, you may be better off buying from a local retailer that has a brick and mortar store near you. Otherwise, you may pay for shipping or restocking fees to return items that don’t meet your expectations. (This happened to me once buying from Wayfair.)

Additional Tips to Find the Perfect Patio Furniture

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best patio furniture store for you:

Consider your budget
Patio furniture can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.

Think about your style
Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. Choose a style that complements the architecture of your home and your personal taste. You can certainly get some ideas by perusing websites or by clipping ads from magazines.

Consider your needs
Think about how you will be using your patio (a place for morning coffee or hot dogs for the kids), which type of furniture is essential for that circumstance, and concentrate on the pieces that best meet your needs.

Shop around
Compare prices from different retailers before you make a purchase. You may be able to find the same piece of furniture for a lower price at a different store.

Buy from a reputable retailer
Make sure you buy from a retailer that offers a warranty and a return policy.

Read reviews
Read online reviews of patio furniture before you buy to get an idea of the quality and durability of different products.

Consider buying used
You can often find high-quality patio furniture at a fraction of the price by buying used. Check out our post Patio Furniture: The Eclectic Approach about this option.

Understand the care your furniture requires
With proper care, your patio furniture will last for many years. Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time (and during long bouts of wet or winter weather). Here are two retailers from whom we have purchased patio furniture covers: National Patio Covers and Coverstore. Even if it can stand up to the elements, cleaning will extend its life and make maintenance easier after the outdoor season begins again. And, use breathable covers to avoid mold. If you live in an area with especially harsh winter weather, try storing your furniture indoors if possible.

Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Patio Furniture in Good Condition

Wood
Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution. For deeper cleaning at the start and finish of each season or in the instance of tougher stains or mold, you can scrub with a soft brush and a mix of water and dishwasher detergent or oxygen bleach. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface. If you want to keep the wood looking like new, it can be treated with a sealant to preserve the color and provide added protection. Generally sealants need to be reapplied every few years depending on weather conditions and wear and tear. To do so you will need to wash, sand, and reapply the sealant. Consult the manufacturer for recommended products.

Metal
Metal furniture is best cleaned with a cloth or sponge using water and mild, non-detergent soap and wiped dry. Abrasive scrubbers or cleaners should not be used as they can scratch the finish, potentially exposing the metal to rust-inducing moisture. For ingrained dirt, use window cleaner or a non-abrasive multi-purpose cleaner. When cleaning, keep an eye out for scratches or any signs of rust, especially at furniture joints. Apply touch-up paint to scratches to prevent rust. If rust or mold is present, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-proof touch-up paint (this may be available from the manufacturer). To remove oxidization from aluminum furniture, use a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause oxidation.

Plastic
To clean plastics and resins, simply use a cloth dunked into a mix of warm water and dish detergent. Most dirt can be wiped away easily with this. If you have fine crevices, you can use a soft toothbrush and a very gentle hand to get dirt out of those crevices. Avoid scourers or anything with the potential to scratch the surface of the furniture, as plastic tends to be soft. Similarly, power washers can damage the furniture and should also be avoided. Be sure to rinse the furniture off with water once it’s clean, and let it air-dry. When not in use, it should be kept in a shaded area whenever possible.

Wicker
Vacuum natural wicker regularly, using a brush attachment to remove dust from the crevices. If it is heavily soiled and vacuuming is not enough, spot-clean the wicker with a solution of mild dish detergent and warm water, using a sponge or an old toothbrush. Rinse with a clean, damp sponge or rag. Allow the furniture to dry completely before using it. Never sit on damp wicker furniture because putting any weight on it could cause it to sag. Also, failing to let the material dry completely can promote mildew growth. It will last longer if it’s kept out of direct sunlight and is not constantly exposed to the elements.

Living on the Patio Means Comfort and Style

However you determine comfort, or whatever is your sense of style, furnishing your patio is as important as furnishing your home because it is an outdoor extension of your living space. Being discerning and selective in how you furnish your patio will bring you great contentment and satisfaction as you grow in how you enjoy living on the patio. To whatever degree possible, as your budget allows, get the comfort and style you love so you’ll always want to be outdoors with the promise that every day is Friday on the patio. And, of course, be enjoying a snack and adult beverage while relaxing on your new patio furniture.

Patio Furniture FAQs

Is expensive patio furniture worth it?

Expensive patio furniture is really worth the money because it’s an investment. Though you may have to pay a lot upfront, expensive patio furniture saves you countless dollars in the long run because of its durability. You won’t have to change it every year because it broke, and it’ll look great for years and years.

What type of patio furniture is the most weather resistant?

Resin wicker is a common choice for outdoor furniture as it is highly resistant to the elements, including rain, sun, and humidity. It won’t fade or discolor with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and it won’t crack or break when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Can you leave patio furniture outside year round?

While aluminum, plastic, concrete and teak materials are ideal for outdoor furniture year-round, materials like iron, steel and wicker can be damaged by wet and cold weather conditions and should not be left outside in the winter.

Patio furniture covers are essential to protecting your outdoor investment. Without them, your furniture and cushions will deteriorate much faster.

Do you leave your patio cushions outside?

Outdoor cushions are made to withstand the elements. However, they are still susceptible to mold and mildew if they are left or stored outside or in a damp area. If too much water does penetrate into your cushions bring them into the garage or a dry area and let them air dry completely.

Please Leave a Comment: Patio Furniture: The “Buy New” Approach

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Have you shopped for new patio furniture? What has been your experience? Which style and material did you select? Did you achieve the comfort and style you wanted? Please add a photo to your comment so we can see how wonderful and comfortable your patio looks.

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Transform Your Back Yard: Nine Key Steps

As spring starts to unfold, we all start remembering how pleasant it is just to be outside. We begin to look around our backyards and think of ways to make it more livable or pretty or fragrant. Once you get the idea to do something with your back yard, it’s either hard to get started or hard to stop from purchasing things you think will immediately transform your back yard. Before you spend spend time and money or get discouraged at your lack of progress, here are nine steps you can take to see your back yard transformed into the space of your dreams.

Have an Ideation Session — Brainstorm!

It’s really important to take time to discuss and ponder what you want, and include your household family in that discussion. Develop some clear and specific ideas of how you want your outdoor living space to look and what you want your yard to provide in terms of beauty, entertaining, level of ongoing maintenance, and so forth. Make sure the ideas you consider address your highest priority, problem, or need — for instance, privacy may be more important than a garden. Also your ideas can be very personal. For example, a father and son decided to replicate the Great Wall of China as part of their back yard design. Another couple built an attractive walking track to substitute for the community greenway they frequented. Remember this is YOUR space. If you need inspiration we suggest you review the blog post Outdoor Living Space: Six Ways to Plan and Start and the five-page worksheet, Getting Started — Research, Prep and Design. Schedule as many brainstorming sessions as necessary.

Write Down Your Top Five Ideas

List the top five ideas that come out of your sessions. Hopefully the top five includes your most important priority or problem. Post them in your home in a prominent and frequented spot — the front of your refrigerator, for instance. Then take some time to imagine how one idea or another may look — daydream. Think about how each idea may be impacted by the seasons and how YOU like to experience those seasons.

Narrow Your List to Three

Decide which ideas you and your family will implement — we recommend you narrow it down to three projects, to start. Be honest and realistic about the biggest issue you have in your yard or what is going to bring you the most use or joy. Your complete yard transformation won’t happen all in one season so tackle, for you, the most important project first. It is reasonable that you’ll be able to accomplish about three projects a year as the weather permits. Then use the coming winter season to plan next summer’s “transform your back yard” projects.

Mock up the Back Yard

Using stakes, string, hoses, etc. mock up the various elements of your projects into position, using string and stakes for straight lines and hoses for curved ones. This exercise is an important part of the plan – it’s a practical way to make sure there is room for everything, that placement of each project is optimal, and that all the elements work in harmony. Really, think of it as generating a floor plan for your yard. Leave the mock up in place for a couple of days to give you time to walk around it and look at it at different times of the day and weather conditions. It’s also a great time to change your mind about something, before any digging has been done, concrete poured, gardens planted, etc.

Solicit Opinions

This may be optional for some, but we found it helpful to ask some close friends their opinions of our ideas and yard mock up. You might wish to ask friends or family who have experience in the types of projects you are considering, or whose creativity you value. This also may be the point in time you want to consult an independent professional. We hired Dan Chitwood in the Roanoke area to give us ideas for our back yard. Although we didn’t implement every suggestion he provided, he gave us a plan which we have used as a general guide moving forward. If no one comes to mind, we would be happy to help you. Just remember that we are not professional landscape designers, but we always have opinions to share based on our experience creating our own outdoor living space.

Commit “Transform Your Back Yard” Projects to Paper

Make a rough drawing of your lot and house. Note the actual measurements of your lot, the position of your house and include any easements, the location of water lines or spigots, electrical lines or outlets and anything else that should be considered.

Some of this information can be found on your plat survey that you should have received with all of the paperwork when you bought your house.
Easement information can be acquired from your local zoning and code office. Remember, there are different easements and set-backs for elements such as privacy fences, garden sheds, utility right-of-ways, and so forth so describe to the your local zoning and code office your project plan to learn the specifics of your project complying with local codes.
For planning purposes, and ALWAYS before you start digging up substantial earth, call 811 and have all of your underground utilities marked on your property. Without doing this critical step, a favorite idea of yours may not be viable due to the location of immovable utilities underground. That being said, we did have a gas line moved because of where we wanted our privacy fence to be placed. So don’t be discouraged if your current utility locations conflict with your yard transformation until you talk with the utility company. Note: If you do not have utilities marked before you dig and you damage a utility line, you will be responsible to the utility company for the cost of the repairs.

Now start measuring the outlines of your deck, patio, pool, sandbox, play area, gardens, etc. and position their appropriate location on your rough drawing. This will give you a “birds eye view” of what your potential yard transformation will look like and you can decide if you have too many or too little elements.

Develop Your Budget

Whether you intend to do the work yourself (DIY) or hire someone to do it for you, it is important that you have a budget. We recommend you read the blog post A Patio Budgeting Guide so you can calculate a workable budget. Adjustments may need to be made as to element priority or project timing depending on the cost estimates you receive from vendors, suppliers, and installers. The goal is to weigh, of the three projects you’ll do in the first season, which is the most important, then the next, and then the third. Then, if you have to make compromises to stay within your total budget, you’ll have an idea of what to scale back on first. It’s better to be realistic on the front end rather than disappointed on the backend. But remember this: there is more than one solution to a design problem. Try not to compromise on your number one element, but don’t give up on elements two and three. Just think of a creative way to bring those elements to fruition and stay within your budget. Nothing is more dissatisfying than an incomplete backyard project.

Develop your Timeline

Communication of project plans between yourself as a DIYer and all your vendors is key to making all projects come off without a hitch. You need to know the critical paths to ensure a successful outcome. From our experience, for example, we learned that it would be better to pour our concrete patio first and then install the fence. Otherwise, we stood a good chance of having to remove some of the fence to make room for the concrete equipment and then re-installing the fence adding to the overall cost of the project. You can read about that project here: Privacy Fence for Your Patio.

To Transform Your Back Yard, Break Ground

There is something very exciting when your backyard project finally starts — to see your ideas become real. But stay flexible. During each phase of your project there may need to be adjustments — very few projects get to completion without some hick-up. Sometimes a seemingly negative issue may end up being a happy mistake after you plan a work-around to a potentially better solution than originally planned. Be open minded and stay creative. And stay focused on your goal.

Transform Your Back Yard: Nine Key Steps

In a nutshell, here are the nine steps you can DIY to transform your yard into you best outdoor living space:

Have an Ideation Session(s) — Brainstorm
Write Down the Top Five
Narrow it Down to Three
Mock up the Back Yard
Solicit Opinions
Commit the Projects to Paper
Develop Your Budget
Develop Your Timeline
Break Ground

Measure Twice, Cut Once

There is an old adage that says, “measure twice, cut once.” In other words, your project will be more successful with less errors and heartache if you spend time on the front end to think about your project and create as detailed a plan as possible. Details are important to avoid missteps that could cost time and money. Value the planning stage and you’ll be happier with your finished project.

While you may not yet see it during the planning stage, when you transform your back yard into the dynamic outdoor living space that you can’t wait to throughly enjoy, you’ll come to understand our adage: every day is Friday on the patio!

Transform Your Back Yard FAQs

How do you landscape for beginners?

Determine and list landscape needs and wants
Think about location — study the sun and wind patterns
Spend time in your landscape
Start small
Find a focal point
Focus on scale and pacing
Be open to change

What are the five steps of landscape planning?

Conducting a site inventory and analysis
Determining your needs
Creating functional diagrams
Developing conceptual design plans
Drawing a final design plan

How do I create a landscape layout?

How much value does a nice backyard add?

It is estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% to home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%.

Please Leave a Comment: Transform Your Back Yard

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Have you started planning to transform your back yard? Have you used a process to help you make decisions? If your project is underway, has your process helped keep your project on-track and on-budget? Please post a photo so we can see what’s happening or your finished project.

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Planters and Pots: Clean them Before Reuse

Whether you have clay, ceramic, plastic or resin, you will need to clean your planters and pots for new plantings for your next growing season.

Garden pots will need a thorough cleaning either at the end of the growing season or before the new one starts. There can be microscopic fungus, disease, eggs and minerals left behind that can negatively affect your new plants. By taking the time to clean and disinfect your pots, you will be giving your plants the best opportunity to thrive. Besides, you have probably invested a lot in your planters and pots and if you take care of them, they will last you for years!

Best Practices for Cleaning Your Planters and Pots for Reuse

Reusing planters and pots for gardening is best done in the following ways:

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Cleaning Your Planters and Pots
Before reuse, clean the planters thoroughly to remove any residue from previous plants or soil. Then wash them out to remove any dirt from previous use. Scour clay pots with a stiff brush to remove algae, mildew and other deposits. Scrub off white crust as well as you can.

Cleaning Fabric Grow Bags
Fabric grow bags have become popular in recent years. And just as with clay or plastic, these bags need to be cleaned. The first thing, of course, is to remove the plants and soil. If the plants were not diseased, add them and their soil to your compost pile. Toss the bags into the washer or soak them in a bucket with a detergent solution. Rinse the fabric pots thoroughly and let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer!

Disinfecting Your Planters and Pots
Soak pots in a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach for ten minutes to one hour. Substitute vinegarfor the bleach by soaking the pots for a few hours longer. The final soak and rinse should be with a dish detergent solution. Then, rinse pots thoroughly and let them dry in the sun if possible.

Repair and Enhance

Fixing Cracks or Holes in Your Planters and Pots
If there are any cracks or holes in the planters, patch them up to prevent soil and water loss. Given the material your pots are made of, you could use silicone, epoxy, or even bondo. But you may have to paint your planters and pots if your repairs are unsightly due to the size of the repair.

Adding Drainage Holes to Your Planters and Pots
If the planters do not have drainage holes, drill some to prevent water logging and root rot. However, you may not be able to drill through clay or ceramic pots without cracking or breaking them.

Repainting Your Planters and Pots
If the planters are looking worn out, you can paint them to give them a fresh look. Actually this is something we do often, especially to add a pop of color. Here is an example of a set we just completed for this spring:

Old planters and pots ready for painting

Planters and Pots getting a new coat os paint

Let the Gardening Begin

Filling Your Planters and Pots with New Soil
Fill the planters with fresh, high-quality potting soil to provide the best growing environment for your plants.

Planting Your Planters and Pots
Choose plants that are appropriate for the size and type of planters you have, and plant them according to their specific needs.

Seasonal Storage

Storing Your Planters and Pots
If you clean your pots at the end of the growing season, you will want to store them until the next growing season. So after they dry, stack and store them in your gardening shed or basement. This is particularly important with clay and ceramic pots. Unglazed clay is porous and can absorb moisture. Freezing and thawing in winter can cause the pots to crack. Even glazed pots can crack if left outside in freezing winter weather. These pots can be costly, so take good care of them! Bring them inside along with any other types of glass or ceramic yard art.

If stacking ceramic pots, wrap them in newspaper to cushion them and prevent chipping. You may wish to use newspaper to stack your plastic pots, especially if you have taken the time to paint them. If need be, plastic pots can be stored outside, but make sure they are covered and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight degrades plastic over time, making it brittle and causing color to fade.

Planters and Pots FAQs

Do I really need to wash old pots?

Whether the pot is plastic, clay, or some other material, debris can accumulate that may harbor disease organisms and mineral deposits will form, potentially causing problems for your plants. It is important to clean and disinfect old pots each time you use them.

Should I wash new plant pots?

Rinse pots thoroughly and soak them in a bucket of clean water until you are ready to use them. Dry clay pots can wick moisture away from the potting medium dehydrating newly potted plants.

Can you clean pots with hydrogen peroxide?

Yes. Mix 2:1 ratio of water to hydrogen peroxide. Pour the solution directly into the pot and swish it around avoiding it leaking out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot. Thoroughly wipe the sides of the pot—make sure you wear gloves while doing this. You can also soak your tools in the pot.

What other way can deposits be removed from ceramic pots?

Baking soda works just as well to neutralize and dissolve salt stains. Instead of making a solution for dunking the pots, just add enough water to make a baking soda paste. Rub the paste on the ceramic and then scrub it away with a sponge. As you rinse them off, your pots will look brand new.

Can I clean my plant pots in the dishwasher?

Your dishwasher is another effective tool to clean clay and terracotta pots. Be sure the pots are already free of soil and sand before putting them in your dishwasher. With the heat cycle turned on, dishwashers reach an average temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit (54-60 degrees Celsius), aiding in sterilization. Avoid the heat the cycle for plastic pots.

Enjoy Nature’s Beauty as One of the Fruits of Your Labor

Once your planters and pots are cleaned and spruced up for a pretty planting summer of gorgeous patio plants, you’ll have to kick back on the patio in your cool patio furniture with a snack and adult beverage and enjoy nature’s beauty as one of the fruits of your labor.

And remember: every day is Friday on the patio!

Please Leave a Comment: Cleaning Your Gardening Planters and Pots for Reuse

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Do you clean your gardening pots after each season? What methods do you use that are different from those suggested here? Please include a photo so we can see how beautiful your potted plants look.

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Cardboard Composting Increases Soil Quality

There is something fascinating about the process of taking all these materials, combining them together and turning them into useable soil, in particular when you can make use of a common item that would otherwise clog our waste stream. Learn how sorting the “garbage in” results in “garbage out” that improves the quality of your gardening soil. Let’s talk cardboard composting. But first . . .

What is Composting?

Composting is an easy way to turn waste into useful soil. Basically you add brown stuff to green stuff with water, air, time and heat and eventually you get compost — dirt that can be rich in nutrients that plants need to grow. Materials that you might otherwise throw away include dead leaves, straw and wood chips, shavings or sawdust (sawdust from wood not chemically treated) along with grass clippings (grass not treated with an insecticide, weedkiller and/or non-organic fertilizer), vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and tea bags. If you are interested in starting to compost, check out our blog post Start Your Garden With Compost and make sure you get our free compost printable.

Why Do People Compost?

People begin to compost for various reasons:

A city or county may require a reduction in the garbage or trash taken to a landfill. Banning organic waste (leaves, straw, vegetable scraps, etc) reduces that amount by one-third according to the Frontier Group.
As more concern grows about global warming, some seek to use composting to reduce their carbon footprint.
Others worry about the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers which can deplete the soil in the long run.
Most often compost becomes important to the person becoming a gardener or a plant parent as compost can be used as mulch for gardens, fertilizer for potted plants, and as a soil conditioner.

What Makes Good Compost?

If you, as I am, are looking to use compost to grow vegetables and herbs as well as the blooms in your garden, you will want to make sure that you use certain trash materials that will help your plants thrive. For example, for years I would happily accept any and all of our friends and neighbors’ grass clippings and dried leaves to add to my compost pile — that is, until I learned that one lawn was habitually sprayed with an insecticide, weedkiller and fertilizer. Yikes! This was not what I had in mind for my garden. As I began to pay attention to the source and care of the materials put in my compost, there were some things I learned along the way.

Be Choosy About the “Garbage In”

Know what leaves to compost.

Some leaves compost more effectively than others and the best are those lower in lignin (the chief substance in wood) and higher in calcium and nitrogen. These include maple, elm, ash, birch, cottonwood, poplar, cherry, and other fruit tree leaves which will typically break down in about a year. Avoid the leaves of the black walnut, horse chestnut, beech, oak and holly according to Simple Garden Life.

Know what paper to compost.

Most of the time, it is recommended that you use untreated paper for your compost. Newspapers work, despite the ink, as do some types of already recycled paper. What about paper with computer, pen, or marker ink or dyes on it? If the ink used is vegetable-based, soy-based, or non-toxic, then it’s safe for the compost according to Green Matters.

Know what tea bags to compost.

The paper used in high quality tea bags is fully compostable. The vast majority of brands on the shelves have mesh tea bags that are composed of 20-30% plastic which will release microplastics and nanoplastics. The string used in standard tea bags is fully compostable. The staple that secures the paper tag to the string is not. The adhesive used to heat-seal the edge of the paper tea bag is not compostable according to Recycle A Cup.

Know what cardboard to compost.

Uncoated boxes (not shiny) with no heavy dyes. Unfortunately, that shiny cardboard is coated with plastic that cannot be composted. Remove all the tape or labels as these are not compostable, either. Shred or tear the cardboard into smaller pieces according to packmojo.com (more on this later).

Ways to Use Cardboard in the Garden

So now what? After learning which materials to be choosy about, it became obvious I was going to have to find another source of “browns”. As you recall from our previous post, browns are the materials high in carbon and low in nitrogen (the opposite of the “greens” which are high in nitrogen and low in carbon). I live in an area where most of the trees are oak and walnut. However, like most, I had an excessive amount of cardboard boxes, and happily turned my attention to cardboard composting.

There are many ways cardboard boxes can be used in your garden as cardboard composting:

Small cardboard boxes can be great to start seedlings and protect plants from weeds when the whole box is set in the ground.
Larger boxes can be the base layer in the sheet composting method or the “lasagna method” of compost (uses a layer of cardboard or newspaper positioned in the yard adding soil with mulch on top; the cardboard helps to smother existing weeds and seeds). This method is mostly useful in building up garden beds, especially as it takes longer for the cardboard to break down.

But if your household is like mine, every online purchase brings a box that is a great candidate to become a “brown” in your compost pile. It’s best if the cardboard box can be reduced to smaller pieces. The thing is, have you ever tried to cut, tear or shred a cardboard box by hand? After a while, it’s difficult — my hands hurt either using scissors or trying to tear along the folds, and soaking the boxes in water (a recommendation from packmojo.com) was too messy for me.

Is Shredding Cardboard Feasible?

Thus began a search for an affordable way to shred cardboard. For all the increase in online purchases as well as the chatter about keeping cardboard out of landfills, it was not an easy task. Cardboard is NOT just lots of paper stuck together. Waste corrugated cardboard is mainly composed of 52% cellulose, 7% hemicellulose, and 11% lignin – think tree trunk material. We tried using a chipper-shredder from a national retailer, thinking that if it could grind up sticks and branches, cardboard should be no problem. It jammed on the first run. There was a high-end shredder designed for cardboard but it was $700, really for warehouses or distribution centers that apparently reduce lots of boxes daily. So I intensified my online research to find something cheaper; useful for a household but able to shred the cardboard for my cardboard composting pile. We selected the Bonsaii 3S30 and it works great! It’s available at Amazon.com. Look at the lovely shreds destined for the compost heap!

Cardboard shredded for cardboard composting

Keep That Shredder Running

The Bonsaii 3S30 does a great job shredding your cardboard boxes, but it needs some maintenance to keep it running in good shape. First, remember to remove all the labels, tape, and staples from your boxes. You will need to cut the cardboard box to a piece the size of the hole at the top of the shredder feed. After you have filled the shredder basket twice, use the Bonsaii Shredder Lubricant Sheet (also available at Amazon.com) to keep the blades well-oiled. Because the shredder produces dust, we make sure to use an air purifier in the same vicinity – we use a MOOKA Air Purifier, available at Amazon.com.

Remember the Other Composting “Don’ts”

Don’t add fish, meat, dairy products, bones, baked goods, fatty foods or grease to your compost pile. These food scraps do not easily decompose and may attract unwanted animals.
Don’t use diseased plants or plants that are toxic to other plants. Also, avoid weeds, which produce abundant seeds, because they may not be killed during the composting process.
Don’t add pet feces or used kitty litter. Although they may eventually break down in compost, they also harbor bacteria, germs, viruses and parasites.
Don’t use sawdust from treated wood, coal fire ash or synthetic fertilizer, because they can harm your soil and plant health.
Don’t add glossy or coated paper. Also, avoid composting sticky labels on fruits and vegetables, because they are not biodegradable.

Cardboard Composting FAQs

Is cardboard good for compost?

Yes, you can compost cardboard. In fact, cardboard waste makes up over 31 percent of landfills according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Cardboard composting is a practice that is becoming more popular now that people are beginning to realize the benefits of composting.

How long does it take for cardboard to decompose in compost?

If you do nothing to your large pieces of cardboard, then it can take them naturally about six to eight months to break down completely. Obviously, if you shred your cardboard it will decompose quicker.

Does cardboard need to be shredded for compost?

Cardboard is very good for improving the structure of compost because it helps introduce air pockets. Oxygen is an important ingredient because the composting microbes need it to do their job. In my experience cardboard needs shredding. If it’s not shredded, large sheets will stick together in a big damp mass.

Check It Out

Check out our blog post Start Your Garden With Compost and make sure you get our free compost printable. And remember, every day is Friday on the patio! Kick back with an adult beverage and a snack and watch your garden grow with your own rich compost.

Please Leave a Comment: Cardboard Composting

Leave a comment below and tell us if this information was of value to you or let us know what we missed and can add to this post. Do you compost? Do you practice cardboard composting? If so, how is it working? Do you shred your cardboard? Please post a photo of your compost heap — we’d love to see your garbage!

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Welcome to the New Trend:
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Please Leave a Comment:
Bird Watching

Reduce Inflammation:
Increase Vitamin D Levels

Reduce Inflammation:
Breathe Fresh Outdoor Air

Reduce Inflammation:
Practice “Earthing” or “Grounding”