Unseasonably cool weather will give way to warmer temperatures soon, and that means one thing: outdoor living. Get your outdoor space ready for summer by clearing it of the clutter that has gathered there over the winter. Start by throwing away any broken tools, flower pots and garden ornaments, then decide what to do with the stuff that might be repurposed if you only had the time. Patio furniture and containers are good examples, The Spruce says: If you have extra chairs and planters that others might be able to use with a little refurbishing, donate them to ClothingDonations.org so that your trash can be someone’s treasure.
Tag: outdoor living
Fall Cleanup Goes Beyond Raking the Leaves
Fall is the time to go apple-picking, carve a jack-o’-lantern, and watch the leaves change colors. Those falling leaves, of course, herald another chore for the home gardener; left unraked, they can create a dense, moist barrier that prevents grass from growing.
But a good fall cleanup only begins with raking the leaves. Savvy homeowners should clear gutters of fallen leaves and other debris to keep them flowing through snow melts, according to True Value’s maintenance tips. Also dethatch and aerate the lawn to ensure it gets a healthy start next year, and plant any bulbs you want to bloom first thing in the spring, such as daffodils and tulips.
On the deck or patio, clean and store garden furniture, flowerpots and tools that you don’t want exposed to the elements through the winter. Cover up that outdoor grill or move it indoors to avoid rust and debris. And to rid the deck’s surface of mildew, simply sweep and wash it with a detergent/peroxide solution or power washer.
If you have a vegetable garden, give it a good tilling before the first freeze sets in, the SafeWise Report says. Prune tree branches—especially those likely to buckle under the weight of snow and ice. Thin out, divide and redistribute perennial plants, and they’ll pop up in new places next year without costing you another cent. Protect cold-sensitive plants and new plantings with a heavy layer of mulch.
To clean up your outdoor space in an eco-friendly way, compost raked leaves and other garden detritus, says Rodale’s Organic Life. Given the chance to break down over the winter, they will create a rich source of nutrients for new plants. Also leave a few spots for beneficial insects to winter such as brush piles, and leave leafy green plants in the ground or plant a cover crop of rye grass to eliminate pests and nourish the soil.
If you find that you have more planters, tools, lawn furniture and garden gnomes than you need during the course of a thorough fall cleanup, contact ClothingDonations.org to schedule a pickup. A truck will come and whisk away those extra items (along with clothing and other housewares), and you will no longer need to worry about where to store them for the winter.
Then, kick back with a cup of hot chocolate and the warm feeling that comes with knowing you’ve contributed to a good cause. Enjoy the fall!
Minimal and Maintenance-Free
You may find that a more minimalist life suits you after you do your spring cleaning and donate your excess stuff to ClothingDonations.org. Extend that simple, uncluttered look to your yard and outdoor spaces, says Pacific Outdoor Living, and you can keep your home spotless — inside and out — with less maintenance. Use hardscape elements such as pavers and pea gravel to frame specific areas for entertaining and planting, and include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants. With an occasional sweep, your outdoor space will look good all season long.
Declutter Your Deck or Patio
Clutter can be just as frustrating and unappealing on a deck or patio, says the Houselogic blog. The solution? Make do-it-yourself bins to organize and hide your stuff. Paint wooden crates a fun color using a waterproof paint and/or sealant, and place them wherever you need storage. Attach casters, and they can be moved alongside the table or grill easily, or serve double-duty as extra seating. “Storage can be as important outdoors as it is indoors,” landscaper Keith Sacks says.