Winter is just around the corner and with it comes the near freezing temperatures and that crisp, dry air that fuels memories of seasons past. For those of you who’ve enjoyed a relaxing book or that occasional wine and cheese in the comfort of your backyard all summer long, these cherished things are set to go cold. But this doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy your backyard when the mercury drops. You can still get the best out of your backyard with a little creativity – even when the temperature gives you the chills.
Faux Grass
With the temperatures dropping fast, the first victim in your backyard will be the lush green grass on your garden patch. A great alternative to natural grass is the artificial variety that is available by the rolls in most departmental stores. Having become the preferred choice amongst families, artificial grass owes its popularity to low maintenance requirements and a year round usage that makes it a cost effective choice for gardens of all sizes. With no watering or mowing required you and the family can enjoy the grass any time of the year.
For the gardening enthusiast, having a heavy duty tarp will ensure you can cover those delicate plants and shrubs from the winter frost. There is always an option of doing a DIY greenhouse with tarpaulin for creating a safe winter haven for your potted plants.
Cosying Up
Your backyard in the winters can be turned into a favourite family area for impromptu after dinner get-togethers. Throw in plenty of floor pillows and rugs that can be wrapped around while the kids enjoy some hot cocoa and a couple of ghost stories. If you’d like an area to entertain your guests, your winter backyard can be made extra special with some patio blinds to keep out the cold wind. Together with a cosy fireplace or fire pit and some music, your winter parties in the backyard will definitely tick all the boxes.
Cover Story
Your outdoor furniture will bear the brunt as soon as the temperature starts to drop. To save your patio sofa from the frost and dew get hold of a sturdy waterproof sofa cover. The cover will not only ensure your sofa stays protected from the elements, but it will also help maintain its looks all year round. Moving the furniture indoors is also a great idea in case you wish to create some extra seating space, though you would still need table and chair covers if you decide to have the furniture under a pergola or an enclosed space.
Garden Glory
For a winter garden, it is essential that you add nutrients to the soil for it to withstand the frigid temperatures. Adding compost or organic manure will give the soil a boost and ensure your summer sowing turns out healthy and on time. The onset of winter is also a great time to replace the summer plants with evergreens and winter varieties like Pansies, Lilies, and Heathers. Pruning of summer shrubs is also important before the first frost to give them a healthy chance of surviving the colder months.
Clean Start
With autumn making an exit, your backyard will be covered with fallen leaves. This makes your backyard look unkempt and dirty. Get your rake and start collecting the dead leaves and other autumn debris. This can be easily turned into a family activity for the afternoon where kids and parents clean up the backyard before the winter sets in. It’s important to look at neglected spots like the roof gutters and areas around the fence for dried leaves that could create blockages or rot.
With that chill in the air, your backyard activities will gradually decrease. However, with these tips in mind, you can ensure your backyard still remains the epicentre of fun throughout the winter. So get cracking and give yourself the winter backyard you’ll be proud of.
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