What Landscapers Near Me Suggest for Fall-Friendly Outdoor Living Spaces Around Middletown and Jamestown, RI
Fall is a great time for outdoor entertaining. The bugs are basically gone, the summer heat has eased up, the colors are changing, and there’s a refreshing crisp to the air. Here’s what landscapers near me suggest for fall-friendly outdoor living spaces around Middletown and Jamestown, RI.
1. A Fire Feature
Fall weather can be a little unpredictable: nearly summer-hot one day, and almost wintery the next; and even if the days continue to be pleasantly warm, the evenings take on a definite chill. A fire feature will encourage everyone to stay outdoors.
A fire pit adds the classic campfire feel to your backyard, whether you choose to fuel the fire with wood, natural gas, or propane. A fire pit allows a large number of people to gather around the fire and everyone has equal access to the heat. You could place a fire pit along the edge of a patio (out of the main flow of traffic, to create a cozy gathering spot); or, create a fire pit destination in a more outlying part of the landscape.
A fire table lets you entertain in style well into the cooler months. A fire table could be coffee-table height, dining table height, or bar height. Its flames are fueled by propane or natural gas to avoid getting smoke in people’s eyes. The table is broad enough to allow you to put place settings around the flames - and the flames act as a dramatic centerpiece for festive gatherings.
An outdoor fireplace is the crown jewel of backyard living. Whether it’s intimately sized and tucked into a corner of the patio or it’s a prominent feature designed to warm up the entire space (and a crowd), it’s an important design element. You could warm up both an outdoor kitchen and a seating area with a double-sided outdoor fireplace; you could add the delight of a wood-fired pizza oven to the design; and of course you could personalize it to suit your aesthetic.
2. A Shelter
Nothing will send the party indoors faster than a cold fall rain. Add protection with a pavilion, which is an open-sided, solid-roofed structure designed to be installed on a patio. Alternatively, a gazebo - which includes a built-in floor - could be placed anywhere in the landscape.
Placing a fire feature next to the shelter is the ultimate in fall comfort; and having a place to plug in an electric kettle will let you serve up hot beverages anytime.
If fall winds make the air a little too crisp, consider installing a trellis or a heavy duty outdoor curtain along the windward side of the pavilion or gazebo to block the wind. The windward side is also the ideal spot to place a large outdoor fireplace which will also act as a wind block.
3. Easy-Care Surfaces
When the leaves fall, windblown leaves tend to get stuck in every corner especially as they get wet. It’s not only unattractive, it’s a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Patio surfaces that are sealed - such as pavers - will be easier to clean than poured concrete patio slabs.
4. Good Lighting
As the days get shorter, you don’t want to have to move indoors just because the sun goes down. A good landscape lighting plan will ensure that your patio and walkway are safe and appealing. Choose LED light fixtures, which are compact, easy to position creatively, and extremely long-lasting and durable.