A chill in the air doesn’t mean you have to hunker down inside. This fall, make the most of your garden and patio and turn it into the ultimate hangout spot. From early morning coffee dates to nights around the firepit, we think your fall garden will quickly turn into your favorite part of your home. Use the following easy ideas to take advantage of your garden’s final show of the year.
1. Light It Up
One of the easiest, yet most effective ways to transform your garden into a whimsical retreat is to add lighting. We’re not just talking about hanging string lights over your patio (though we still totally think you should do that). Think outside the box when it comes to adding extra lights. Wrap string lights around trees or hang lanterns from pergolas or trellises. Light pathways with small lanterns to invite evening strolls through the garden.
2. Add Cozy Seating
While outdoor hangout spots get lots of love during the summertime, we think fall is the ultimate time to cuddle up in your backyard or on your patio. Even if you don’t have the space for a full patio set, there’s always room to tuck in some seating to invite lingering. Try adding a bistro table and chairs for enjoying coffee or hot cider. Or place a couple of Adirondack chairs (don’t forget the pillows and blankets!) in a grassy area for evening lounging.
3. Lean Into Seasonal Decor
Give your outdoor hangout spot texture and depth with natural fall decor. Real or faux pumpkins and gourds make simple yet beautiful table centerpieces. Frame your outdoor retreat with hay bales and corn stalks or use them as backdrops for more colorful fall decor. Enhance containers with interesting branches.
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4. Invite Wildlife
While not all wildlife is beneficial for gardens (like deer and rabbits that munch on plants), fall is the perfect time to watch birds migrate and get ready for the upcoming winter. Some, like American goldfinches, chickadees, woodpeckers, and bluebirds, even help your garden by eating pests and spreading seeds.
While birds are naturally attracted to native trees, shrubs, and grasses, you can also encourage them to visit your yard by hanging seed feeders and birdhouses. Before installing, research which type of feeder and seed are best suited for the birds you want to attract.
5. Add a Heat Source
Making s’mores and gathering around a bonfire might be the coziest fall activity there is. Add a firepit or fire bowl for your own fiery fun. If you don’t love the smell of smoke, look for propane or natural gas options instead of wood-burning ones. While they vary in price, you can choose between different style options like ones built into tables or ones that look like real fireplaces.
And if fire isn’t your thing, a tabletop outdoor heater can help make your outdoor hangout time feel more cozy and enjoyable on those crisp, cool fall days.
6. Fill Containers
Give your tired summer container gardens a glow-up with some fresh fall favorites. Fill pots of all shapes and sizes with vibrant flowers that offer classic fall hues. Think orange marigolds, yellow goldenrod, and deep maroon and violet mums. Asters, pansies, and flowering kale are also top seasonal choices.
If you want to add a hint of spookiness to your garden closer to Halloween, pair coleus or coral bells with black mondo grass for a show-stopping dark container. Place your containers near a seating area so you can admire them up close.
- <span>Gardening</span>
- <span>Garden Design</span>
- <span>Garden Styles</span>