Dear Debbie: We are planning our backyard and would like an area set aside for relaxing as well as some gardens and maybe a water feature. What makes sense and is not too time consuming to keep up? We both work, no kids yet, love to entertain.
Brigitta
Dear Brigitta: In the spring and summer, the backyard becomes a special place, a whole new room to enjoy. For many, the gardening aspect is part of the thrill: It’s creative and relaxing to plant and weed and have fresh cuttings to take inside. But if you aren’t a gardener at heart, then look for containers to set up around the sitting area. They come pre-planted and generally only need watering and some trimming to remain healthy and in bloom.
Fireplaces are as enchanting outdoors as they are inside. Please note that outdoor fire restrictions differ by region, so always check your area laws before you buy. There are many styles and I found one that would suit your love for entertaining. Shown here, Brown Jordan’s Flo fire table has space to set down drinks and snacks and can also be used as a footrest. It’s five feet long and is constructed of a mix of cement and fibre that is both stronger and lighter than concrete. It’s finished with a protective wax coating. The stainless steel EcoSmart burner is set below the table top to protect the flame from wind. Check out the other styles at brownjordanfires.com. Their Urth fire pit is made of the same cement-fibre mix, shaped like a traditional oversized gardening pot. It comes with an adjustable flame. If you’d like to have a few fire accents, the Lumen stands about 21 inches high and is a cylindrical shape with leaflike patterns cut out of the bronzed stainless steel. There’s also a handle on Lumen so you can easily move it to capture different moods.
Water features are a delight too, and we will be discussing some options next month. Meanwhile, make a plan that suits your time and relax.
Dear Debbie: Rather than a multitude of colours in my outdoor retreat, I find it most pleasurable to stick to nature’s variety of greens, greys and woody browns. But I came across a garden with just one splash of colour (red) shown in a pair of garden chairs and it really brought the scene alive.
What do you think about monochrome?
Daphne
Dear Daphne: Every style has beauty in its own right. It may have a formal structure or a casual country garden air, the shades either quiet or animated. There are so many ways to mix and match the spectrum. It’s up to you to discover the magic in shades and colours that please you. The monochromatic scene you describe or more precisely, a blend of neutral shades, is lush and glorious. But as you discovered, adding one shot of bright colour enhances the neutrals and makes all the shades stand out.
Red is a notorious scene stealer, and whether it’s introduced as a flower in roses, zinnias, petunias, and dahlias or on furniture or exterior house trim, it works beautifully. Think of the appeal of red shutters or a red front door. You can add red pillows to a wooden chair, even a red shade umbrella. Continue to love your neutral grasses and bushes and then add one or two pops of colour. You’ll love it.
Debbie Travis’ House to Homecolumn is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to [email protected]. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at twitter.com/debbie_travis
