We all spend a good deal of time dreaming about our ideal outdoor space - at least I do. When it moves from daydreaming and planning to creating that space, it takes a lot of work and can be a significant investment. Often overlooked when daydreaming about all the fun you’ll have, is the maintenance required to make sure your outdoor décor is ready year after year and looks as good as intended when you started the project.
I admit, I am guilty of buying outdoor furniture I rarely sit in. The hot, humid Florida summer (which lasts 8 months) can be a turn-off for outdoor living. But, when the weather gets to that just-right temperature and I have an overwhelming desire to go drink my morning coffee outside, nothing is more disappointing in that moment than finding a sun-faded, weathered/torn or molding cushion on a chair with rust or peeling finish. The reality of having to go buy yet another furniture set is not what I want to be contemplating on a nice morning! Folks in the northern states use their outdoor furniture most in the summer, then face months of potentially harsh weather before they want to venture back out to sit in their own chairs and drink coffee. Don’t fret though - a little care after that last Labor Day Bar-BQ will keep your furniture sit-down ready for years of enjoyment.
For wood furniture like benches, you can wipe it down with Murphy Oil Soap and water, then rinse and let dry. If there are stains that are difficult to remove, make a mixture of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon water. Use a soft brush to work on the stains, then rinse and let dry completely. Take time to work on stains now, to prevent problems in the spring.
Cushions also need to be clean and dry before you put them away for the winter, or cover them for an extended period of time. If your cushions are pre-treated or made with weather-resistant fabric, spot clean only with a mild detergent and water solution. If you have cushions covered with fabric or canvas, prepare a solution of 1/2 cup Lysol and 1 gallon hot water and use a soft brush to scrub them clean. Rinse cushions thoroughly and let dry. More serious stains may respond well to a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon water, but test first on a small area.
Garden art made from Concrete/Cement, including statutes, birdbaths and fountains can crack and chip in freezing temperatures if water is left in them to freeze. Protect these items by draining any water, cleaning the object and storing it in a protected location. If you cannot move your birdbath or fountain, invert the bowls so that water doesn’t collect and freeze. If the bowl is attached and cannot be inverted, simply cover with plastic or line the bowl so that any collecting water does not freeze directly on your statue.
Garden art made from Wood, including bamboo, can discolor, rot and or split if allowed to get wet. Wooden objects, such as planters and statues, should be coated with a sealer designed specifically to protect wood. Treat these objects annually to keep them looking beautiful.
Garden art made from Resin can crack and decorative paint can fade and chip if left in the sun or exposed to extreme cold weather. Resin planters and statues should be cleaned periodically and be placed in protected areas for the winter. Repairs to Resin can be made with “superglue” type products.
Garden art made from Ceramic can break, deteriorate and/or dissolve when exposed to extreme heat or cold. These objects should be brought in during winter months to prevent cracking from overexposure to cold.
Garden art made from Porcelain can be broken and decorative paint can chip off when exposed to extreme heat or cold. These objects should be brought in during winter months to prevent cracking from overexposure to cold. Garden art made from Terra Cotta Pottery can crack when exposed to extreme heat or cold. It’s most likely to grow mold on it if it stays damp.
When plastic pots start to look bad, sometimes a face lift is all they need. The textured paint, especially the metallic colors, found in most hardware stores can give your pot an instant transformation that changes the look of your space for a few dollars.
Garden art made from Glass comes either solid or hollow. Both solid and hand blown glass objects should be placed in well protected areas of your garden. Both of these type of glass objects should be brought in during winter months to prevent cracking from overexposure to cold.
Garden art made from Wrought Iron should be cleaned and inspected for rust. Wrought Iron can be protected and renewed with paint products such as those made by Rustoleum. Look for these products in your local hardware store.
Davesgarden.com
Sheknows.com