It’s the most wonderful time of the year – summer in the Midwest! Families and home owners across the Chicagoland suburbs are slowly starting to emerge from their winter cocoons. Perhaps you’ve already planted your vegetable garden or put away your winter coat for the season as an optimistic sign that the warmer weather is upon us.
One of the best places to enjoy the summer season is to be outside on your deck. Here are just a few ways you can truly make your deck an extension of your home, giving your family and guests another room to gather throughout these warmer days and nights.
Start with coffee
If you haven’t already started the habit of enjoying your morning coffee on your deck, you are missing out on a way to connect with nature before your day gets busy. To encourage yourself to sneak off to the deck with your first few sips of coffee, make an area on your deck that you love. A small rocking chair with a side table is the perfect spot to sip your coffee and listen to the birds, giving you a calm start to your busy day.
Plant a container garden
Your deck is the perfect place to try your hand at container gardening. Even if you aren’t an accomplished gardener, you can grab a few pots and add flowers or veggies to enjoy on your deck. If you entertain often, or if you want to add an extra layer of protection from mosquitos and other pests, consider planting citronella, marigolds, or other plants that discourage bugs. Be sure your plants are getting the sun they need, and enjoy your greenery all season long.
Eat outside every day
Make an effort to try to eat outside on your deck every day. Whether you are enjoying breakfast on the weekend or dinner in the middle of the week, your deck is the perfect place to dine al fresco. Cut down your trips to and from your kitchen by using a tray to carry things back and forth, and don’t forget to spend time lingering long after the dishes have been carried inside.
Your deck is ideal for entertaining or for solitude throughout the summer season. If you would love to spend more time outside on your deck, but it is old, dangerous, or just plain embarrassing, give us a call to set up a consultation. We have 80 years of experience making decks beautiful throughout the western suburbs.