Summer Outdoor Gardening Checklist

Have a few things left on your outdoor gardening checklist to finish up? As you dust off the to-do list you started working on earlier this summer, or as you scan new ideas for summer patio and garden projects for your part of the country, try out one of these gardening suggestions that matches your climate and current weather patterns. Is your August hot & humid? Hot & dry? Wet & windy? Or cool & crisp? This list on Rodale's offers gardening tips suited for many different planting zones, including the USDA plant hardiness zones 3-10. For example, if you're in a hot climate in late summer and into the fall months, or if you have concerns about drought, you could dress up your patio with accents that don't require as...

Make the Most of Your Mid-Summer Outdoor Dining Experience

Mid-summer is such a wonderful time to really take advantage of the nice weather and eat outside on your porch or patio. There are so many different aspects that make outdoor dining more of an experience than just eating a meal. Everything from the decorations, to the food you eat, and how you prepare it helps set the mood. Dressing your outdoor tablescape for success is a great way to set the tone for an outdoor party or just a family meal. This is especially true when it comes to outdoor dining. At Two Peas and their Pod they talk about how to create a beautiful outdoor setting for a fun mid-summer party. They suggest keeping the table cloth simple and neutral along with plain dishware. When it comes to the...

Unique Pergola Designs for Patios

Looking for a few fresh ideas to update the appearance of your summer patio? These customer patio pergola photos show unique patio designs that extend their living area off their deck or patio. Which is your favorite? We appreciate our customers and love to see the finished work from coast-to-coast! These patio pergola photos represent pergolas from Colorado, Texas, and Massachusetts. Benefits of Outdoor Patio Pergola Whether you have a shady or sunny yard, there are many options to consider for that update you’ve been planning. A patio with Wood Pergola offers a way to enclose an area without building walls to create an extra room and can make an otherwise exposed open area feel a little cozier. When the cooler months roll around, you’ll have a backyard escape where you can relax and enjoy...

Summertime Staycation Ideas

Sometimes all you want is to take a well-deserved vacation from the realities of everyday life, especially with summer rolling in full swing. Unfortunately, jetting off to a faraway island is something that's not always in the cards, or perhaps not a first choice. Maybe you'd like more familiar surroundings on your time off, or you simply want to stay home and enjoy the new backyard playground you've recently added to your landscape! Oftentimes, the best vacation memories are created right at home. And if you've got an outdoor oasis in your backyard, why go anywhere else? Read on for a few staycation ideas if you're spending those extra days at home sweet home. There are so many ways that you can enjoy a little rest and relaxation from the comfort...

5 Fun Backyard Structure Ideas to Fill Empty Yard Space

It can be difficult trying to find ways to fill your whole backyard with enjoyment, but here are five different ways you can update that bare space and add functionality and fun! Back yards can either be a beautiful hangout for family and friends or an area that induces thoughts of stress due to that one area devoid of any backyard structures. Adding a pergola can create the boundaries of your outdoor oasis. Start with one of these options to really create that backyard retreat you'll look forward to at the end of a long week. Put in a rain garden If you live in a more urban area, rain runoff can be a problem. By adding a small depression in the ground you can allow the storm water to soak...

Patio Pergolas for Patio Shade

With summer right around the corner, plenty of people are looking for ways to update and upgrade their outdoor spaces that provide a little break from the sun. Our Arizona customer whose photo was chosen by our followers as our April customer of the month shows a fun and functional way to make better use of their back patio area with a patio shade kit. For those of you looking for a DIY project, our pergola kits offer an array of designs, sizes, and can be custom made to your measurements. They add interest to the eye as well as an easy space to decorate. Think hanging flowers and fun spring gardens to work in with the whole family. They also offer a safe shady area for children to play, definitely...

Patio Covers for Top 5 Sunniest States

Finding shade during these hot summer months is essential if you want to be outdoors but stay cool and avoid sunburn. While this is a general rule in many states coast to coast during July and August, there are definitely places where the sun is more intense and patio covers of various types come in handy for people and pets. If you live in one of the Top 5 Sunniest States listed on Current Results, you may want to stock up on sunscreen and invest in some extra shade to help you enjoy the outdoors this summer. 1. Arizona According to these statistics, it looks like Yuma holds the record for being the sunniest place. It receives 4,300 hours of sunny hours in a year and is generally sunny about 90% of...

How to Change up your Landscape Design

Landscape design changes can take a weekend or up to several weeks, depending on how elaborate your plans are, and if you're enlisting the help of a contractor. With so many options for design and decor, try working with what you already have, and then work in a few new features gradually to achieve your desired look. Here are a couple ways to change up your backyard's landscaping and still try out trendy new designs. Transplant or plant new. Many people think that once a plant is in the ground it's there until the bitter end. This isn't always true, so do a little research to see what you can transplant. Some varieties can be moved very easily trees and shrubs being the most impactful on your backyard. There are...

Backyard Games for Summer Gatherings

If you're setting up for an outdoor party, try out a few of these backyard games and grill recipes for Father's Day or any summer gathering. Check out these easy set-up outdoor games on Pinterest, including a few that could be moved indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate! Give the lawn a quick cut as a Father's Day gift and then let the games begin! If he'd rather spend the afternoon inside, serve up his favorite snacks while you're getting dinner ready on the grill! Looking for some new recipes? Give one of these Father's Day recipes from Food Network a try and enjoy the day!

Have a Favorite Pergola Photo to Share?

From time to time, customers submit favorite pergola photos of backyard patio projects including Pergola Depot pine or cedar pergola kits, and enter our Pergola of the Month customer contest by email or via Facebook. Pergola Depot customers submit their photos of the pergola they've assembled, and our followers choose their favorite. It's a great place to find new ideas for your own patio project! Results are posted on our Blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Customers can submit photos of their Pergola Depot pergolas any time. Here are results from a few past pergola photo entries. April 2017 Customer of the Month The Big Kahuna freestanding pine pergola March 2017 Customer of the Month The Big Kahuna freestanding pergola February 2017 Customer of the Month The Big Kahuna freestanding cedar pergola January 2017 Customer of the Month The Big Kahuna freestanding...