If you live in North Carolina, you know that spring is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the dogwoods bloom, the days get longer, and the temperatures finally shake off that winter chill. On the other hand, we have the Pollening. You wake up one morning, and your car, your driveway, your porch, and your dog are all covered in a fine layer of yellow dust.
It happens every year, yet it still manages to surprise us. However, once that yellow haze clears, we get a few glorious months of perfect weather before the heavy humidity sets in during July and August. That sweet spot is exactly why you need to take the time now to prep your patio to enjoy outdoor lounging in spring. Read on to learn how to achieve a space where you can sip your morning coffee or unwind after your 9-5.
Scrub Away the Season’s Grime
First things first, you have to tackle the mess winter left behind. You probably have leaves accumulated in corners, algae growing on the shady side of the house, bird droppings on the railings, and that infamous pine pollen coating absolutely everything. You simply cannot relax in a space that feels dirty, so take an hour to reset the patio. Here are some good steps to take:
- Sweep away the loose debris with a stiff broom.
- Use a pressure washer to blast away dirt, grime, and mold (just be careful with the pressure settings on softer wood or older brick).
- Wipe down the railings.
- Dust and scrub door and window screens.
- Wash your home’s siding.
If you don’t own a pressure washer, a bucket of hot soapy water, a stiff brush, a garden hose, and some determination work almost as well.
Inspect and Revive Your Furniture
Once the stage is clean, you need to look at the players: your trusty patio furniture. Though these pieces are designed to handle all types of nasty weather, they’re not immune to wear. Eventually, metal rusts, wood rots, wicker cracks, and plastic fades. And since having a chair give out under you while you’re sipping coffee with a book is the opposite of relaxing, it pays to make sure your furniture is okay.
First, check how sturdy everything feels when you sit in it, move it, or place items on top of it. Then, if everything’s good on that front, give the materials a makeover by removing rust, pollen, grime, and mold. The method for this depends on the piece’s material and the severity of the stain, so do your research before attempting a clean.
And most important of all, wash those seat cushions! Most outdoor cushion covers can go in the washing machine, but make sure you let them air-dry completely to prevent shrinkage.
Create Cool and Comfortable Shade
We all love soaking up some rays, but the North Carolina sun can feel intense by midday. Without shade, your patio might become a morning-coffee-only spot, which wastes its potential. You need a way to escape the heat while still enjoying the fresh spring air.
Umbrellas are the easiest fix, but you have other options. Pergolas, shade sails, retractable awnings, and large cantilever umbrellas all offer different aesthetics and levels of coverage. These types of patio covers extend your living space outdoors by providing permanent protection from the elements all year long, including during those spring showers or intense sun.
Light Up the Night
Your patio shouldn’t shut down just because the sun goes down. In fact, spring evenings in the Carolinas are arguably the best time to be outside. The air cools down, the peepers start chirping, the stars come out, and some early season fireflies might flicker on by. Appropriate lighting will help you enjoy this atmosphere to the max.
String lights are a classic choice for a reason; they add a soft, warm glow that instantly makes a space feel cozy. You can drape them across a pergola, run them along the railing, hang them from trees, or zigzag them over the seating area. Solar-powered path lights are another great addition, especially if you have stairs leading down to the yard. Or for something more old-timey, consider lanterns with battery-operated candles (to avoid the fire hazard of a real flame).
But the best light source by far is a fire pit. It provides gentle light, warmth on cooler nights, a place to roast marshmallows, and a natural gathering point for guests. If you can’t afford a built-in installation or simply want something easy and storable, get a propane pit.
Deal With the Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are basically the unofficial state bird of North Carolina at this point, much to our dismay. And though you can’t get rid of them completely, you can keep their numbers down around your patio. That way, you can relax without watching your skin get treated like a landing pad.
Start by removing sources of standing water, which are most commonly flower pot saucers, clogged gutters, old tires, and bird baths. Next, consider planting natural repellents so you don’t have to soak yourself in a spray every time you go outside. Marigolds, lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary all help deter mosquitoes. And if your outdoor infrastructure allows for it, install a ceiling fan. You can also use portable oscillating fans. Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so a strong breeze makes it difficult for them to land on you. Finally, have some citronella candles ready to light on those particularly buggy evenings.
Get Out There and Enjoy It
It takes a weekend or two of work to prep your patio to enjoy outdoor lounging in spring. You might get wet, dirty, and tired, but picture this: It is a Tuesday evening in May. The work day is done. You step outside with a cold drink. The string lights are glowing, the cushions are soft, the mosquitoes are nowhere to be found, and the air smells fresh and floral. That moment is why you put in the effort. Now go get your patio ready for spring and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Leave a Reply