10 IDEAS TO GIVE YOU MORE BANG FOR YOUR SUMMERTIME BUCKS
The days are getting longer and the nights are getting warmer. You will naturally find yourself being drawn outside. But just standing in the yard or mowing the grass (although neccesary) does not sound all that inviting. Create for yourself an outdoor living room. Use common items to define and customize your space. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of those lazy summer days and starlit summer nights.
1. SHADE IS YOUR FRIEND. When creating your outdoor living space consider the time of day you will be utilizing it. Visit that area during these times, before you start. Consider the angle of the sun, the breezes, and the view. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have an already exsisting porch, patio or deck. Perhaps there is some natural shade you can use to your advantage. If not consider inexpensive Shade sails suspended by poles held steady with large planters or buckets filled with concrete or rocks. Employ mother nature with plant gowth trailing up a lattice or arbors etc. a row of tall plants such as Canna Lillies are quick to grow and add beauty as well. If you are handy build a wooden frame with slates to shade from the side or even a pergola.
2. HAMMOCK If shade is your friend then a hammock in the shade is your best friend. Tie one between existing trees & structures or plant a couple poles in the yard to string it between. Don't get stingy about how deep you bury it as it will be holding alot of weight. Hammocks are a great get together spot. Just go out and lie down in one and chances are you will soon be joined by the kids your significant other or maybe even the family pet. Purchase one with a stand. This willl aford you mobility needed to follow the shade or to move to a clear spot at night for star gazing.
3. FIREPIT This can be as simple as a hole in the ground or as elaborate as you like. Just keep safety in mind. Think fire prevention and accidental burns. Will there be children in the area that require a safety barrier or even adults that may be unsteady on there feet. (for whatever reason). Do you plan to use it for weeny roasts or smore making? It's the perfect conversation pit, and in the end, everybodies eyes are on the fire.
4. TENTS Kids of all ages love tents, and while you're at it break out the camping gear, all things Coleman. Things that make things hot and things make things cold. Don't forget about that sleeping bag that does both, usually at the wrong time.
5. OUTDOOR LIGHTING Today there are so many options. Regular electric lights or solar. Strings lights are a favorite these days. Drap them overhead to create your own starry night, wrap a tree trunk or outline a walk area. When you broke out the camping gear did you happen to have a Coleman lantern? And don't forget candles - lumanaries (think sand in a sack) or scented ones, if tiny unwanted friends tend to visit , citranella candles can serve 2 purposes.
6. POTTED PLANTS & HANGING BASKETS. Utilize unexpected items for the containers to add interest. If you live in cow country (if you are reading this you probably do) protein lick tubs can often be had for the asking. Do your homework, plants can often be had for free or very little outlay. Put a request in your local facebook yardsale site. Many plants can be divided down or propagated from cuttings. Iris, Canna Lillies, Mint are just a few. Flowers with fragrance add another pleasurable dimension to your outdoor experience. And herbs can add fragrance pest control and culinary benefits. In large containers plant several different but compatable plants to create a feast for the eyes. (Be sure to add your favorite place to get plants in the comment section below.)
7. BBQ GRILL From the Big Green Egg with an outdoor kitchen (which costs alot of green) to a grill on the ground, anything goes. Just remember it is about the experience not the expense.
8. TABLES If you don't have an outdoor table move your inside table and chairs outdoors for special events. Fashion one out of an old wire spool or place a board on top of an upside down washtub etc. be creative and remember this is the perfect setting for rustic. Add penache to it by adding table clothes, centerpieces etc.
9. SEATING Remember we said standing in the middle of the yard was not very inviting? Well then seating is a must. Adirondacks are an old standby but something as simple as chunks of logs can do double duty as seating around the table or firepit and as fuel for the pit. Just make sure no one is sitting on it at the time. Concrete blocks and timber poles can be fashioned into several different seating options such as benches and couches. Even the lowly pallet can be fashioned into seating. Add cushions and pillows for comfort.
10. EYE CANDY A little outdoor whimsy can add alot of ambience to your oudoor living area. Add something that causes you to pause and smile. Use bright colors and your imagination. Fairy gardens are popular these days. Concoct something for feeding birds, humming birds or squirrels. Add colorful or intersting rain chains, or just whimsical décor such as large butterflies or dragonflies perched on a fence, a garden of flowers made from glass dinnerware and so on. Or make it personal, a container filled with pinecones gathered from a hike or a piece of driftwood from a beach walk dressed up with candles or flowers.
As I said these are just a few ideas to help you get your own creative juices flowing. I'm sure you will come up with many more of your own. Please take the time to add them to our comment section below so you can share them with us and your friends. I hope we may have inspired you to create your own OUTER SPACE.
Clyde Gammons M-37 Dodge Rat Rod is nicknamed White Trash. If there is an award for the most creative, his use of concrete reinforcing bar AKA rebar in his spider web sun roof gets it. Clyde says "much of the credit for this innovation goes to my 11 year old daughter." 
