Our monthly West End Scoop contributor and guest blogger, Jessica Millard from Men At Work Design Build, shares some great tips on extending the backyard season and making the most of our new normal.

With temperatures beginning to drop early this year, many of us are now left trying to prepare our outdoor spaces for the last few weeks of warm weather. Though temperatures will continue to drop this fall, there are still plenty of beautiful days and evenings left ahead. One way to prolong the season is to focus your efforts on warming up your favourite outdoor space – be it a backyard oasis, front porch hangout, or balcony. Here are a few ways to extend outdoor living longer this fall:

1. Put in a Fire Pit

There’s nothing better than sitting outside with a fire going. No matter what time of year it is, a fire never fails to mesmerize and bring people together outdoors. Whether you buy it, or tackle it as a DIY project, a fire pit is sure to be enjoyed by all, and will allow you and your family to spend more time outdoors for longer this fall.

2. Plant a Fall Garden

After the harvest of your summer fruits and veggies this year, try planting a fall garden. Some vegetables that do well in the cold weather include kale, spinach, lettuce, peas, broccoli, and more. Having fall crops will not only give you fresh produce to put on the table after the summer months, but it will force you to spend more time outside tending to and harvesting the crops.

3. Get a Patio Heater

Just like all the great restaurants with patios do, buy a patio heater to extend outdoor living. Not only do they make sitting outside on cool fall nights possible, but they also make it comfortable. With tons of options to choose from, you can get a patio heater that fits any of your needs and within various different price points.

4. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cooking is something that people too often only associated with summer. By upgrading your grill to an outdoor kitchen, you will have the option to do more cooking and dining outdoors for longer into those cooler fall months. And with outdoor kitchens being so customizable to needs and budget, anyone can do it!

5. Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

As days continue to shorten, it’s only natural to want to stay inside where it’s warm and bright. With your new patio heater and/or fire pit allowing you to stay warm outdoors during fall, try upgrading your backyard lighting as well. Anything from string lights, to path or garden lights, to wall lights can really brighten up the outdoor space, and transform it into a whimsical evening oasis.

6. Put in a Spa

There might be nothing better than relaxing in a hot tub on a cool evening, star-gazing with some friends or your partner. Installing a spa in your backyard will certainly be an investment, but it will allow you to use the space practically year-round.

Jessica is a Project Coordinator at Men At Work Design Builds (you can check out their great work here) You can read her monthly renovation and design articles by subscribing to the West End Scoop!

If you’re looking to find that perfect backyard to enjoy those warm relaxing evenings, feel free to Get in Touch with us today!

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