Patio Furniture

Patio furniture should be comfortable,practical and pretty.If you do not have much storage space,choose furniture that can be left outdoors all year round,such as cast aluminum,concrete or hardwood.Store upholstered furniture and soft cushions under cover when not in use.Furniture that stays permanently outside is virtually part of the patio design,you can build seats into alcoves or surrounding walls to save space.For a real all year round patio scheme,team this type of furniture with harmonizing containers planted with colorful,variegated evergreen plants.Do make sure that patio furniture is not too big,otherwise it can make the pots and tubs of plants look cluttered,and the area very cramped when you are entertaining.Ideally allow occasional furniture a space of it's own,with plants grouped to make a proper display set back a bit from it rather than just dotting them about wherever there is room.To add to your enjoyment of outdoor seating,making sure the patio is well sheltered and gets sun in the evening,when most people make use of their patios.The scent of herbs may help to deter insects,which are often drawn to the lights on a patio on warm evenings.Lamps that burn citronella oil are also a help.The scent is quite pleasant and it also repels insects.