Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

While it may feel like summer just ended, now is the perfect time to begin planning your holiday lighting and décor. Booking professional services now guarantees you a prime spot on the installation calendar and maximizes your time to enjoy those stunning displays. The holiday season is notoriously busy, and professional decorators’ schedules fill up quickly. Lights can be installed as early as mid-October (without being turned on), depending on leaf fall, with the goal of having them ready by Thanksgiving. In addition, an early installation has other benefits as well.

Earlier is safer

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

Installing holiday decor in late October to early November is safer for installation crews. With more moderate temperatures, it’s easier to use the necessary ladders and lifts, reducing the risk of accidents. In addition, early installation is better for the lights—their wire coating is less likely to get damaged in warmer temperatures. As the weather gets colder, the coating becomes more rigid, increasing the chance of damage.

Greater Variety of Lighting to Choose From

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

Securing the right materials early is crucial while supplies are abundant. Waiting too long may result in having to use different brands, leading to mismatched light colors and brightness. Commercial light sets feature a more durable coating, providing longer-lasting performance. In past years, we’ve seen certain colors sell out quickly, and even standard white lights, particularly commercial-grade ones, can disappear fast.

The freshest greenery

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

Many boughs, wreaths, and garland come from the upper Northwest or Michigan and must be pruned at the right time to ensure they last as long as possible without browning due to desiccation. By ordering early, we can secure freshly pruned materials that have been treated to delay drying out. Wreaths, in particular, should be ordered early to guarantee availability—especially larger wreaths or premium styles featuring cedar, juniper berries, cones, and other decorative elements.

Why use a professional?

Photo: Derek Johnson Visuals

While decorating your home for the holidays can be a fun family tradition, hiring a professional service comes with a host of benefits. Experienced holiday designers can create a comprehensive lighting and decoration plan that matches your home’s unique architecture and your personal style, adding a special touch to the season. Commercial-grade lights typically last longer than those from local hardware stores, providing greater value over time. Finally, hiring a professional gives you peace of mind. Our professionals are trained to install lighting safely and efficiently, eliminating the hazards of DIY installations.

Brian Levins is Maintenance Team Manager at Designscapes Colorado, a landscape architecture and design/construction/maintenance firm based in Centennial, CO.  View their profile or contact them at 303.721.9003.

Content for this article provided by Designscapes Colorado.

Photo: Courtesy of Lifescape Colorado

As the air cools and the leaves start to fall, we find ourselves longing for cozy gatherings and festive feasts. Imagine stepping into your backyard to harvest fresh herbs and vegetables for your upcoming holiday dinners—sounds idyllic, right? Turning your outdoor space into a gorgeous edible garden will excite your senses and enhance your holiday culinary creations.

From Garden to Gourmet

Photo: Courtesy of Lifescape Colorado

The trend of growing your own herbs and food is more popular than ever, with shows like “The Bear” inspiring even the most culinary-challenged to don an apron and embrace home cooking, stepping up to unleash their inner chef. Now, you can take that inspiration a step further by creating an edible garden tailored to your holiday needs. Fresh sage for your stuffing, rosemary for your roast, or even a handful of mint for post-dinner cocktails—all right from your own backyard.

Holiday Feasts Start in the Garden

Photo: Courtesy of Lifescape Colorado

To design an edible garden that’s as beautiful as it is bountiful, choose plants that will thrive in Colorado’s unique climate:

• Wild Onions (Allium cernuum): Perfect for adding a little spice to your dishes, these thrive in the moist, subalpine areas of Colorado.
• Wild Strawberries (Fragaria virginiana): Not only do these make a beautiful ground cover, but they also offer sweet fruit for desserts and thrive in Colorado’s cooler climate.
• Lavender: Often called the “Queen of Herbs,” lavender is excellent for xeriscaping. It brings a fragrant touch to both your garden and your kitchen, thriving in dry conditions.
• Sage (Salvia officinalis): A hardy perennial that can handle fluctuating temperatures, sage is a holiday staple that’s perfect for stuffing and savory dishes.
• Mint (Mentha arvensis): Ideal for cooler climates, mint adds fresh flavor to drinks and desserts.
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): A strong, resilient herb that thrives in dry climates, rosemary adds depth to roasts and other holiday favorites.

Edible Landscape Design Tips

Photo: Courtesy of Lifescape Colorado

An edible garden should be more than functional—it should be as visually appealing as it is practical:

• Herbs and Onions with Roses: Pair herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil with your roses. Not only do these herbs repel pests, but they also create a stunning, fragrant display.
• Edible Vines on Arbors: Use tomato and bean vines on arbors or trellises to add vertical interest to your garden while enjoying a delicious harvest.
• Non-Edible Annuals for Color: Add plants like coleus for vibrant color amidst your vegetables, creating a lovely contrast.
• Nasturtium Along Paths: These colorful blooms are not only edible but also add a cheerful burst of color, making them a great addition to salads and garden paths alike.

Engage and Enjoy

Let your garden be a source of joy and a conversation starter at your holiday gatherings. Impress your guests by sharing the story of how you grew the ingredients for your meal. Not only does this add a personal touch, but it also encourages others to consider starting their own edible gardens.

Lewis Dante is the Creative Manager with Lifescape Colorado. For more than 48 years, Lifescape Colorado has been Colorado’s trusted source for landscape architecture, construction, and property care. View their profile or contact Lifescape Colorado at 303-831-8310 or info@lifescapecolorado.com.

Content and photos for this article provided by Lifescape Colorado

A well-thought-out landscape design not only complements a home’s architectural style but also enhances its visual appeal and functional utility. Here, we offer a guide to integrating landscape design seamlessly with your home’s architectural style, ensuring visual harmony and a welcoming ambiance.

Modern and Contemporary Homes

Photo: Dan DeGrush

For homes marked by clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, the landscape should mirror this simplicity. Key features include utilizing sleek hardscaping materials like smooth stone or concrete and structured plantings characterized by sharp geometric shapes. Opt for low-maintenance yet stylish elements such as grasses and succulents, which reflect the home’s modern aesthetic.

Traditional and Colonial Homes

Photo: Dan DeGrush

These structures are noted for their symmetrical build and classical dimensions. Complement these aspects with symmetrically designed landscapes—imagine formal gardens, meticulously shaped hedges, and pathways that draw the eye straight to the main entrance. Incorporate traditional flora such as boxwoods or hydrangeas to achieve a timeless appearance that enhances the home’s historical design.

Cottage Style Homes

Cottage-style homes, often described as quaint and cozy, usually feature eclectic garden elements. Opt for informal landscaping with mixed beds of perennials, flowering shrubs, and climbers like roses or clematis to add bursts of color and allure. Natural stone pathways and mossy details can amplify the rustic appeal.

Victorian Homes

Photo: Emily Redfield

Victorian architecture, known for its ornate and lavish details, calls for gardens of equal grandeur. Employ a palette of varied colors and textures, alongside decorative garden elements such as statues or ornamental water features. Maintained lawns paired with vibrant seasonal flower beds can highlight the intricate architectural nuances.

Tips for achieving harmonious landscaping to complement your home:

Photo: Dan DeGrush

Symmetry and Order: Particularly effective in traditional settings, symmetry fosters balance and visual unity. Achieve this through aligned planters, mirror-image pathway designs, and strategic shrub placement.

Color and Contrast: Utilize vibrant flowers and distinct foliage to accentuate key architectural details, drawing attention to elegant doorways or ornamental trims.

Photo: David Patterson

Material Quality: Select high-quality materials that reflect the home’s exterior aesthetics, from polished stone to weathered bricks, enhancing the sense of luxury and attention to detail.

Photo: Dan DeGrush

Lighting: Carefully positioned outdoor lighting can secure pathways and highlight architectural elements, casting an inviting glow that enhances evening curb appeal.

Photo: Dan DeGrush

Sustainability and Maintenance: Opt for native plant species suited to the local climate to minimize upkeep and support regional biodiversity. Consider eco-friendly solutions like permeable paving and organic gardening to foster environmental stewardship.

In crafting your landscape design, the goal is to reflect the architectural essence and personal style of the homeowner. Whether it’s a lush, vibrant garden setting for a Tudor home or a minimalist design for a modern abode, effective landscaping not only boosts curb appeal but also sets your property apart. Aim for a blend of form, function, and style that appears effortlessly beautiful while being ecologically conscious.

Lewis Dante is the Creative Manager with Lifescape Colorado. For more than 48 years, Lifescape Colorado has been Colorado’s trusted source for landscape architecture, construction and property care. View their profile or contact Lifescape Colorado at 303-831-8310 or info@lifescapecolorado.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Research in psychology and environmental science demonstrates the profound impact of nature on human health. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood and cognitive function. These benefits reflect our innate connection to the natural world and the therapeutic benefits of gardens and the outdoors.

In our fast paced, tech-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and connection with nature is increasingly hard to find. We’re fortunate to live in Colorado where outside activities abound in the mountains and the plains. But it doesn’t take a car ride to achieve the refuge you’re looking for. We can all create spaces closer to home that are privately secluded from the outside world. Gardens, even very small ones, offer an escape from the stresses of daily life and nurture our health—physically, emotionally and psychologically. 

Having a well-designed outdoor living and garden space plays a crucial role in its ability to promote wellness and healing, and is very achievable in our urban setting. Healing gardens are thoughtfully crafted to engage the senses, evoke positive emotions and provide for relaxation and reflection.  Key design elements include:

Sensory Stimulation 

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Incorporate a variety of plants, textures, colors and fragrances. Think about what makes you happy—many different elements to immerse into, or a simple, less busy planting scheme approach providing calmness. Consider plants such as peace lilies and fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary and mint. Flowering shrubs such as lilacs and viburnums have incredible aroma during their short blooming periods. 

Accessibility 

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Ensure that the garden and relaxation spaces are easy to get to for people of all ages and abilities—smooth pathways, ramps if needed, and comfortable seating areas sized for just one, or a small group for socializing. Think about what you like to do for your own escape.

Privacy 

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Create secluded nooks and intimate spaces where one can find solitude and contemplation away from the hectic life we all seem to live. Tuck seating spaces behind plantings, create a screen panel/trellis for a sense of place, surround edges of your patio with interesting shrubs and perennials. Plant taller trees around the perimeter to screen windows, house walls and other views that may cause the perception of invasion into your space.

Harmony 

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

 Make sure that your space harmonizes with the materials and architecture of your home. Outdoor elements can incorporate matching materials on the residence such as stone, brick or wood. One can use similar color tones and textures to create the sense that it belongs. Belonging, not competing, will give a sense of place and a holistic theme to the space.

Special Amenities 

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Create a tranquil meditation corner with a cascading or bubbling water feature. Invite birds in with a feeder and water source. Consider speakers to add music. Add subtle lighting to create a tranquil mood after sunset. A small fire pit can help warm on a chilly evening. Surround the space with greenery and other personal items that make you happy and contemplative.

You don’t need a vast estate to experience the healing power of gardens and outdoor living. Even a small balcony container garden, a limited vegetable area, or an indoor plant collection that you take outside in the summer can offer the holistic benefits we are all craving.

Dave Graham is co-owner of Phase One Landscapes, a landscape design/build firm that has designed and built hundreds of landscapes over the last 30 years in Greater Metro Denver neighborhoods, Boulder, and along the Front Range. View their profile or contact them at 303.750.6060 to request an initial consultation.

Content for this article provided by Phase One Landscapes

The concept of wellness and its influence on creating outdoor living spaces is a growing trend in landscape design. Recognizing the pivotal role that nature plays in fostering overall wellness, homeowners are seeking elements aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being in their outdoor spaces. Here, we offer four key strategies to infuse wellness into your landscape design.

Incorporate spa features

Modern landscape design can transform outdoor areas into havens of relaxation. Spa-like amenities such as hot tubs, cold plunge pools, tranquil water features and outdoor rain showers not only provide physical rejuvenation, they offer mental respite from the stresses of daily life. Nestled within lush gardens, these spa features create a serene atmosphere, inviting individuals to unwind and recharge.

Provide a multi-sensory experience

Incorporating elements that engage the senses—meandering pathways, outdoor game areas, visually striking gardens—sets the stage for a truly immersive outdoor experience. From the vibrant colors of blooming flowers to the soothing sound of trickling water, each sensory interaction contributes to a heightened sense of well-being and connection to the environment.

Make space for food gardens

Homeowners are increasingly opting to cultivate vegetable patches, herb gardens, and orchards within their outdoor spaces. Beyond the practical benefits of homegrown produce, gardens can teach individuals, especially children, about the origins of their food and foster healthy dietary habits. Engaging in the process of growing and harvesting food reinforces a connection to nature and promotes a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

Reap the benefits of work in the garden

Beyond mere aesthetics, spending time actively engaged in garden maintenance offers a myriad of health benefits. Research has shown that gardening activities, such as planting, weeding, and pruning, can significantly improve both mental and physical health. Exposure to outdoor environments increases oxygen intake, reduces stress levels, and promotes relaxation. Furthermore, exposure to natural sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D, essential for overall well-being. 

As you can see, integrating wellness-focused elements into your landscape design results in outdoor living spaces that promote holistic well-being. By harmonizing nature and design, these features offer sanctuary from the demands of modern life, nurturing body and soul in the tranquility of the outdoors.

Phil Steinhauer is the owner and Principal Landscape Architect for Designscapes Colorado, a landscape architecture and design/build/maintenance firm based in Centennial, CO.  View their profile or contact them at 303.721.9003.

Content for this article provided by Designscapes Colorado.

Courtesy Shutterstock

As we look towards landscaping in 2024, several key trends and practices are emerging, set to shape the industry far past this year. Post-pandemic, the “staying in” lifestyle and an uptick in mortgage rates are leading to transformations of current spaces in an aesthetically pleasing, yet affordable manner. 

Hardscape & Landscape Trends

Photo This & That Property Services

It’s time to get more out of each space, and time to renovate to better fit today’s needs, and outdoor living areas are at the top of the wish list. A space with dual purpose – relaxation and entertainment – is paramount, with features such as outdoor kitchens and seating areas, pergolas, fire pits, and bars being in high demand.

Photo Techo-Bloc, Inc.

Companies such as Belgard offer a line of DIY-friendly concrete art forms to create custom planters, benches, and outdoor grill areas. Others offer DIY pergolas and decks, another affordable option that makes it easier to renovate. 

Photo Shutterstock

Sustainable Practices

Photo Belgard

More renovations mean increased demand for sustainable outdoor products. Thanks to social media and news outlets, society has become more aware of the impact they, and their homes, have on the environment. Sustainable landscaping promotes biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, provides solutions to water management challenges, and plays a crucial role in climate resilience.

Photo This & That Properties

It’s time to embrace the reality that sustainable landscaping choices have nothing but positive effects on our environment: biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, provides solutions to water management challenges, and improves climate resilience. Sustainable choices are even easier than before: many cities offer rebates to switch out water-guzzling grass with artificial turf, or other conservation-approved landscape choices.

Photo C&C Sand and Stone Co.

Other sustainable practices for 2024 include embracing native planting and water-wise irrigation, promoting healthy soil practices, protecting outdoor areas from harmful pests, and designing for longevity and functionality.

 Innovations in landscape technology such as precision irrigation systems that utilize data analytics, IoT sensors, and AI-driven solutions are also at the forefront. 

Photo Hunter Industries

Gardening

Three exciting trends in gardening this year include native planting, fragrance gardens, and homemade, money saving solutions. 

Photo Shutterstock

As previously mentioned, native plants play a crucial role in sustainable landscaping. They are adapted to local conditions, require less water and care, and can provide a natural habitat for local wildlife. Nowadays, it’s trendy, and eco-conscious to plant a pollinator garden. 

Planting for fragrance is another trend on the rise, as embracing the natural seasonal perfume of plants like lavender, roses, and herbs not only boosts aesthetic appeal but is also found to boost the moods of those smelling them.

Photo Shutterstock

Homesteading practices are for everyone, and homemade and money saving solutions for the garden, such as DIY compost, green manure, and fertilizer are doable projects, even for newbies. Not only is the DIY route more convenient and affordable, but it’s more sustainable as it requires fewer plastics and other consumables. 

Color, Materials, & Design Style

Photo Shutterstock

No more neutrals, as 2024 is the year of bright, vibrant colors. Plants with bold leaf colors, texture, and large blooms are taking center stage this year, delighting gardeners and pollinators alike. Plus, 2024 is the year of investing in habitats that benefit the environment, versus focusing on aesthetics alone. Random and natural landscapes, like meadowscaping, can provide a beautiful refuge for pollinators. 

The future of landscaping is brightly colored and full of environmentally-benefitting potential that any level DIYer, or pro, can participate in. We can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with this year.

Kevin Guzior is President of Pioneer Landscape Centers, the go-to for landscape and hardscape supplies in both Arizona and Colorado since 1968. Visit their website or contact them at (866) 600-0652.

Content provided by Pioneer Landscape Centers

Solidago in Shady Lane. | Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens

The aster family (Asteraceae) is one of the largest plant families and is represented in virtually every habitat imaginable. It seems that fall is the time that they really shine. You’ll find them in your neighbor’s garden and along trails, but to truly delight in the variety of Asteraceae, a trip to Denver Botanic Gardens is called for. Mike Bone, associate director and curator of the Steppe Collection, reveals the best places to view asters at the Gardens: Most people think of the New England aster, or Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, when we talk about asters in the fall. It is true: These are the denizens of the fall, but in the aster family there is an incredible diversity that ties the seasons together.

Liatris in Plains garden. | Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens

There’s great diversity in the aster family. The O’Fallon Perennial Walk is chock-full of New England asters. Cultivars like ‘Lady in Black’ (A. lateriflorum), ‘Septemberrubin’ and ‘Purple Dome’ (both A. novae-angliae hybrids) are classics of the fall garden.  In the Western Panoramas, which ring the UMB Bank Amphitheater, you’ll encounter the Artemisia group of asters.

Sometimes nicknamed sage or western sagebrush, there are many different species represented within this genus. Examples can be found throughout every habitat in Colorado, so can you find specimens in each of the sections of the Western Panoramas. Often western sagebrush is clothed in silver foliage and almost messy, non-showy flowers. These are the structure and definition of habitats and are the backbone of the arid western landscape.

Symphyotrichum Ericoides. | Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens

In the Steppe Garden, you will find asters from around the globe. There are many different genera like Helichrysum, Inula, Felicia, Mutisia, Grindelia, Machaeranthera and others. Here they provide habitat and sustenance to pollinators. The Lilac Garden, too, brims with different genera of asters. The most notable in the fall is the rubber rabbit brush, Ericamerianauseosa. This plant is ubiquitous on the slopes in the spaces in between the lilacs. A crucial food source for pollinators, this plant is found not only in this garden but all along the Front Range.

Fall Plant & Bulb Sale. | Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens

Lastly, visit the Laura Smith Porter Plains Garden. There may not be any place more “Colorado” than this garden, and it fully hits its stride in the fall. As the grasses mature and begin to set into their winter colors, the late season Liatris spicata (blazing star) dot through the steppe. The silvery contrast of Artemisia ludoviciana gives a cooling sense and evokes the image of the expansive plains that inspire this garden.

Summer’s end and the coming of fall is a time to reflect on the summer and all that has been accomplished in the growing season. It is time to take a breath, relax and fall for the autumnal asters. Find asters for your own garden—as well as specialty bulbs, seed mixes and the chance to chat with Gardens experts—at Fall Plant & Bulb Sale, Sept. 22-23. The best spring gardens start in the fall.

Fall Plant & Bulb Sale. | Courtesy Denver Botanic Gardens

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This time of year in Colorado, it’s not uncommon for gardens to look a little tired and droopy as the hot weather has taken its toll on spring and summer blooms. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to put your garden to bed. Fall is actually the perfect time to freshen up with a new round of plants and flowers. Transition your garden by taking your cues from the changing of the seasons.

Whereas summer gardens are all about bright color because we’ve just come out of winter and are yearning for warmth and sunshine, fall gardens are a little different. Although you can get a lot of color in the fall with your perennials and annuals, it’s more about texture and subtlety than it is about vibrance and color. It’s about blending textures and colors together to create a warmer feeling as we prepare for the shorter days and cooler temperatures of the upcoming seasons. 

For Your Garden Beds

Refresh your plants in summer for a beautiful early fall display of color like the garden above featuring rudbeckia, snapdragons, poppies, salvia, dianthus, zinnias, petunias and verbena.

In early September, late summer bloomers are in their glory—hydrangeas and Russian sage are at their peak, ornamental grasses have their fall plumes and are just starting to turn brown or rust, black-eyed Susans and coneflowers are strong and vibrant—all providing interest and color as we transition into fall. 

Fall is a great time to revamp your garden, not only to extend your blooming season, but to invest in next year. Take a close look and analyze where your garden has pockets that could use some fall color. You can introduce new plants now or take note and wait for next spring.

If you choose to introduce new plants now, you’ll find a wide variety of both annuals and perennials at garden centers. Pick up a fresh batch of black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, Russian sage, asters and ornamental grasses. Planting perennials and wildflowers in the fall gives them a head start on growth the following spring. The colder weather in fall causes less stress on your new plants, allowing for the root systems to establish themselves in a comfortable environment before winter.

While you’re at it, now is a great time to rejuvenate your vegetable garden. Cool season crops like lettuce, spinach, kale and beets are ready for a second round. In fact, plants that germinate in a short time actually do better in the cooler temperatures.  

For Fall Pots

Planted in summer, this flower box contains verbena, annual rudbeckia, profusion zinnia, red salvia and sweet potato vine.

There seem to be two camps of people when it comes to pots and the changing seasons: those who want to hang on to the bright, vibrant blooms of summer as long as possible and others who, by August, are ready to rip everything out for a complete overhaul with fresh plants in a new color palette. 

In fall, as the Earth’s axis begins to tilt away from the sun, the daylight just feels different as temperatures begin to cool and the glorious colors of fall- orange, brown, rust- emerge. Transition your container garden with fresh annuals like snapdragons, pansies, verbena, violas, ivy and other trailing plants. Add in a burst of fall mums, in hues from orange, red, yellow and rust to purple and white. Add in generous groupings of ornamental kale/cabbage, seed pods and feathery grasses.

Breath new life into your pots by replacing tired spring annuals with fresh fall annuals like ornamental cabbage/kale, snapdragons, and fresh geraniums.

For the Front Porch

A lovely front porch display featuring seasonal gourds and pumpkins, ornamental cabbage/kale, pansies, Emerald Gaiety Euonymus and English Ivy.

Celebrate the season with a beautiful display of fall flowers and plants at the entrance of your home. Although it’s tempting, in our opinion early September is a bit early to break out the pumpkins and gourds, but you can make a fresh start with cool weather bloomers, flowing grasses, ornamental vegetables and textural foliage. 

As the first frost (and Halloween) approach, add in pumpkins, gourds, corn stocks and hay bales to your heart’s content. Beyond Halloween, as we approach Thanksgiving you can transition once again by removing spent flowers and vegetables and adding in bare branches and clusters of colorful leaves and berries.  

It’s important to look at your whole front porch in its entirety when you decorate for the seasons. In fall, sprinkle in accessories like interesting lanterns, throw pillow in autumn tones, a fresh wreath and a nice clean doormat to welcome both family and friends. 

An autumn-hued container is filled with pumpkins and ornamental kale/cabbage with dried seed pods and grass plumes for texture and interest.

Phil Steinhauer is the owner and Principal Landscape Architect for Designscapes Colorado, a landscape architecture and design/build/maintenance firm based in Centennial, CO.  View their profile or contact them at 303.721.9003.

Content for this article provided by Designscapes Colorado.

Photo courtesy of Christy Sports

Coloradans are known for their love of the great outdoors. Our state’s fresh air and abundant sunshine makes any time of year a perfect time to spend on the patio—and a surefire way to avoid cabin fever. A few thoughtful transitions can help you curate an outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing during the fall and winter months.

Colorado outdoor living spaces often include a comfortable deep seating arrangement. Add a firepit and some heat lamps, and you have a cozy space to enjoy even in the chilliest months. Don’t skimp on the décor. Planters filled with seasonal greens, twinkle lights for ambiance, and a basket of thick, soft blankets to wrap up for extra warmth all help create an inviting atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Christy Sports

Whether you’re starting from scratch, or adding pieces to those you already own, there are a few key things to keep in mind when purchasing patio furniture that can withstand the Colorado elements. To begin, find a retailer that is knowledgeable about outdoor furniture and carries a variety of stock and styles to choose from. Christy Sports Category Manager, Brian Engstrom, offers several suggestions to guide his customers. “To begin, assess your patio exposure and preferences,” he says. “Look at the amount of sun, moisture, and wind your space will confront.”  

Once you have taken the time to consider these variables, Engstrom advises looking for products with 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, high density polyethylene, and UV inhibitors. “By doing your homework in advance, you can find high quality furniture with protectants that will keep the finishes from oxidizing and cushions with fill that won’t absorb moisture.” 

Photo courtesy of Christy Sports

Maintaining your investment is a must. Keep your outdoor furniture clean. Clear furniture of snow and shovel the patio surface if your space is exposed. Outdoor furniture manufacturers provide consumer maintenance and cleaning guides for reference. When not in use, patio covers keep things clean and dry during the winter months. Ask your retailer about products that will extend the life of your furniture and protect your investment.

Engstrom says that most Christy Sports customers visit the store several times in advance. “Assessing their needs, browsing the selection, and taking measurements all happen before a final purchase is made,” he explains. “We want our customers to know exactly what they’re buying to ensure it meets the specifications of their outdoor area. Our customers are investing in high quality items that, with the proper care, will remain beautiful for 30 + years.”

Photo courtesy of Christy Sports

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Enjoying your outdoor living spaces during the hottest weeks of the year can be challenging, even in Colorado. Luckily our dry climate allows for cooling off in the shade or as the sun goes down. At a mile-high with 300 days of sunshine a year, we often need to escape the glare and heat of the sun in Denver. When investing in solutions for cooling your outdoor living spaces quick fixes rarely stand up to Colorado’s weather extremes; your best bet is to work with an expert.

Read on for a list of our favorite solutions to add shade and extend the usability of your outdoor living spaces.

Patio Umbrellas

One of the easiest ways to create instant shade is to add patio umbrellas. There are endless sizes, shapes, colors, and styles available. Cantilevered umbrellas have become more popular because they can extend over the patio area without having a base and pole in the middle of the useable space.

We recommend more substantial patio umbrellas that are designed to better manage heavy winds. Keep in mind that the quality of the fabric can greatly impact the shade the umbrella provides. It is also wise to invest in umbrellas that are portable and adjustable, that can be moved around and tilted as needed.

Pergolas

For a more permanent solution, pergolas can be designed to complement both modern and traditional homes. A popular trend now is to mix materials, using metal and wood to create the structure.

Louvered pergolas that offer the option for automated opening and closing have become very popular. In many areas, a pergola structure may require permits and inspections. In addition to blocking some or all of the sun, the right pergola can add charm and help define the space for dining or lounging. Pergolas can also offer a place to install fans, misters, heaters and/or additional lighting.

Trees

Nature can create the most effective and long-lasting source of shade for your patio and your landscape. Trees not only provide shade but also improve the air quality, reduce noise pollution and increase the value of your property. The best trees for Denver’s climate and soil conditions are Honey Locust, Linden, Kentucky Coffee Tree and Spruce.

With expert guidance and additional investment, some trees can be planted at a more mature age to offer more shade sooner. Consideration of size, shape, root system, and fruit production is critical before planting trees near your home or patio. Shown above is the main image’s mature landscape after just three years’ growth.

Water Features

Fountains, water features, spas and pools offer additional options for beating the heat. While pools are a more substantial financial and time investment to build, they are becoming more and more popular in Colorado. Smaller plunge pools and spa/pool combinations are an option for yards with limited space. Fountains and water features can range widely in price, size and quality. Custom designs typically offer greater sound and functionality, while also better matching personal style.

Exposed water of any sort (pool, spa, fountain, etc.) adds a cooling effect through evaporation, the process of exposed water turning into vapor, which absorbs heat from the surrounding air and cools the area. Many water features also circulate air and create a breeze through the movement of water creating air currents that can help disperse the hot and stagnant air on your patio.

Custom Lighting and Fire Features

Custom lighting and fire features can also help you enjoy more outside time in the evenings during the hottest weeks of the year. The right lighting can make your outdoor spaces more inviting as the temperatures drop when the sun sets. Down lighting can create ambiance and make the space safer after dark. Fire features not only add light but also make it more comfortable to be outside at night.

Expert landscape professionals can help you create an oasis to enjoy through summer’s hottest days and into the cooler temperatures of fall. No matter the size of your yard, a combination of natural and custom-built elements can be designed to work together effectively and aesthetically. The best way to manage Colorado’s moody weather is to add more beauty and usability to your landscape!

Rachelle Folsom is the Director of Business Development & Marketing with Lifescape Colorado. For more than 44 years, Lifescape Colorado has been Colorado’s trusted source for landscape architecture, construction and property care. View their profile or contact Lifescape Colorado at 303-831-8310 or info@lifescapecolorado.com.

Content for this article provided by Lifescape Colorado.