Photo Courtesy of Artistic Gardens
Contributed by Kathy Flaxman. Deck, patio, back garden, balcony – everyone with access to outdoors is making the most of the warm weather. Now, we have a chance to feel free and normal and experience the joys of looking at and tending to plants; maybe even enjoying a drink or a meal al fresco! It feels wonderful!
The fact that a lot of us have our own private outdoor space is a plus – it’s ours so we can do as we please, social distancing notwithstanding. In fact, social distancing is easier, much easier, when you’re not trying to share with thousands of others. There are some very aspirational treatments of outdoor space, from repurposing a garage to creating a lovely Italianesque gazebo complete with nearby water feature. Owen Robinson of Weenen General Contracting Limited points out that elaborate edifices require planning and building permit approvals which can take months. Given the circumstances of this special year, what many homeowners are wishing for are separate spaces where a home office or spare bedroom might work.
Meanwhile, lots of people are having all kinds of work done on the outside parts of their homes. “Decks, repairs, fencing, painting, new windows, sidewalk and steps are all popular right now,” Owen says. “All very necessary work to make outdoor spaces even more enjoyable than they already are!”
Hurray for summer!
