Spring IS Ahead - Plan Your Outdoor Space Now
Author: Debbie Rodgers, owner Paradise Porch
Word Count: 437

Spring IS Ahead v Plan Your Outside Living Space Now
Really! Although you may live where winter seems to still have firm
grip, remember that just below the snow, the early bulbs are pushing
their way skyward (amazing, isn't it?) So think ahead to when YOU
can get outside too because spring will be here before you know it.

What can you do now to plan ahead? Here are tips to make this
year's outside living great.

* First, gather pictures of the porches or decks that appeal to you.
Look in magazines, library books, on the web. Once you've
collected these, sit in a comfy chair and study them. What about them
draws you? Is it the color? The comfy seats? The privacy? The theme?
Fix in your mind the element or elements that makes the pictures
appeal to you.

* Make a pencil sketch of the floor plan of your outside space. What
uses do you want to make of it? List the activities that are
essential, and then those that you might like. Mark the traffic flows
on the floor plan.

* Now picture your outdoor room including the elements that you
identified on step 1. Picture the traffic flows and uses from step 2.
Make a list of the things you see in your mind's eye.

* Consider the items you already have. Was it the comfy seats that
appealed to you in the pictures? Are your chairs comfortable? Can you
make them that way by making fat new cushions? Were all the photos
that you adored full of lush greenery? Do you have a cache of terra-
cotta pots sitting out in the garage that can be filled and put to
good use?

* Think about what you need to add. Is this the year you splurge on a
great new chaise lounge? Would a folding privacy screen make all the
difference? Will you use your entire budget for a collection of lush
tropicals? Unless your funds are unlimited, concentrate on narrowing
this down to one or two items.

* Make a list of the possible sources for the needed item(s). if
you're on a strict budget, can you scour yard sales for a chair
that may need only a new cushion, or scout the salvage dealers for
louvered doors to paint and frame for a privacy screen? What about
the classifieds? Also, watch retailers for opening season specials.

With your plan and your lists in hand, you will be able to spend
wisely and obtain those items you need to make your outdoor living
room just right for you. Spring will be here SOON -- be ready!

Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to
helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich
them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free
report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor
space".
Mail to debbie@...