Your Guide to a Fall-Ready Backyard

The fall season is approaching, and with it come cooler temperatures across the Carolinas. As we bid farewell to summer’s heat, the function of your outdoor spaces transitions with the season. To get the most enjoyment from your backyard this fall, we recommend a few ideas to elevate your area for both function and fun.
 

Warm Your Space

As the days get shorter and evening temperatures drop, creating a cozy atmosphere is key. By adding heating elements to your space, you’ll extend the amount of useful time for enjoying the outdoors.

A fire pit is a classic choice, serving as the perfect focal point for your gatherings with friends and family. Whether you opt for a simple, portable model or choose to build a stone version into your patio, there is an option for every style, budget, and yard. 

Another great way to bring warmth is with heaters. With a variety of styles (freestanding, mountable, or table heaters) or fuel sources (electric or propane) to choose from, you can select which option best fits your space’s purpose. 
 

Illuminate Your Evenings

With the sun setting earlier, proper lighting is crucial to extending the time you can easily spend in your yard. Add string lights for a warm glow. You can condense them in one space, like around railings or above seating areas, or drape them between trees and along fences to light the entire yard. 

For more centralized lighting, battery-operated lanterns and candles provide an adjustable and portable option, while creating a magical ambiance. Whether centered on tables, situated on step corners, or along pathways, this background lighting will transform the vibe of your backyard. Similarly, solar lights will illuminate garden beds and walkways without any hassle.
 

Embrace the Season’s Beauty

Transitioning your backyard for fall is just as much about aesthetics as it is function. Start by swapping out summer accessories with cozy, autumn-inspired pieces, leaning into the warm, rich hues of the season like burnt orange, deep red, and golden yellow. 

Elevate the ambiance of your space with a few small touches. Lay down a durable outdoor rug to define purposeful zones, and enhance your outdoor seating by adding weather-resistant throw pillows and soft blankets. Consider displaying seasonal items, like gourds or pumpkins, on side tables to draw the eye. 

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of gardening. Fall is the perfect time to add cool-weather plants that thrive in our area, and bring classic beauty to your space. Mums are a classic choice, offering resistance to colder temps and a pop of color. They’re perfect for pots or garden beds. For maintaining your garden beds, asters are a daisy-like variety that attract pollinators, and pansies are a low-growing, showy bloom. For non-flowering options, ornamental grasses or cabbage add texture, along with rich greens and purples.
 

Bring the Fun Outdoors

Take your usual entertainment outside to make the most of the season. Whether it’s enjoying a meal, reading a book, or watching a movie, consider if a few simple changes can make these everyday activities enjoyable outdoors!

Elevate dining al fresco with a sturdy table, comfortable seating, and adequate lighting. If in an uncovered space, opt for weather-resistant materials that will withstand the potential for rain and wind. Take your dining up a level with a bar cart to conveniently access ice, drinks, snacks, and more. 

Cuddling up with a book and blanket, whether lying out in the yard, on a cushioned bench, or in a hanging hammock. Portable lamps or lanterns are a great way to amplify focused lighting, wherever your activity takes place. 

Looking for group fun? Challenge the family to a card or board game in your cozy seating, roast s’mores around the fire, or enjoy music with a portable speaker. Take movie night up a notch with a few blankets, a projector, and speakers. Hang a sheet or direct the projector toward a blank wall or garage. Grab your snacks and get comfy for the show!
 

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night under the stars or hosting a gathering, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor space. Embrace the pleasant Carolina fall weather, and elevate your backyard space into your own cozy, comfortable haven.