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Bring a Little of Your Garden Inside for Fall
Hold onto some of summer's joys with branches, pots, benches and more
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison, Wisconsin. When I'm not working, I like to do projects around my house, get out in my solo canoe or go camping, read design and psychology blogs and work on mixed media art.
My husband and I live in a 1950 ranch-style home a few miles west of Madison,... More »
I'll be honest. I ditched my yard halfway through the season and instead spent my free time with friends and favorite activities. I think it had something to do with the major garden cleanup I did over the spring. After countless hours spent digging and moving and carting only to re-dig and move again, I decided to throw in the trowel (ha) and move on to spending my time with things that weren't going to fade away a few months later. It was clear that I was a little burned out and I needed to get away.
And of course, now that the air is starting to get crisp and my perennials are beginning to whither, I'm ready to go back to my yard again. Feeling somewhat guilty that I left it high and dry and eventually admitting to myself that it's almost time to put everything away, I had the idea I could bring in my favorite planter that I never got around to filling. One thought led to another, and I realized many of the outdoor decorations and natural elements we enjoy in summer can come with us into our homes for fall. Look ahead to see what I mean.
More: Stick Around, Sunshine
And of course, now that the air is starting to get crisp and my perennials are beginning to whither, I'm ready to go back to my yard again. Feeling somewhat guilty that I left it high and dry and eventually admitting to myself that it's almost time to put everything away, I had the idea I could bring in my favorite planter that I never got around to filling. One thought led to another, and I realized many of the outdoor decorations and natural elements we enjoy in summer can come with us into our homes for fall. Look ahead to see what I mean.
More: Stick Around, Sunshine
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| Branches. So of course a leafy branch will only last you a couple weeks into autumn, but it may still look great once it sheds its leaves. Take a look at this kid-friendly project that puts branches to good use. Tips: Inspect for bugs before bringing branches inside. If they still have leaves, keep them fresh longer by cutting them on an angle at the base just before putting in water. |
| This room makes me want to sit down and look at a good coffee table book. Branches on either side of the desk add personality to a space that may have otherwise felt stiff and unfinished. I like branches for their naturally organic shapes and also because they're easy to find. |
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Bench. Depending on what your bench looks like and if the lines, color and style fit into your home, you may be able to get away with using it inside during the cooler months. If you don't have enough space in your entryway, consider using it at the kitchen table or near a window.
Tip: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and then gently scrub with soapy water. If there is mold or mildew, you may want to use white vinegar diluted with water to remove it. If this doesn't work, resort to a bleach and water mix. Spray down with a hose, pat dry with a towel and wait until it dries completely before bringing it inside.
Tip: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and then gently scrub with soapy water. If there is mold or mildew, you may want to use white vinegar diluted with water to remove it. If this doesn't work, resort to a bleach and water mix. Spray down with a hose, pat dry with a towel and wait until it dries completely before bringing it inside.
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You can soften the vibe of your new seating by adding a couple large pillows or even a thick wool blanket. Pulling a bench indoors will also provide you with additional seating for the holidays.
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by BAAN design
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| Planters. Whether it's big or small, chances are likely that you have a favorite planter you tuck away year after year. While it is certainly exciting to see it again once spring arrives, it may be something you can enjoy all year as well. Tip: Remove all of the soil used with the previous plantings and clean with soapy water. Rinse out and use fresh soil for the new plants you intend on adding. |
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A pair of urns or planters that may generally be used outside an entryway can be an interesting addition to a fireplace or even a doorway in your house. You can also divide them up and use them in separate rooms or choose to put one away and keep one out.
by H&H Design
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Stump table. If you have the space in your bathroom, a stump table with a natural finish provides warmth and also somewhere to put a few candles. It keeps the room feeling serene and spa-like, which is always nice to retreat to after a long day of fall cleanup.
Tip: If you are using a stump of your own, be sure that is is dried out and inspect for bugs. If there are no bugs, use a stiff wire brush to remove dirt or residue once your bark is removed and then sand the log smooth. Apply linseed oil and let dry. Finish with urethane if you like.
Tip: If you are using a stump of your own, be sure that is is dried out and inspect for bugs. If there are no bugs, use a stiff wire brush to remove dirt or residue once your bark is removed and then sand the log smooth. Apply linseed oil and let dry. Finish with urethane if you like.
by Urrutia Design
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All right, so this particular stump table is pretty nice, and it's quite clear it wasn't just peeled, sanded and varnished. But the concept is still the same. Small tables like this one look great when paired with a reading chair or bookshelf.
by Fiorella Design
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Potting bench. Who's to say that planting needs to stop once the ground freezes? Indoor potting benches are the perfect place to carry on with your green-thumb hobbies throughout the fall and winter and also duplicates as a great place to paint. I have a potting bench indoors, and it is my go-to desk for any project that's messy.
Tip: If you're bringing in your outdoor bench, go over the potting bench with a wire brush to remove dirt and inspect the corners for spider nests. Use white vinegar diluted with water and spray it over the entire surface. Let soak for a little bit and then rinse with a hose. Pat dry and bring inside only when dried completely.
Tip: If you're bringing in your outdoor bench, go over the potting bench with a wire brush to remove dirt and inspect the corners for spider nests. Use white vinegar diluted with water and spray it over the entire surface. Let soak for a little bit and then rinse with a hose. Pat dry and bring inside only when dried completely.
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Although this isn't exactly a potting bench, it does a nice job of showing what warm rustic style a weathered table can bring to a room. A potting bench in a living or dining room will add both function and personality. I'm a big fan of adding furniture and decorations throughout the cooler months and taking them away once spring arrives — warm and cozy in the winter, cool and fresh in the summer.
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Statues. Many times, there are garden sculptures that look just as great indoors as they do out. I like this one because it's kind of whimsical and adds a little humor to get you through the long spell of ice and snow. If your yard sculptures seem too small, try resting them on a base similar to this one to add volume, or make room for one on a bookshelf.
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| Here is another statue, also elevated from the floor for more emphasis and easier viewing. Pickings may be slim right now, but late summer and early fall can be a good time to shop for a garden sculpture or two, as they can be pricing at the beginning of summer. What can you bring indoors from your own yard this fall? More: Best Ways With Branches DIY Fall "Wish Tree" Stick Around, Sunshine: Designing With Yellow |
Comments
blou thanks for the great ideas. will try to put some to work here at the beach.
20 months ago · Like
callisondesigner Photo #10 is a school typing table that has been white washed! I have one!
20 months ago · Like
low_yengfang the dining photo - the wall light are very nice. where to get it?
20 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 22, 2011.
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