Fall garden maintenance: Outdoor furniture

Most gardeners have invested heavily not only in plants but in outdoor furniture and accessories to enjoy when gardening is through for the day. Outdoor furniture beautifies the garden but takes a beating from the elements each summer. Spend a little time protecting and storing garden furniture at the end of the gardening season. Why replace it when a little fall maintenance keeps it good as new?

Wooden garden furniture

Use a good furniture oil on wooden benches and such at the end of the gardening season before the snow flies. Furniture that has lost finish or luster should be sanded down and re-finished for next year. Replacing wood garden furniture due to a few scratches is wasteful. Once the finish is dry, store or cover the furniture for the winter.

Plastic garden furniture

It may not seem as if plastic garden furniture needs a lot of fall maintenance. Damage from the sun, wind and rain cause scratching and fading on plastic furniture. Give plastic furniture a good washing in the fall. If needed use spray paint designed for plastic to give it a new fresh look. This will cover scratches and faded spots by bonding to the plastic.
Note: This is a great opportunity to switch to a new color scheme as well.

Cushions

Garden furniture cushions often fall victim to the elements and wear and tear. Give cushion covers a good cleaning. Replace the covers if needed. If your cushions have become worn and don't have covers, consider making some. No seamstress skills? Just wrap them in a decorative blanket and pin at the back.

Tarps and canopies

Tarps and canopies suffer summer wear and tear too. Sometimes sun exposure causes the fabric to separate. Fall is the time to mend any holes or tears in canopies and tarps. Iron on or self stick canvas patches can be purchased in fabric and craft stores. Be sure to put a patch on both sides of a hole or tear for durability.