Friday, October 2, 2015

Falling in Love with the Patio

The French live outdoors as much as inside, 
whether it's in the cafe culture of Paris or under a vine-covered pergola in Provence.


Here in Colorado, we do the same. 
As we shift into Fall, we simply migrate from the summer "dining" table with umbrella patio
and meander over to the "fire pit" patio.
Nestled under a giant ash tree and snugged up against the fence, 
it's private and intimate, perfect for an autumn escape.


We used to have a southwestern chiminea (a freestanding fireplace) on this patio 
but we could only see the fire in it if we were sitting down on the open side.  
The fire pit is open on all sides and you can see the fire 
while sitting, standing or walking through the garden.


A couple of Adirondack chairs we found in the alley in pieces have been put back together
and are the most comfortable chairs in the world. (Roxy agrees!)
 I arranged them so that we can look out at the garden.


One summer we went to a student art show but didn't see anything that spoke to us. 
However, as we walked home we spotted a paint-splattered scaffolding leaning against a dumpster in an alley. I didn't know what we'd do with it, but it was just too cool to leave there. 
So we hauled it home. 
It became a unique bench which now graces the patio and provides extra seating.
(We may expand the flagstone a bit so the bench's legs rest on it rather than the grass).


Unfortunately, a year of outdoor weather has scoured the paint splotches off its surface. 
Still, it has a warm, aged patina. 


Two giant metal sunflowers stand guard over the patio, and,
yes, I found these at Goodwill for a song.


We especially enjoy this patio on a cool morning with coffee or a Fall evening 
when we stoke up the fire pit, light the lanterns, and sprinkle candles around the garden.


A glass of wine, some music, and someone special . . .


26 comments:

  1. Dear Friend.... I'm so fortunate to be able to enjoy the seasons of your gardens....

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  2. Here in Canada, a firepit or chimenaea is almost a necessity at this time of year. Your patio looks so inviting!

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    1. Thank you Heather. Am tickled someone in Canada is reading my blog! Stay warm.

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  3. Still waiting for firepit weather here in the South~ your patio looks like a wonderful spot to relax
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you Jenna. I envy you your long growing season in the south and hope you're getting some cooler evenings.

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  4. So beautiful. Romantic. Garden looks lovely. Enjoy your season. Love Sujatha.:)

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  5. That is such a lovely spot, and truly so inviting! Late Fall and Winter mean moving outdoors for us here in the AZ desert, and it is such a beautiful time of year.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Carol. Enjoy those cooler temps in AZ.

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  6. I love it! We like to cuddle up next to our firepit too! It makes such a nice peaceful evening outside.

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    1. Thanks Pam! A warm fire makes all the difference outdoors, doesn't it? Thanks for visiting.

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  7. Hi Pat, tonight I hopped over from Vintage Inspiration Party where I linked next to you. I love being outdoors this time of year. Your casual dining space is just what I love! We have a fire pit and it is wonderful in the fall. Love your bench made from scaffolding! Glad you'll be sharing this at SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  8. Love your outdoor space - looks so cozy! The scaffolding bench is wonderful. Visiting from Vintage Inspiration Party. x Karen

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  9. Beautiful setting for your dining. We're working on ours, but haven't gotten there yet. Will be back to see more soon.

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  10. Such a lovely and cozy space. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Loved the patio!, very relaxing place!

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  12. What a wonderful backyard with so much to look at. Great inspiration!

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    1. Thank you Karren! I pretty much live in my backyard. Thanks for visiting.

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  13. I love your fall patio. Thank you for a lovely outdoor inspiration.

    Greetings from the fall in Iceland
    Stína

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  14. Love your fall outdoor space! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!

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