The irises, peonies and columbines surrounding my patio bring joy enough. And soon there will be lilies, rose of Sharon and phlox. Still, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at any of these lovely furnishings to make my outdoor room an even prettier and comfier place.
— Elaine Matsushita, [email protected]
Hose butler
Tidiness can add to serenity. We like this Vine & Trellis Hose Holder because it keeps the patio tidy and it’s a beauty. Oh, and did we mention: It’s made of recycled aluminum — another plus. It comes in three finishes (bronze, moss green and black).
Cost: $52 online only at www.lowes.com.
Stool so cool
We fell in love with Chinese glazed ceramic garden stools when we first laid eyes on one last summer. And we’ve been kicking ourselves for passing up an opportunity to pick up one for less than $100 at Pier 1; this year, they aren’t carrying them. But, hallelujah, we found another very affordable version at Cost Plus World Market. (Horchow, www.horchow.com, has a pretty sky blue stool for $179; others around this price point — some ornately decorated — also can be found at online sources.)
Cost: $69.99. Cost Plus World Market stores. For nearest store, 877-WORLD MARKET (877-967-5362 or visit www.worldmarket.com)
Floor ’em
This year, indoor/outdoor rugs have graduated from Style School with high honors. This Persimmon outdoor rug, made of synthetic fibers, is one of our faves — its leaves dancing free-form in an ode to the garden. And it’s also easy to clean (hose it down, they say). The rug (Item No. 42486) comes in four other colors (green with ivory leaves, green with black leaves, cocoa and terra cotta) and sizes from nearly 2 feet by 3 feet up to 8 1/2 feet by 13.
Cost: $19 to $259 at www.homedecorators.com or call 800-245-2217.
Cattail got your tongue?
We suggest nestling a trio of pretty pots of varying heights in a corner and filling them with white-blooming plants with heavenly scent, which can be enjoyed at night. Then plant some of these solar-powered cattail lights into one of the pots. They have a built-in dawn/dusk sensor and glow six to eight hours each night.
Cost: $32.95 (Item No. 36-513; $30 if buying two or more) at www.gardeners.com or call 800-955-3370
Never forget …
To add character and personality to your outdoor hangout. If you belong to the herd of beings that likes the word “unique,” you’ll welcome this glazed ceramic planter to your patio. Made in Nepal, it’s 10 inches wide and 11 inches long, with a 5-inch hole for planting.
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Cost: $19. Ten Thousand Villages stores. For locations, call 847-733-8258 or visit www.tenthousandvillages.com.