Decorating a deck

[SLP958]

We just had our deck repainted and want to spend more time out there this summer.

We live in AL and the deck faces the sun during the day.

It does not have a top, just open deck.

I need some ideas to make it pretty without usong plants. The sun is too hot and burns them up even with daily watering.

We have a table, chairs with cushions, umbrella and deck bench.

I am thinking of a few colorful pots with a couple of those garden statues in them but I'd really like some other ideas too.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

We have one of these for shade and I love it.

http://www.hayneedle.com/product/coolaroocoolhaven12ftsquareshadesail.cfm

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You can use plants, you just have to pick the right ones, fyi. I am a horticulturist who works in a nursery planting custom containers for people. Croton, Redhead Coleus or other sun coleus, lantana, potato vine, angelonia, cannas, a sun loving shrub, etc. Or go tropical, lantana tree, mandevilla vine, banana tree, a sun palm, etc... Bougainvillea would be a perfect choice for you, I think. That is what I would recommend to you if you came into my nursery. Also an Oleander Tree would be fine.

That being said if you do not want to use plants, you can get large metal flowers or other large decorative stuff and "plant" those in pots. Use screen over the hole to make sure the draining hole does not get plugged up.

Make sure you spend the money for the heavy FREEZE proof containers. Decks and wind can be a problem so it needs to have weight. Key with containers is to put that screen to cover the hole so it drains, even if you "plant it" with a statue or other non living thing. It will be outside in the elements and it needs to be able to drain properly.

Also key with designing is to measure the height you wish the container to be before you go shopping. Decide how large you want before you shop.

 

[SLP958]

I love that shade. It would work perfectly over one side of the deck!

And Thank You Mystery Machine.

I love plants but have not been able to keep any alive out there.
I plan to try a few of these and see how they do.

 

[Luvstotravel]

Grow plants that do well in your area. I know nothing about Alabama, but surely there's plants that will grow there.

On our patio, we have a table with a fire pit. We also have an outdoor movie screen. We love eating dinner outside by the fire, usually around 8-8:30, and then watching a movie when it gets dark enough.

 

[si-am]

I'm in Georgia and our deck also gets bright, hot, sun for most of the day. I've had good luck with lantana and moss rose in containers-- they both love sun and heat and can withstand the hot Georgia summers. Plus, lantana attracts hummingbirds, which is a bonus in my book! Home Depot was selling both this weekend, but you'll find more varieties of lantana closer to summer.

 

[HeatherC]

We have a "Garden Oasis" Gazebo from Sears anchored on our deck. This will be the sixth year with it and we live out there when the weather turns nice. We have replaced the canopy twice and remove the canopy in the fall for the long New England winters.

We also have an outdoor wicker sofa and two club chairs with a glass coffee table. With some pretty plants and lanterns for the evenings, it is like a second living room.