Planning Your Outdoor Entertaining Space

April 7, 2025 | C.L. Fornari | Uncategorized

April on Cape Cod may be cool and damp, but we are looking forward to warm summer days. We know that you are thinking ahead, and making plans for your outdoor living spaces. So here are some things you might want to consider as you think about adding to or improving the places where you’ll be entertaining this summer.

Include some large, year-round containers.

When planning outdoor living areas, there are several advantages to including some larger pots or boxes that can be left out all year. First of all, you can grow shrubs or trees in these that can provide four season structure to the area. Many of the smaller evergreens or flowering trees and shrubs can live in a large container for years. You might even string small fairy lights on these to add cheer during the long nights in the winter.

While the smaller pots contain summer-flowering annuals, therte are larger, four season containers on this deck for evergreens and small trees. Those will be attractive in the winter once the annuals are gone.

Larger containers can also contain seasonal displays. Plant tulip bulbs for a spring flower show that the rabbits can’t get to. Add summer annuals followed by ornamental kales and mums for the fall. And larger pots and boxes are easier to plant since you don’t have to bend over!

**Right now at Hyannis Country Garden these large, four-season planters are 50% off.**

Consider the space underneath taller decks.

The underside of second story decks are often just used for storage, but they make good places for entertaining as well. You can make these areas brighter and more inviting by either covering the underside of the deck or staining it a lighter color. Add some string lights and you’ve got a covered place for tables, chairs and people.

This is a great example of turning the understory into a gathering space. If the ceiling is covered, as it is under the windowed porch in this photo, the area underneath will be protected in wet weather. Or the underside can just be stained or painted so that it’s lighter, as it was underneath this deck. Add some colorful hanging baskets, and you’ve got an entertaining space.

Put your pots on saucers with wheels.

It’s a good idea to elevate pots that are on decks so that the area under the container isn’t kept too wet. For pots and boxes that will stay in one place you can use “pot feet,” but for those you might want to move around, use a saucer that has casters on it.

**These pots can be moved to where they look best, or wheeled out of the way if a big group of people is expected.**

Make a privacy screen that displays plants.

**This is a perfect idea for creating privacy without stopping the cooling sea breeze. An open screen that is sturdy not only creates an outdoor room, but is a great place to hang baskets of plants.**

Rethink the driveway.

Yes, you might want to have your driveway available for cars, but it could also be a party space. This is especially possible for those who normally have their cars in the garage, and have a cement or other hard-surface driveway.

**A high ceiling over the drive provided two spaces for this homeowner. The top was an expansive deck, and underneath a shady, covered gathering area.**

Do you really need so much lawn?

Many people have a large amount of space devoted to turf. Some of this might be turned into patio so that there are more spaces for relaxation and entertaining.

**Several parts of this property were converted to patios and wide walkways.**

Plant a flower garden next to your patio or deck.

If you place perennials and annuals around your outdoor space, you’ll have fragrance and color to enjoy all summer. Use plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and you’ll enjoy their colorful motion as well.

Whether these homeowners are entertaining or relaxing on their deck by themselves, they can enjoy the view of flowers and birds all summer. Our staff at Country Garden can help you choose perennials that flower at various times from spring into fall, so that there will always be something flowering in your perennial border.

Window boxes aren’t just for the front of a house.

Most people put flower-filled window boxes on the front of their house, but if you include some in the back you and your guests will enjoy them through the summer.

**Window boxes are a good way to bring summer annuals into view on decks and patios.**

Your outdoor rooms are not just for entertaining…

Your outdoor entertaining area just might be the best office you’ve ever worked in. And if you create two or three outdoor rooms on your property, you’ll be able to find just the right shade, breeze or view to make your workday both comfortable and inspiring.

Download our informational handout about planting around your fire pit! Find it here.

Posted in Uncategorized