Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Time for Spring Cleaning


Monday was so exciting--all my outdoor brick was power washed! As you can see, it really needed it. This is just from last winter.

The brick that was exposed to shade was so black with moss, and slippery too.

Even the teak was stained and mildewed.

My friend Martin and his sidekick David showed up at 9 am and literally power washed until 5 pm!

Everything looks so much better now.

Every thing except the tent pavilion.
After being left out for three winters, it is now unsalvageable.

Martin tried everything.
Power washing, bleach, scrubbing with a stiff brush. Nothing was going to take off the moss. The moss literally had roots!
I made the decision to take it down.

So, time to say good bye to the tent pavilion, after almost ten years. We had a lot of good times under this tent!
Here it is four years ago for my friend's 50th birthday party.

Here it is last spring for a tablescape I did.

Many an evening we ate under the tent, or just sat and had a glass of wine.

I loved having coffee in the morning too under my tent.
And of course, all my adult children and their friends often sat under the tent socializing.

Here is how the sitting area looks today, without the tent.
The rug and coffee table were power washed, so the area looks a little better.

It's weird without the tent though.

It does seem bigger and it's definitely sunnier.

Especially from the inside, looking out.
I'm still sad to see it go....

...However, it feels good to finally take action and get the backyard cleaned up. Clean brick, clean teak and new plants in the window boxes!

Next on the agenda is to fill in with perennials in the garden.

Blogging does have a way of encouraging procrastination! I'm on a roll now though!

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27 comments:

Dianne said...

Wish I lived close enough for drinks on the patio. Its beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh my Delores..can you not replace the tent? I have a screen room out in the garden and this might be the last year the roof will be used..so I have to come up with plan #2..now I'm thinking a screened in gazebo!! whew..have to really work my magic for that! Thamk goodness for power washing..the bricks look brand new...

Diane said...

Your back yard is beautiful so you will enjoy it either way!

Spring cleaning is definitely in the air. I just took a week of vacation time to purge my garage and turned half of it into dish and accessories storage for my tablescapes! And it's your fault...because I fell in love with your tablescapes, I decided to give it a try. Now I'm hooked!

I just posted the before and after pics if you want to check them out!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Loved the tent, however it is stunning without it. So pretty. Your entire yard is gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

Kathysue said...

Your patio looks great. We had to replace two umbrellas this year for the same reason, they only last about 3 years but I do love the look of natural canvas market umbrellas. I am sure you will come up with something new, You always have wonderful ideas and I don't think you procrastinate at all. You get right in there and get it done. I am the queen of procrastination. Oh My!! What a thing to admit, lol, xo Kathysue

Beverly@southernhomesweethome said...

Your yard and patio is gorgeous.. I love your walk also. I know you will miss the tent but what beautiful place to spend time. The bricks are lovely.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Whether or not you replace the tent the area is gorgeous! The tent does make it cozy, but without it the area is so big and open. Your home and property is so beautiful.
Yvonne

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

How ever did we clean things like this before power washers?!

Don't you want to make another cover for the tent frame Delores? You obviously miss it, and use it.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Delores, Your patio and yard look wonderful! I really loved your tent as it was perfect for intimate dinners. I was in the process of looking for one myself when we decided to put our home on the market. Maybe at the next house!
Hugs,
Sherry

Karen said...

It looks fantastic! What a great job they did on your brick. It makes everything shine!

AT HOME BLOG said...

What a difference!! I love your patio!!! Everything is beautiful...
Kisses
Etta

Vintage Gal said...

Love your patio. Everything is just lovely. I have to wait a little longer to start the clean up ;-)

Heather@SatisfyingSpaces said...

You have such great outdoor spaces with both of your homes! It is good to know you seem to really appreciate them often. :-)

Babs said...

Delores, The tent certainly gave a sense of enclosure for your seating area, which I like; but I think I like it better without the tent. The view of your garden from the window is lovely.
~ Babs

Cindi @ Rustique Art said...

What a lovely place you have, tent or no tent; it is still so inviting and tranquil...even through the photos. I would find it hard to stay inside :)

Low Tide High Style said...

Your home and outdoor areas are so beautiful! I'm sorry about your tent, but I'm sure you'll enjoy the change and the added light! I need to start tidying up around here too!

Kat :)

mutlu exclusive design said...

it is such a nice garden and patio. Well it is spring and I have to the same cleaning in my garden from the other side of the world.

Burlap Luxe said...

Delorse!!
No amount of grime or grunge!! could shadow the beauty you have going on over here!!

It is a place to love, with a little dirt or not!!

xoxo
Dore

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Delores, your patio area is just beautiful with or without the tent. I DO love to have a covered area to eat outside, right now I don't have that, only a deck. I love all your topiaries, they are all so lush and beautiful! Isn't it amazing what power washing can do!!!! Sorry it wouldn't work on the tent though. Have a GREAT weekend! XO, Pinky

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

What a beautiful outdoor space. Looks so cozy and relaxing. Maybe one day you can replace the tent. I would bring it in in the winter, or disassemble it. Probably a pain though. They should make one that just folds up! lol It looks so nice and clean now. You could always paint your table. They make special spray paint for plastic.

Debbie

Tamra said...

It definitely looks bigger but I agree the tent lended an air of coziness and eveving ambiance.

Trouvais said...

Hi Delores. Have you considered just having new Sunbrella fabric made to cover? The wood looks like new underneath. There are some great photos out there of party tents. Love the photo from last Spring tablescape. Trish

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Delores, I have been thinking of power washing my teak furniture but I am afraid to etch it or wear it away too much. Maybe I will do it since you seem to be happy with the results, and your backyard looks amazing all cleaned up! Try living without the tent for awhile, but you might find you need another one! It seems a little bit magical and romantic! Linda

Upscale Downhome said...

Your patio looks wonderful! I can see why you miss the tent though; it looked so cozy!

Smocking with Gwen said...

Delores...this is much needed inspiration and motivation! But I have to say I LOVE your use of burlap....you do it so well...and I truly say this with the strongest, authentic, most drawn out southern accent I can muster!
Great job!
Gwen

Carol S. said...

Thanks for the inspiration to clean up my porch! I saved the pic from your friend's 50th to my inspiration file. Something about the colors, accessories and love that topiary...gotta get a live plant for my porch. I'm thinking you may get another tent?? Being outside in the rain under my covered porch with candlelight is one of my favorite things. Powerwashing the porch is another thing I enjoy twice a year!

Kathleen said...

I don't use it on my gazebo cover, but on my decks and brick work. It is called Olympic Deck wash, it it is wonderful. Mossy steps came out beautifully, and 2 yrs later still look good. I told Susan at BNOTP about it, and she loved it. I will never power wash again, and we had just bought a big expensive one! This stuff is wonderful, and no, I am not getting anything for saying it.
If you have any questions, just email me!

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