Little by little, we’ve been making steady improvements to our backyard. While hiring a landscaper would have been ideal, we chose to tackle the project ourselves and add upgrades over time. With limited time to work on the space, progress has been slow but consistent—slow improvements over time are part of our rhythm. Last year we did hire help to install a pea gravel patio and we’re so glad we did. It has made a big difference in how we use the space.
Each summer we aim to add comfort and visual interest to our formerly barren backyard. New construction lots mean digging through lots of rocks instead of soft planting soil, which has made installing plants and privacy a challenge. Despite that, we’ve gradually added wicker chairs, a reliable BBQ, an outdoor heater and a firepit so we can fully enjoy the pea gravel patio even on cooler evenings.
When spring arrives, we inspect our patio furniture and outdoor accessories for winter damage. Some items can be stored under the house for protection, but others must stay outside year-round. Living near Seattle means frequent rain, which brings mildew and moss that can take a toll on furniture and the BBQ. I don’t like seeing furniture I’ve invested in become dingy or ruined, so I prefer solutions that preserve our progress without requiring excessive spring scrubbing.
Protecting our outdoor investments became a priority, so I researched durable furniture covers. I’m often disappointed by cheap covers, but I was pleasantly surprised to find several high-quality options that fit our key pieces well. These heavy-duty covers include adjustable straps so you can tighten them for a better fit, helping keep the covers secure through wind and wet weather.
I even found a cover to protect the metal on our firepit from rust, and one that surprisingly fit our stand-up heater. It looks a little funny when covered, but it’s worth it to protect the heater, the BBQ and our wicker seating from the elements. That peace of mind makes the small tradeoff in looks worthwhile.
This summer our goal is to finish the gravel patios by edging them with rock and planting around the perimeter. We’ve made good progress and now it’s time to focus on finishing details—adding more trees and trellises is on the wish list. Each year the backyard becomes more inviting, and I’m excited to continue developing the space. I’ll share more updates as we make progress; working on patios and gardens is one of my favorite projects.
The Ravenna patio furniture covers were available on sale earlier in the season. I received patio covers to try from the manufacturer and shared my honest experience. I only recommend products I genuinely use and like.