Published January 20, 2020

Making the Most of False Spring

Written by Peter Kima

Making the Most of False Spring header image.

If you live in North Carolina, by now you have probably seen the meme that showcases a diagram of our finicky seasons with an arrow stating ‘you are here’. This past week and a half we have experienced what is known as false spring and, while we are only a couple of weeks into January, Mother Nature is feeling very April-esque. It’s the point in winter that gives all of us warm weather fiends false hope that maybe, just maybe, the 70-degree temps will stick around until Spring does officially arrive. If you’re like me, the promise of spring makes you daydream of patio season and it doesn’t help that Target has already started to prepare us with displays of outdoor living (raise your hand if you’re already plotting your patio purchases when the first sale hits). So, what can we do to satisfy this Spring itch knowing that the next week could bring snow?

PLAN.
Whether you’re working with a blank canvas or debating a total overhaul, it helps to define how you will use your outdoor living space. Will it be a sitting or entertaining area? Centered around outdoor dining? A personal oasis or retreat? Take inventory of what furniture you currently have and ask yourself whether or not the furniture matches the purpose? If it doesn’t, Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling unwanted items or simply donate to charity (TROSA, The Salvation Army, and The Green Chair Project all offer pick-up services). Now that you have determined function, take dimensions of the space and use blue painter’s tape to map out your furniture placement. I also use this method to back into the size of the furniture I need. Ask friends or family members to sit or stand in the marked spaces to ensure functionality and flow.

When it comes to my porch and outdoor living style, I find Pinterest to be a bit overwhelming. Instead, I love perusing the pages of staple Southern magazines like Southern Living and Garden and Gun for porch inspiration. Turns out, I’m a fan of bold, black and white cabana stripes, Latin-inspired florals, mixing rattan with metal, and those vintage folding lawn chairs with the webbed seat and back. Whether you’re starting from scratch or changing out décor, the off season is of course a great time to find sales on patio furniture and accessories that will bring your vision to life. If you would rather go the less traditional route, I recommend a visit to your local consignment store (FINDS Raleigh, Bella's House in Burlington, and Union Camp Collective in Raleigh are a few) to uncover those pieces that add just the right amount of personality and charm.

The yard, however, is a totally different monster. Right now, we are THAT neighbor whose yard is just a series of connected weed patches. (At least they are green?) If your yard sounds like mine, now is THE time to start researching the variety of grass to sow, the health of your soil, and the preparation needed to ensure it all goes off without a hitch. If your yard is one of envy, lucky you, then maybe you want to add in landscaping details or plan a garden. I would like to say that there is no wrong time to plan for pavers and walkways. Adding in stepping stones is a simple way to define space and keep the yard from coming inside and onto that lovely porch you just planned. If you’re like me, you want to accomplish all of the above. Understanding our region’s climate and growing zone is crucial to cultivating a successful garden and not wasting money on shrubs, trees, and flowers only for them to die a few weeks later. Do the research now and make an educated decision on what to plant, when, and where to plant it. Growing up, we would take old paint stirrers or popsicle sticks and use them to label what was planted. Use this method in your planning to map out the best locations on your property as well. If you’d rather try raised garden beds or container gardening, now is the perfect time to build. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension has always been my go-to resource for all things gardening and I recommend getting familiar if you plan on trying out your green thumb.

ENJOY.
Now that you have planned your outdoor living space, it’s time to treat yourself. Below you will find a short list of bars and restaurants in the Raleigh-Wake Forest area that boast patios for these false Spring days and when actualSpring arrives, your outdoor living space will be ready and waiting!