September is often a warm and beautiful month here in Saskatchewan, but the cool nights and shorter days always get me thinking about winter nonetheless. And that means that I start thinking about how to prepare our yard and outdoor area for the cold winter months ahead. Saying goodbye to summer is never one of my favourite moments, but making sure all our favourite things are ready for next year is worth the work!

Step One – Cleaning

Back yard preparation always starts with some yard cleaning for me. Getting all the boys’ smaller outdoor toys into the house and packed away in a box for next year is my first step. Then I treat any weeds that have sprung up in between our patio stones in the back yard. Finally, a quick spray-down of the concrete and a fall flower beside my favourite bench ensures I can enjoy the yard during cooler fall days as well! [Read more…]