Spring is here, hooray! I’m looking forward to my backyard blooms, especially the Wisteria slinking down my fence. The yard looks empty right now, but I’m hoping that last spring’s plantings will come to fruition and dutifully grow back (I have to admit that I don’t really have a green thumb so I’m a bit worried). My garden center says that a landscape always looks the “blankest” right before it springs to life, so my fingers are crossed for a blooming yard.

For my husband’s 40th birthday last spring (don’t tell him that I spilled his age), I built a slate patio under our very beautiful pine tree. The huge pine tree provides fantastic shade but doesn’t allow us to grow much, so I opted for something that would lend privacy regardless of sun, shade and water — an Eastern-inspired privacy fence! Constructed from pressure-treated lumber, I carefully selected each piece, looking for thoughtful grain patterns all the while. When the project was complete we enjoyed the new spruced-up area the entire season, choosing to dine alfresco most nights.

When you build exterior wood pieces, including fencing, decking and other furnishings, you have to allow the material to cure before you can apply a finish. Do research regarding curing time and your lumber of choice before you give it a final coating; with pressure-treated lumber you have to wait one full year; cedar two years. So, my first spring-time project is finishing that fence! I’m going to opt for a natural finish; that way, the interesting grain patterns can continue to mesmerize and inspire.

Next, I’m going to assess the back steps that lead to our screened-in porch. I’m going to strip the existing finish first to see if they can be revived by a new exterior or, if they look junky, I am going to knock them down because demolition is always a good time! I can rebuild them and even put a little Leslie Segrete styling into the new plans.

Spring is also an excellent time to assess the home’s exterior. I plan to check for gaps and cracks around the windows and doors; if any caulk is dried out I will remove it and replace it to properly seal the space and ensure energy efficiency. Spring is also the opportune time to remove window screens and give them a good washing with dish detergent and a stiff brush. The weather is perfect for fixing things up right now, so I’m taking full advantage. Plus, when summer finally does arrive, all I have to do is relax…yeah, right!