Washing the Outbuildings and Pergolas
It’s so nice to hear how many of you are making the best use of this time at home - early spring chores can be very satisfying and energizing.
If you follow this blog regularly, I’ve shared some of the tasks I’m getting done around my farm such as preparing the vegetable garden for planting, aerating and seeding the lawns, and washing the cars - all jobs that can be done safely outside in the fresh air. Recently, my outdoor grounds crew also pressure washed the outbuildings and cleaned the pergolas - giving them a fresh look for the warm season ahead.
Enjoy these photos and please continue to share your home projects.
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- One of my favorite outdoor tools is my Pressure Washer with Adjustable Spray Wand. It’s powerful, convenient, lightweight, and so easy to use. I hope you already have one of your own from my collection on QVC or on Amazon.
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- This pressure washer eradicates dirt and debris from the house steps and exterior, between the patio pavers and so much more.
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- Here, Carlos uses it to clean the stone ledge on my Winter House. Above the ledge is my Metal Tree Wall Decoration from QVC. It is a 71-inch piece featuring 11-rings and pots to hold flowers, small plantings, or fall pumpkins. It can be used indoors and out.
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- Look how clean the ledge is after just a couple of minutes of spraying.
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- This is my Basket house. When I moved to my Bedford, New York farm, I built this small structure to house my basket collection. Over the years, I’ve collected a number of baskets from auctions and tag sales, or from the talented basket-making artisans themselves.
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- Here, Carlos uses the pressure washer to remove the algae on the cedar shake siding. The intense jet blasts away the algae and grime without hurting the paint.
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- It only takes a few minutes to do the entire Basket House. When pressure washing, it’s a good idea to wear protective clothing because the high pressure of the water will spray back toward you.
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- Here, it almost looks like new. Always hold the wand securely so that it does not fly out of your grip.
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- Next, Carlos moves on to my gym building. Another tip is to always move the pressure washer’s wand in an even, up-and-down motion. This will clean the surface without damaging the siding. And never let the spray linger in any one place.
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- Meanwhile, Fernando tackles the small pergola next to my main greenhouse. First, he applies a multi-surface cleaner to help remove any trace algae, mold and mildew from the wood.
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- Here’s a view from the top of the pergola. This area is exposed to all the elements, so it is important to keep up with its maintenance, so it lasts longer.
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- I’ve been using Gilmour’s hoses for many years. Gilmour has a very durable collection of gardening supplies. These are the new AquaArmor™ Lightweight Hoses in 25-foot and 50-foot lengths. They are very useful for doing these outdoor jobs.
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- It also comes in a longer 100-foot length. These hoses are 50-percent lighter than standard hoses and up to 10 times longer-lasting. What’s also nice is that they unkink so easily and glide over surfaces without snagging or tearing.
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- Plus, Gilmour’s AquaArmor™ Lightweight Hoses coil flat for storage.
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- Fernando then washes each of the pergola cross supports and shade bars. While cleaning, it is also good to look out for any cracks or loose wooden pieces that need to be repaired. Fortunately, everything here is in good condition.
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- And then he rinses the rafters and beams making sure he cleans every single spot.
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- At my long and winding clematis pergola, one can see the dirt and algae that have built up over the last year or so. Fernando uses the same process to remove it.
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- It takes some time to clean every single beam on this pergola, but it is well worth the effort. All my pergolas and outbuildings are painted in my signature Bedford Gray.
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- The crew also touched up any areas that needed paint. It looks fresh and inviting.
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- In May, the pergola beds will be filled with beautiful flowers – Camassia, Alliums, and striped squill. I am looking forward to the happier days ahead. Please stay safe.
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