outdoor living Archives - London Drugs Blog

7 Best Tips for Prepping Your Backyard and Patio for the Summer

Now that the weather has warmed up, it’s time to expand our living spaces outside. After all, the sun is shining, and the great outdoors are calling!

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a chic downtown patio, there are several things you can do prep your backyard and patio for the summer.

Here are 7 tips to get you started!

1. Clean Surfaces

No matter what else you do to make your outdoor living space look nice, nothing will help if everything is dirty.

First, give all of the floor surfaces a good sweep. Once that’s done, it’s time to get in there and deep clean. 30-Seconds Outdoor Cleaner is great for cleaning large outdoor spaces, and it’s safe to use on lawns, plants, and fabrics. You can even attach the spray bottle right to a hose and douse all of the concrete, wood, siding, patio furniture, flower pots, and garden boxes if need be. Then just scrub with a brush and rinse.

Voilà! No more winter blahs.

2. Get Your Lawn Ready

Sprucing up the yard is more than just about mowing the grass – take your lawn to the next level with some extra TLC.

Aerate: Aeration helps the grass to breathe and also helps the water and nutrients reach the root system. You should aerate your lawn every 1 to 3 years, but high-traffic areas may require more attention. Here are some more aeration tips.
Rake: Debris that has accumulated over the winter can block sunlight and prevent water from reaching deep down to the roots of the grass.
Fertilize: Do a little research about what kind of grass you have, then fertilize accordingly.
Maintain: After checking your lawnmower for sharp blades, appropriate oil level, and properly inflated tires, mow the grass regularly, about once a week. Keep grass cut to a height of about 5 cm, except in the hottest part of the summer, when you should let it grow about 1 cm longer.
Water: Watering your lawn slowly allows water to get all the way down to the roots and avoids runoff, so choose a sprinkler that moves in smooth, sweeping motions. Don’t forget to check the water restrictions in your area, and water your yard at night or in the morning before the sun hits it so that the water doesn’t evaporate before it gets into the soil.

3. Prune Trees, Shrubs, and Potted Plants

Pruning dead and excess growth off trees, shrubs, or plants helps the plants grow, and gets rid of harmful insects and rot. Plus, it just looks nicer.

Make sure to also remove any branches hanging over driveways, sidewalks, or paths (these can be a major problem for anyone who has mobility limitations).

If you need a few tools to get started, you can grab heavy-duty pruning tools and protective gloves here. You got this!

4. Let Your Garden Grow

Choose a sunny corner of your yard or patio for a new flower bed, planter box, pot arrangement, or even a few containers for vegetables. Ask at the garden centre which varieties grow best in your region, then select your favourite variety of seasonals and perennials. It’s easier than you think!

Just remember to mind your watering — flowers don’t require as much moisture as vegetables.

If you’re short on space, check out this tutorial to make your own (adorable) shoe organizer herb garden! It works great even on a tiny outdoor balcony and you’ll have fresh, delicious herbs well into the fall.

5. Control Pests

Check your flowers, shrubs, and trees for any creepy crawlies. Remove any larger critters by hand or with a blast of the hose, and use natural pesticide for the rest. Not sure what works best? Here’s a handy guide to garden pests.

If you have some six-legged visitors in your yard that prefer to annoy people instead of plants, stock up on wasp, mosquito, or ant control products. While we share the outdoors with nature’s creatures, we don’t necessarily want any uninvited guests at our next backyard BBQ.

6. Ready, Set, Grill!

Speaking of BBQs, prepping yours is an essential part of preparing your yard for summer.

Luckily, modern grills are easy to clean. Turn your grill on for 10-15 minutes, then allow it to cool for a while before cleaning it with a heat-safe tool. (Wire brushes can be dangerous, so here are some alternative grill cleaning ideas.) And don’t forget to fill up your propane tank — nothing is worse than preparing delicious homemade burgers only to find out there’s not enough fuel to cook them.

We’ve got some great deals on grilling tools and BBQ essentials right here.

7. Sit Back and Relax

Now that you’ve done all the hard work of making your outdoor space beautiful, enjoy the fruits of your labour and relax. You’ve earned it!

Invest in some comfortable, sturdy, weather-resistant furniture to take full advantage of your backyard space.

If you’ve got the room, consider adding an entire dining set. If you have a smaller space, a bistro-sized table and chairs can make even the smallest patios fashionable and a joy to be on! You’ll be surprised how much time you and your family spend out there. Don’t forget to add a shady umbrella for the hot days, and some inviting mood lighting or a home fire-pit to really enjoy your outdoor experience well into the warm, summer evenings.

If your backyard or patio is in need of some upgrades, London Drugs has everything you need to improve and beautify your outdoor space. Check out our Outdoor Living Event or just stop by and talk to one of our experts about your unique needs. We’d love to see you!

Summer Adventure Must-Haves

With summer quickly approaching, are you ready for your next adventure? From watersports to camping essentials, we have a wide range of items to help get you on your way.

Camping

If you’re planning to get out in the woods and have a fun filled camping adventure, make sure you’re equipped! You’ll want to make sure you have the flannel lined Collection by London Drugs sleeping bag to keep toasty at night. Available in a variety of colours, so you’re sure to find one that suits your personality.

If you are in need of shelter, we have tent options small and large. If you’re looking for a compact tent, the Coleman Sundome 3-person tent is a quick 10 minute setup with room for 3. If you’re heading out with the whole family, the Coleman Iron Peak 8-person tent with screen room is what you need. The screen room ensures the mosquitos don’t flood in while you’re taking off your boots, and with room for 8, it’s spacious interior ensures the family has all the space it needs. Comes complete with room divider so you can divide the interior for extra privacy.

Portable Dining

If your adventure plan includes dining along the way, or at your destination, the Collection by London Drugs folding table with 4 chairs is the go-to portable dining set. (It can also double as a cooking surface!) Great for spots without a picnic table, this table and chairs conveniently packs up into itself, with the chairs tucked away within. Great for camping trips, family gatherings at the beach, or sunny afternoons in the park! Don’t forget to bring along a cooler to keep your food and beverages cool.

Water Activities

Spending some time on the water on a hot summer day is both a fun time, and a great way to cool off. From paddleboards to kayaks, we have a variety of ways for you to get out on the water. Consider adding extra excitement to camping trips with a Zray paddleboard. The fixed central fins make it easy to maneuver on the water, and the EVA foam deck pad boasts a nonslip surface for secure foot placement. A 142kg weight capacity makes this paddleboard ideal for carrying a pet or supplies on your journey.

If you’re planning on bringing a towel, change of clothes, or camera, the Collection by London Drugs Dry Bags are a must-have. Available in 2 sizes and various colours, they’re great to make sure your belongings stay dry from splashes or unexpected swimming trips.

Electric Bikes

An electric bike is a great way to explore any landscape, urban or rural. The electric battery helps power uphill climbs, making sure you can relax and enjoy the adventure. The GoCity line of electric bikes have different options depending on your needs. The Go City PLUG foldable electric bike has a powerful 350W motor, can go up to 28km/h, while keeping power consumption low. The Go CIty Foldable E-bike has a 500W motor, with built in USB that supports charging on the go. With a 30km range, you can get around the city with ease. The Go City Plug Plus also has a 500W motor, and a 6 speed drive train, making it ideal for hilly areas. It’s bigger wheels also perform well when out of the city on non paved surfaces.

No matter how you choose to adventure this summer, we have you covered. With sun care, snacks, drinks, cameras, camping accessories and much more, all available in one place, you’ll want to stop by before you hit the road.
Happy adventuring!

4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Living

You can still have a memorable summer this year, even while staying closer to home and heading outside when the sun is out. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, from gardening in your backyard, to picnicking at your local park. We’ve curated some items you can find at London Drugs, that will help make your time outside more enjoyable!

Camellia Leaf Privacy Screens

This Camellia Leaf Privacy Screen is a great addition to any outdoor space. You can use it to dress up an existing fence, cover up an unsightly one, or create a fence where you need it! They are durable, lightweight, and easy to install. As well, they require little maintenance and expand to fit a wide variety of spaces, like a smaller apartment patio or balcony. Made with polyethylene plastic and a sturdy willow frame, these 6.7 feet x 3.3 feet screens are also fade-resistant for 3-5 years, depending on sun exposure.

Bond Portable Gas Fire Bowl

If your ideal evening is kicking back and relaxing outside, we would definitely recommend getting yourself the Bond Portable Gas Fire Bowl. It brings a warm and inviting vibe to any outdoor space. Made out of durable steel, this gas fire bowl has a 54,000 BTU heat output fueled by a clean burning 20lb external propane tank (sold separately). It features an instant electric ignition with flame control knob, a locking lid with handle for portability, and also includes pumice stones, a 10ft propane gas hose with regulator and tank seat.

Garden Accessories

Are you an avid gardener, or want to start growing spices or vegetables at home? You’ll love the Bond 4-Tier Greenhouse! It features 4 wire mesh shelves for ventilation and a plastic cover with zippered flap, giving your seedlings and flowers a great head start sprouting or blooming. Plus, with dimesions of 2.25 x 1 x 4 feet, it can fit a variety of outdoor spaces, even the smaller ones.

If you want to decorate your outdoor space, but don’t really have a green thumb, not to worry – we have a wide selection of patio decor you can use instead of plants to add your own personal flare! From rustic and nautical, to whimsical and tropical, we’re sure you’ll find something that fits your style. Explore our full selection of patio decor here.

Canopy and Bug Tents

Getting outside and soaking up a little sun is great, but for those hotter days, this Collection by London Drugs Heavy Duty Canopy is great for providing a little extra shade. The canopy, measuring at 9.8 x 9.8 feet, features a polyester fabric with a PVC coating and folds away conveniently for easy storage and portability.

If you enjoy the heat, but can’t stand the bugs, we have a solution for you! Made from sturdy 11.5mm fiber glass and 19mm steal tubes, this 9.8 x 9.8 foot Collection by London Drugs Bug Shelter provides protection from pesky mosquitos while also offering a little bit of shade.

We hope you found these items helpful in making the most of your summer this year! Don’t forget to browse our full selection of outdoor living essentials in store and online.

4 Ways to Bring Your Outdoor Space to Life

If planned right, a backyard or balcony space can be a personal oasis. By optimizing your outdoor space, you can greatly expand your living area during the summer months. Truly livable outdoor spaces share a few common elements. Follow these 4 simple ideas to transform your outdoor space into your personal dream garden.

1 – Entertaining area

To enjoy the outdoors, first and foremost you’ll need a place to sit. The joy of entertaining outdoors is you don’t always need a formal dining area or fancy dinnerware! A relaxed environment like this Collection Cosetta patio set is the perfect lounge set up for relaxing with a beverage and can double as a dining area for your next BBQ. If you’re looking for a dedicated dining space, this Collection metal foldable table set will allow you to have lots of room for all your guests to dine. In a tighter space, the Collection Bella folding bistro set is perfect for even the smallest of balconies. No matter the space, large or small, a seating area is the first step and we have a wide assortment to get your outdoor space comfortable.

2 – Outdoor kitchen

When enjoying the outdoors at home, you don’t want to trek to and from the kitchen. An outdoor kitchen doesn’t require a fancy built-in grill! It can be as simple as a dedicated surface to cook with a BBQ. The Kenmore pedestal 3 burner gril BBQ has everything you need, including two side tables for food prep. Another option is The Camp Chef XTG pellet grill which is a backyard powerhouse. It can slow smoke or grill any meal to perfection! While talking food, you’ll need to ensure you keep your beverages cold! We have some of the coolest coolers around. Like this unique van cooler. If you’re looking to save on space, this foosball cooler cart has a built in foosball table top, doubling as an entertainment centre that is sure to be a hit for all ages.

3 – Shade

Soaking in some rays is one thing that makes the summer special, however too much sun can be problematic. Making sure you have some shade is a great way to make the space livable at all times of day. The Collection aluminum pergola is a great option. Complete with two shades (one grey and one beige) it can be full shade, half shade or no shade depending on your needs. Also, its aluminum frame is sure to endure years of use. For something smaller a fiberglass windproof umbrella is a great option that is easy to move. For a more robust shade, the Bond offset umbrella is available in various colours and can cover your dining area with no obstructions or center pole. If you are working with a small balcony, this universal umbrealla for an outdoor chair is perfect as it will mount to any chair, and is also great for days at the beach.

4 – Ambience

Now that you have a sitting area, some shade, and a place to prepare your food, it’s time to add the final touches. Backyard ambience can be anything from décor to lighting. Solar lighting is a great way to add highlights to a large space without the trouble of connecting power. No matter your taste, we have a wide assortment of solar lighting options. Another final touch is to add some planters and garden décor.

From resin planters, to ceramic and even wood, there are a wide range of styles available to match any aesthetic. Add in some unique garden accessories like this Collection bird bath, and your personality is sure to come through. If on a balcony or in an urban area, a fountain like this unique Collection fountain with LED lights can help cut the background hum of the city streets and add a tranquil vibe. Lastly, a fire pit can turn relaxing evenings into a camping-like experience (but where you still get to sleep in your own bed!) Whether a table top, or stand alone unit, we have various options to fit any space.

No matter what you do to your outdoor space, we can help you transform it into an extension of your living area that can easily become your favourite place in the house. Shop our outdoor living collection today to have your dream back yard tomorrow.

10 Ways to Enhance your Outdoor Living

With people spending most of their spring and summer closer to home this year, there is no better time to create an outdoor oasis for you to spend your lazy afternoons in. Make it comforting and inviting with furnishings, outdoor décor and even backyard lighting for those cozy evenings.

BBQ & Outdoor Cooking Essentials

No one can argue that enjoying outdoor BBQs is one of the highlights of warmer weather. The Kenmore Pedestal Grill features 522 sq. in. of cooking space and the generous side shelves fold down for compact storage. This 3-burner patio grill features an electronic ignition for easy lighting, porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grids and a durable porcelain-enameled lid with a stainless steel handle.

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill features sturdy quick-fold legs and 2 wheels for hassle-free setup, take down, and transport. Plus it features an Insta-start ignition button for matchless lighting! (Just make sure to play it safe and picnic or barbecue at home to maintain social distance, until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.) Find these and other BBQ and Outdoor Cooking Essentials here.

Patio Heaters

Warm up on those chillier nights with Bond Steel Gas Firetable or Portable Gas Fire Bowl. The bowl comes with pumice stones, locking lid with carry handle, 10ft propane gas hose with regulator and tank seat. Both are great for marshmallow roasting or adding a relaxing ambiance to your outdoor space. Find these and other outdoor heaters here.

Outdoor Patio Furniture

Make the most of outdoor spaces with a fresh patio set. This Collection Cosetta Patio Set is made of light weight Acacia wood construction and soft comfortable cushions. It’s small enough to fit most patios, while still providing enough room to seat 4 adults. The coffee table offers a sturdy construction with a decorative slat design top and stabilizing cross bar at the bottom. The set includes 2 arm chairs, 1 bench all with cushions and 1 coffee table.

The simple classic design of the Collection Bistro Set features two folding chairs and a Bistro table that also folds. The silver metal construction with black mesh chairs will suit any patio décor.

Create some shade so you can cool off on the hotter days with this 10ft. Bond Offset Umbrella Set. It includes 4-piece base and is available in blue, red or taupe.Customize your outdoor space with these and other patio furniture and accessories here.

Entertaining Décor & Accessories

Express your personal style with our wide selection of tableware and accessories. You’ll be surprised at how many choices there are to fit your patio theme. Plus, with much of our tableware made from durable materials, you’ll have no problem bringing it outdoors. Browse our full selection here.

Garden Tools & Planters

Work on your green thumb with our selection of outdoor planters and gardening tools. Planters and pots are perfect for adding a pop of colour without digging up the backyard. With our large selection of different styles and sizes, we’re sure you’ll find something that fits your outdoor space, regardless of its size. Plus, you can cart along all your gardening tools in this handy folding wagon from our Collection line. Browse our full selection of garden tools and planters here.

Outdoor Accessories

If you want to add a bit of functional style to your outdoor space, check out this Craft Van Cooler from our Collection line. Not only does it add character to your patio, you can also keep all your beverages cold. You can even use it to store other items when you’re not using it as a cooler, to maximize smaller patio spaces. Browse this and other outdoor accessories here.

Sun Care

Regardless of how much time you spend outdoors, make sure you’re well protected from the sun. From lotions and sprays to mineral options, you can find a sunscreen that’s right for you here.

Summer Clothing & Shoes

Whether you’re playing with your kids, doing some gardening or just soaking up a little sun, make sure you’re adequately dressed for the outdoors. We’ve got a selection of sandals, hats and comfortable clothing to help make spending time in your backyard more enjoyable. Explore our full clothing and shoe selection here.

Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Music adds a whole new element to your time outdoors, so why not use a bluetooth speaker to play your favourite tunes outside? The portability makes it convenient to take it anywhere in your patio space. Browse our full selection of bluetooth speakers here.

Outdoor Toys & Fun

If you’re looking to have some fun outside your yard, the Pelican Fazer 100 Kayak is the perfect choice. Built on a twin-arched, multi-chine hull, this sit-in kayak offers great stability and good tracking. It features an adjustable ERGOFORM padded backrest with seat cushion for comfort, a storage hatch with bungee cord to store your gear, a cockpit table, bottle holder, drain plug and carrying handles. Made of RAM-X impact-resistant material, it is built to last. So bring your Fazer 100 with you on your next adventure at the lake and create memorable stories worth sharing with everyone. Find these and other outdoor toys and fun here.

Fun Ways to Keep Cool

It’s finally here. Summer. The season we’ve waited for all year. Those long, lazy hot weather days we’ve been dreaming about are here, and well, now we’re feeling a little sweaty. And lazy. And we just don’t want to expend a whole lot of energy doing much of anything at all. Much less keeping cool.

But there are so many fun and easy ways to cool down while you chill out this summer. Here a few of our favourite ways to keep cool when the temperature soars.

Play in the Spray

You’ve seen inflatables decorating the neighbourhood during the holidays. Now they’ve found new purpose in the summertime: as sprinklers. That’s right, these inflatable sprinklers aren’t just cute, they’re also functional, and will bring out the play while you get your spray on.

Go Boating

A cool sea-breeze may be just the thing you need to cool down, and you can search for the best coastal breezes in your single-seat kayak. Get paddling!

Or Floating

If the pool is your preference, bring your A-game with a fun and funky floatie for you, or for the whole gang! Splish splash!

Make Some Shade

Sometimes you’ve just got to sit down and relax. But if you want it made in the shade, and your yard has other ideas, you’ll need to create your own little shady spot with a sun umbrella that’ll make lounging a lot less sweaty.

Pack a Cooler

There’s nothing like an ice cold drink on a hot day, but keeping it cool can be a challenge. And going inside for a refill isn’t always feasible, especially if you’re spending the day at the park or the beach. That’s why packing a cooler is essential – Just don’t forget the ice packs!

Explore our full outdoor living selection for more ways to have fun — and keep cool — in the sun.

Entertaining in Your Outdoor Space Like an Expert

Ah, the season of sunshine. Spending more time outside in the summer months is treat enough! A couple of folding lawn chairs and patch of grass can be enough to enjoy the warmer weather, but if you want your backyard gatherings to become the talk of the neighbourhood, we’ve got some tips to help take your outdoor space from fine to SHINE!

Step One: Tidy Up

First thing’s first—you need to make sure your space is clean and tidy. Here are our tips for getting your yard into tip-top shape for the summer.

Then, decide what style speaks to you. Choose sleek and modern, bright and tropical, cute and cozy, or any vibe that fits your space and your taste, and then decorate accordingly. A consistent style will make your space more polished and sophisticated. Here’s some eye-catching inspiration in case you’re stuck on what style to choose.

Step Two: Choose the Furniture

When choosing furniture for outdoor use, you’ll need to make sure it can stand up to the elements. Keep an eye out for metal, rattan or weather-treated wood, and coverings and fabrics should be waterproof (or at least moisture-resistant if they’re under cover). We have a great selection of outdoor furniture and accessories to suit many different styles and spaces.

If you’re on a budget, there is power in a yard sale purchase, some spray cleaner, a can of paint, and a few cute accessories. Not sure if your new-to-you furniture is meant for outdoor use? Never fear, because you can DIY it to make sure it withstands whatever mother nature has to offer. Your local hardware store will have all kinds of paint for metal and plastic protection. Wood and fabric takes a little more work to fortify (here’s a handy guide) but a little elbow grease is worth it for a gorgeous outdoor sitting area.

Step Three: Find the Shade

Your outdoor space will most likely be used in the afternoon or evening, and sun at that time of day can still be pretty harsh. There’s nothing like a bunch of squinting and hand-on-forehead-eye-shading to ruin a backyard get together, so make sure your guests have ample shade. An umbrella is the obvious choice for providing shade in your yard, but there are other options. Strategically-planted trees can provide lovely, dappled shade, or a gazebo-style cover can take care of a larger area.

Step Four: Turn On the Lighting

Days are longer in the summer, but the sun does eventually go down—lighting is an important element if you want to entertain outside in the evening. String lights create a pretty atmosphere in any outdoor space, stake lights will brighten up dark pathways and gardens, and solar- or battery-powered lanterns can be hung in trees for a romantic feel. Speaking of romance, don’t forget the candles! Make sure they’re in holders or use flameless candles to avoid being snuffed out by summer breezes.

Step Five: Dining Design

Any dishes and glasses will do for outside dining, but a backyard makeover is your chance to embrace bright and colourful design that might not fit in with your interior. Why not branch out a little with some fun dishes and accessories?

Keep food casual for backyard meals to capture the classic summer feel – salads, fresh fruit, cold drinks, finger food. Elaborate courses and lots of cooking is impressive, but keeps you in the kitchen and missing all the fun.

Cold drinks are important on warm summer evenings, so make sure your guests are adequately hydrated. Coolers will keep bottles and cans cold without repeated trips to the kitchen, and if you’ve got the room and electricity spare, a drinks fridge is a good investment for serious outdoor entertaining. A lemonade or iced tea station on a side table will keep guests refreshed, or for larger parties, a rolling drinks cart stocked with a selection of beverages, glasses, ice and straws can easily move back and forth from the kitchen for repeated refills.

Step Six: Curate the Music

Everyone knows the perfect playlist can really make a summer party, so keep the music portable with a high-quality, weather-resistant Bluetooth speaker.

Small space? You can still entertain!

Yes, even your teeny, tiny apartment balcony can be warm and inviting for guests. You’re paying for that valuable square footage, so why not make the most of it?

Choose smaller, narrower furniture and arrange it around the perimeter – guests will have more standing room in a smaller rectangular space instead of having to navigate around large pieces. Two small couches facing each other take up a lot less room than a group of chairs.
Non-traditional furniture like a bar table can multi-task as an area for food prep, eating, and outdoor entertaining, all rolled into one.
If you have access to a shared space that you can’t take over full time, have some folding furniture on hand for spontaneous courtyard hangouts.

Check out the London Drugs Outdoor Living Guide for all your backyard entertaining needs. Make this summer the best one yet!