Refresh Your Outdoor Spaces: DIY Projects for Late Summer and Early Fall
- Jill Bourn
- Aug 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 23
As August winds down and September rolls in, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention outdoors. Here in the Texas Hill Country, outdoor living is part of everyday life—from morning coffee on the patio to evenings spent under big Texas skies. At Bourn Homes, we believe in creating homes that celebrate indoor/outdoor living, which is why refreshing and maintaining your exterior spaces matters so much to us. The transition between seasons gives homeowners a window to both enjoy the lingering warmth and prepare their spaces for cooler weather. Whether you’re sprucing up for cozy fall evenings or getting ahead of winter prep, here are some DIY outdoor projects to tackle this season.
1. Refresh Your Landscaping
Plant Fall-Friendly Blooms: Brighten up your garden beds with mums, asters, and ornamental kale for vibrant fall color.
Start a Fall Vegetable Garden: Sow seeds for lettuce, spinach, carrots, and radishes—cooler weather crops that thrive this time of year.
Mulch Garden Beds: Adding mulch helps lock in moisture and insulate plants as temperatures dip.
2. Protect & Clean Outdoor Surfaces
Power Wash Patios and Decks: Clear away built-up dirt, pollen, and grime to make outdoor spaces more inviting.
Seal Wood Surfaces: Apply a protective coat to decks and fences to safeguard against rain and cooler weather.
Clean Gutters: Clear out leaves and debris now to prevent clogs during fall leaf drops.
3. Update Outdoor Lighting
Add String Lights or Solar Lanterns: Extend evenings outdoors with a warm glow.
Refresh Fixtures: Replace outdated light fixtures or give existing ones a good cleaning for instant curb appeal.
4. Seasonal Entryway Refresh
(My favorite project -- too easy to pass up!)
Paint the Front Door: A new color can dramatically change your home’s exterior look.
DIY a Fall Wreath: Use dried flowers, eucalyptus, or wheat stalks for a seasonal welcome.
Update Doormats: Swap summer styles for durable, fall-inspired mats.
5. Maintenance Matters
Check for Drafts: Seal gaps around doors and windows to keep your home energy efficient.
Inspect Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Ensure everything is working properly before the first freeze.
Safety Check: Test outdoor lighting, security systems, and smoke detectors inside to stay prepared.
If this seems like a lot, no worries! Here’s a simple guide to keep your DIY projects on track!
Weekend 1
Seal deck or fence
Clean gutters
Check windows and doors for drafts
Weekend 2
Hang string lights or solar lanterns
Refresh front door with paint or décor
Swap out doormats
Weekend 3
Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses
Test outdoor lighting and safety features
Finish any seasonal décor (wreaths, planters, etc.)
Weekend 4
Plant mums and fall vegetables
Mulch flower beds
Power wash patio or deck
With just a few focused weekends, you’ll head into fall with a refreshed, welcoming exterior and peace of mind knowing your home is ready for the season ahead. At Bourn Homes, we love seeing families enjoy the seamless flow between indoors and outdoors—these simple updates are all part of creating that Hill Country lifestyle we treasure.
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