Summer in Saanich is all about connecting with nature, and there’s to tangible connection better than cooking and eating outdoors.
“A long-term trend we’ve seen is outdoor living, making that extra room in your yard or garden for the summer time with an outdoor kitchen, BBQ, or fire pit,” said Gord Nickel, owner at Wildwood Outdoor Living (formerly Cannor Nursery).
Despite the rainy climate, outdoor kitchens and other features, such as gas fireplaces are popping up all over. And it doesn’t stop there.
Local contractors are building decks and patios with brick ovens, bars and prep areas, as well as water tight storage that keeps utensils safe from the elements.
“The other trend I’ve seen is when people are doing (kitchens), they want to get stuff that lasts,” Nickel said. “There’s more focus around furniture quality. We sell a furniture line that’s made out of recycled plastic. That stuff, if you like the look of it, it will be the last furniture you buy. Unless your tastes change, it will be with you for a long time. We only sell the outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ. People are making the change to higher quality BBQ. They’re tired of it rusting out.”
reporter@saanichnews.com