Monday 1 July 2013

Creative Landscaping Ideas for a Patio

If your patio is rarely used, you're ready to consider a few creative landscaping ideas which will integrate your patio with the remainder of your yard and make it an area where you enjoy spending time. Landscaping doesn't only involve adding a few plants; rather, it is a comprehensive plan that examines the style of your patio, from building materials towards the enclosures that define the space.

Potted Plant Clusters
In small backyards, the patio may take up much of the space, leaving little room for any garden. Instead, use plants to add some green along with a touch of color to the landscape. One potted plant alone doesn't make a lot of an impact, and neither do pots scattered around your patio. Instead, cluster plants together for a more dramatic effect. Vary the sizes from the pots to get the right proportions, along with the types of plants to achieve texture. Try several groupings of plants around your patio to really make it feel more garden-like.

Patio Edging
Often, the advantage of the patio is neglected. This transition from the paved surface to the grass on your lawn offers opportunities for creative landscaping. Plant a border of low, flowering plants to lightly define the patio area. Should you crave privacy, choose larger plants or small trees; other available choices include bamboo or wild grasses. A different way to define your patio would be to install raised planters. Choose vines which will cascade over the edge, developing a semi-private enclosure for the space.

Green Wall
A particularly creative landscaping idea for patios would be to install a "green" wall. It provides a lush backdrop if you don't take up valuable ground space. Developing a green wall can be as simple as planting fast-growing ivy and training it to climb a surface; or have a more architectural approach by stacking concrete blocks or bricks inside a staggered pattern to accommodate small plants. A true vertical living wall is composed of modular panels that contain soil and also the plants' root structures.

Creative Paving
Consider creative paving choices to liven up your patio space. Basic poured concrete could be a little boring, but you can paint your concrete patio or add an acid finish for any splash of color and texture. Brick and stone patios look natural and warm and could be laid in many beautiful patterns, while gridded slate tiles produce a modern effect. Other creative paving options include terracotta and mosaic tiles.

Water fountain
Make your patio a soothing retreat by using a water feature. Attract birds having a simple birdbath, or install a small pond full of gold fish and water plants. For any more complex design, position stones to produce a cascading waterfall. Choose plants for example lotuses and water lilies, which thrive in ponds. To produce a zen-like atmosphere in your patio area, buy a rolling sphere water fountain.

Outdoor Fireplace or Kitchen
Add a cozy outdoor fireplace to your patio design or go ahead and take design a step further by using a complete outdoor kitchen. Built-in fireplaces could be well integrated into your patio by utilizing material similar to the paving. Extend the advantage of the fireplace to create built-in seating so that you can relax and enjoy its warmth.