The patio landscaping mission is two-fold. It is important that your outdoor living space looks great but also functions well. In this case, privacy, comfort, safety and low maintenance are all aspects of functionality. Here, we will touch on all four aspects while providing ideas to improve the look of your patio or deck.
01
Bring in Patio Plants
Patio with plants
Plants and accessories can make patios and decks more inviting. Plants can soften hardscape features and bring them to life, inviting you inside to relax.
Container gardens are the best way to integrate plants into your deck or patio. Although there are many other options (such as patio pockets), container gardens will be easiest to implement. Containers are easily portable so Northerners can grow tropical flowers during summer and then move them inside when Jack Frost calls. You can grow anything in a pot. Plants can hide many unsightly things on your patio, which could save you the cost of replacing it.
If you are allergic to bees stings, don’t use flowers in your patio landscaping. They attract bees. Instead, choose foliage plants with variegated or striped leaves.
02
Choose the Right Trees for Your Patio Landscaping
Japanese Maples of different sizes on a patio deck
Large plants can be problematic. You should choose trees for your patio landscaping. Trees are the largest class of landscape plants.
Choose a tree with a mature height that is intermediate.
Avoid planting trees with aggressive roots systems.
Reduce maintenance by choosing trees that are relatively clean.
Japanese maples are a good choice for trees that reach intermediate heights.
The type of root system determines which plants are best/worst for planting around septic systems. The same plants make good or bad choices for patio landscaping.
There’s also the question of whether a tree is messy. Eastern white pines can be a messy tree. They spread pine pitch everywhere. Sunburst Honey locust, on the other hand, is relatively clean.
03
Add Privacy
A row of arborvitae is seen in front of a fence.
Most people want to maintain some privacy around their property. You can choose from three options:
Fences
Informal hedges
Formal hedges
Gardeners are more likely to achieve privacy through plants than fences. An informal hedge is a row of arborvitae shrubs used to screen out unwanted attention.
04
Plant Formal Hedges
Buxus sempervirens in the garden, trimmed and trimmed.
Some people prefer a more trimmed look for their screening. This can be achieved by trimming shrubs in a rectangle shape. The formal hedge is popular because it provides a higher degree of privacy. Privet has become a popular option. There are a variety of formal hedge options, including:
Boxwood
Holly
Barberry
05
Think Vertically
Arbor covered with wisteria
It’s easy to get stuck on two-dimensional choices when pondering our patio landscaping options. By adding verticality to our designs, we can open up another dimension and make the outdoor living space more interesting. A vertical element can be added to your patio by building an arbor.
Arbors are great for DIY projects. Arbors are a great place for gardeners to grow flowering vines.
06
Buy Covered Pergolas
Furniture and a covered pergola.
You can introduce the vertical element in several ways. Pergolas are the option that has the most impact. The pergola is the most functional option because it can be covered and provides shade to make you more comfortable outdoors. You can cover your pergola to create a space that’s not quite “inside” but isn’t exactly “outside.”
07
Use perennials to soften hard patio lines
The use of fragrant flowers in this patio design will appeal to both the sight and smell
Plants are a great way to soften the edges of hardscape structures like patios. Perennials are the best choice among smaller plants. By using a mixture of perennials that bloom long and small shrubs you can keep your garden in bloom throughout the entire growing season.
08
Don’t forget about annuals
Photo of a border made of only petunias.
Do not be afraid to add annuals to your patio landscaping. They may only be temporary, but these plants can inject instant color into your patio.
The gardening snobs might look down at annuals like impatiens, thinking they are only for amateurs. These are the same people that complain about plants being “overused”, or having colors too garish for use. Remember: This is your outdoor area to enjoy. Since you are the expert on your taste, it is best to make your own decisions.
09
Consider a Pool
Patio with pergola and pool.
Pools are a great way to add comfort to your patio. It’s great to be able to enjoy the sun on your patio, then jump into a pool for a quick cool down. The extra maintenance that comes with pools is something you’ll need to weigh up. There’s also a safety concern if you have young children.
The well-to-do also like to have expensive patios, including in-ground pools.
Outdoor kitchens
Outdoor fireplaces
10
Relax with Small Decorative Water Features
Water lilies, shrubs, and perennials in a circular water garden.
Small decorative water features are more manageable for water-loving masses. Although you can’t swim, the soothing sound of their water is a great way to relax.
Fountains come in a variety of styles and designs.
Ceramic Fountains
Granite fountains
Clay pot fountains
11
Add Pops Of Color
Blue Star juniper
Blue Star Juniper is the perfect complement to bluestone pavers. David Beaulieu
You can get really fancy by coordinating the colors of your patio with your plants. Blue Star Juniper, for example, would bring out the color of some bluestone pavers and even flagstone. Try blue fescue for a smaller plant.
Plants that would work well in a brick patio, depending on the color of bricks used include:
Castor bean is poisonous, so be careful.
Chocolate Drop sedum
Dark-leaved Ninebark
12
Create a plant border for ambience
Flowers and shrubs along the patio edge
Create a border with plants to add beauty and ambiance around your patio. You can enjoy and relax while looking at them. Fill it with plants that work well in your area. This could be lavender, rosebushes, flowers or shrubs. If you don’t like to spend a lot of time in your yard, you may want to avoid putting in these plants. You can use a few questions to help you decide which edging plant will be best for your patio border. These include the height of the plant, whether it requires full sun or shade and what color scheme you prefer.
13
Decorate with a Vertical Garden
Vertical gardens
A vertical garden can be a great way to decorate your patio area if you have an exterior wall. Planting herbs you can use for cooking such as rosemary, basil and thyme will make your garden beautiful and functional. Plant some small ferns or philodendrons to create trailing plants. Or, you can plant succulents that require less water. It is important to check which plants are best for your zone of hardiness. Vertical wall planters should have a sturdy back and a flat surface to allow them to hang properly on the wall.
14
Maintain Your Lawn
The patio is surrounded by lush green grass.
It is important to have a lush, green, bright lawn when you are sitting on your patio and looking out at your backyard. Not only is it pleasing to the eyes, but it also keeps dirt off your patio. Watering, weeding, pest control and mowing at the right height will all help you achieve a lawn you’ll want to walk on and admire.
15
Add a Beautiful Elements with Rocks
Patio rock garden with Boulders
The landscaping around your patio will be more interesting and characterful if you add rocks or boulders to your flowerbeds or create a border. They are low-maintenance, and they also add a visual component. Use smaller rocks to cover the ground instead of mulch. Scatter boulders around your shrubs and plants. A walkway of large stepping stones leading from your patio to your backyard is another great way to create an area that stands out. There are many ways to use rocks to highlight your patio and backyard. From colorful succulent gardens to relaxing Zen gardens, you can add interest and color to the area. Let your imagination go wild!
16
Relax in the comfort of your patio
Enjoyable patio with atmosphere
Your patio should be inviting, functional, beautiful and relaxing. The right outdoor seating will attract you, your guests, and even family members to this beautiful space. If you have wicker or sectional furniture, add some cushions to make it more comfortable. You can also use colorful pillows for an accent. Choose the furniture style that suits your personal taste. You can retreat there to drink your morning coffee while listening to the birds, read a book in the afternoon or eat dinner outside while enjoying the fresh air. You will find that other people want to come and join you.
