subject: How To Create a Beautiful Patio or Courtyard [print this page] Patios and courtyards are hard-surfaced and usually enclosed gardens which are often ideal in towns and cities where garden space may be restricted and lawns may be difficult to establish and maintain. Even in a reasonably small area, a charming garden can be designed and created. In order to produce the best effect possible, the design should be simple; this means that the temptation to fit in as many different plants or features should definitely be resisted. Patios As well as providing an area for sitting out and an informal outside eating place, a patio may be used as a setting for displaying a wide variety of container plants, which may include alpines, bulbs, fruit, herbs, roses, shrubs and small trees. Raised beds set around a patio area may also be planted with climbers and trailing plants to spill over the edge and soften the hard effect of the materials. When you are designing a patio, you'll need to bear in mind which parts of the site are sunny or shaded at different times of day, and plan seating areas accordingly. You will also need to take into account that shade cast by trees and nearby buildings will vary during the year, depending on the angle of the sun and the density of foliage. If you have changes in level they may be useful in successfully developing a small area; steps may be enhanced by growing climbers up railings or a handrail or by strategically placing pots and containers. If the patio can be seen from an upstairs window, make sure that the overall design will also be pleasing from this elevated position. Enclosing a trellis or wooden screen and covering with decorative vines or climbers can offer privacy, as well as protection from wind. Trees in pots may be used as movable shelters for the same purpose. Seclusion and shade can be improved by including an arbour or pergola, which also provides a decorative framework to support colourful and fragrant honeysuckles (Lonicera), clematis and roses. Artificial lighting can be both practical and attractive in a patio garden. It may be used in various ways, for example to backlight a striking plant, to cast the shadow of a statue or tree against a wall, to illuminate the fine spray of a fountain from underneath, or to throw light across the water surface, so that its reflections can be enjoyed after dark.
How To Create a Beautiful Patio or Courtyard
By: Edward Smith
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