Plants and flowers have a magical effect in converting your patio into a more attractive and appealing place for relaxation. Since patios are considered as a reflection of your taste and aesthetic sense, it is up to you to pick which plants will have the best effect. We will however point you to the right direction with some easy and practical tips.
If you have a patio, no matter how small it is you can always make space for a garden. Greenery can brighten even a cramped space, and provide the much-needed relaxation for the family members. Patio gardens do not require much space, and can thrive without ample maintenance requirement. Patios with some natural light can easily sustain decorative flower plants as well as edible items as vegetables. There are several ways to beautify your patio with a thriving garden paradise.
Advance planning
You need to consider several aspects before creating your own garden patio. A proper measurement of the perimeter, amount of sunlight available for the plants, moving space required, and maintenance issues play a vital role in designing a garden patio. First thing to do is decide on the purpose for which the garden is to be used, it is up to you if you want a decorative showpiece with ornamental plants or as a kitchen garden with edible herbs, fruits and vegetables. Next step is to measure the exact space available at the patio, then visit the patio at different times of the day to determine the amount of sunlight available to it. Finally you have to decide on the graph and placement of plants, considering the moving space requirement.
Choice of plants
You can make a subtle difference between your lawn and patio, by creating a border of plants with containers or adding raised planters around the edge of the patio. The choice of plants should be done in a manner that they spill over the place or are placed in a graduated manner.
Design of the patio garden
You can decide whether to place the plants on the ground directly or in containers, or a combination of both. This is mainly determined by the type of floor on the patio. You can create artistically designed pathways using plants along the edges of the path.
If your space is extremely cramped, even a simple patio chair can often be a problem. A vertical garden is ideal for this kind of situation. You can create beautiful borders or a fence for your outdoor area by using the concept of vertical gardening.
Consider creating a focal point for your garden. Wooden wagons can be made the centerpiece of your patio garden. They add a tinge of depth and height to your patio, apart from adding a striking backdrop for your plants or for elevating plants of your preference. The wagon looks best when decorated with bedding plants, tiny potted plants, large bushy plants and hanging greens. You can also use certain flowering plants or shrubs that thrive in containers to be placed on the wagon. You can avail this core to create unique gardening conditions like preparing the soil for acid-loving shrubs and so on.
If the patio has some steps nearby, you can plan to create a terraced garden. This will help you plant many varieties of plants combining their height and color.
If the patio has railings, you can use garden boxes that will aid in the growth of plants in an attractive form without much maintenance requirements. Simple ideas can change the entire appearance of your garden.
Choice of containers
Container gardens are the perfect place to exhibit the designer in you. Not limited to Stationary plants, you can mix and match plants, colors, flowers as well as textures and move them around till you get the perfect look. Containers placed on pedestals can also set the framework for vertical gardening. Moreover, the maintenance of container plants is relatively lesser than the ground plants.
Decide on the variety of containers to be used for planting. There are a plethora of choices available and you can select the perfect setting for a relaxed sit-out. However, you should abide by certain guidelines while selecting a container for plants.
Select containers with large drainage holes to allow water to seep out and prevent rotting of the roots. The size of the containers also plays an important role in the design of the patio. While larger containers require less water than smaller ones, they can be tough to move around. When purchasing plants, check for sunlight requirement, soil preferences and hardiness specifications.
Varying the type of containers used in a patio produces a countless range of possibilities for a patio.
You can choose containers of different bright colors to add a dash of liveliness in the garden space. Rustic pots planted with ornamental plants or grass can create a personal design for your home. Topiary in a Versailles tub can also add to the beauty of the place. Metal containers are a popular choice for plants as they are versatile. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes and range from contemporary styles to rustic cottage designs. However, choose galvanized containers to prevent rusting. Water-filled containers are the best place for aquatic plants like an arrowhead, ferns, brass lilies and water hyacinths. Remember to take proper care of the water plants as they tend to entice insects to the patio.
You can also get more creative by using cracked pots, bathtubs, rusted wheelbarrows, kitchen sinks and wooden planters. You can stagger the pots to add depth to your patio. You can vary the size, shape and color of plants to enhance the beauty of the place.
Overview
A patio garden is a modest, yet beautiful choice for homeowners with small outdoor spaces. Your patio is a vital part of your home and a superb place to relax and connect with nature. Beautifying your patio with plants can significantly improve the overall look and feel of the outdoor living space of the house.
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