Patios

 

In addition to 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, such as 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 severe effect of the hard materials.

When 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.

Changes of level are often 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.

An enclosing trellis or screen covered in 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.

In our section on Patios and Terraces, we've put together a wide range of information to help you plan and build a new patio, or simply revamp an old one.