How to Decorate a Courtyard Patio

A fountain, benches and potted plants decorate a courtyard.

A courtyard patio extends your living space into the outdoors and provides a central feature to view from rooms that face the courtyard. Creating a harmonious atmosphere enhances your home inside and out. One challenge with decorating a courtyard patio comes from the need to avoid crowding. Because it's a partially enclosed space, too much furniture can make the courtyard look cramped. Select a limited number of plants, a focal point and simple furniture to decorate the courtyard patio so that it feels spacious and inviting.

Things You'll Need

• Recirculating fountain
• Hanging plants
• Bench
• Small table

Instructions

1. Situate a fountain near the center of the courtyard or against the wall that's the most visible from inside the house. Locate the fountain in a shady spot, if possible. Sun exposure causes faster water evaporation and encourages algae growth in fountains.

2. Hang plants around the perimeter of the courtyard to add color along the walls. Hang the baskets at eye level and above and allow clearance for tall visitors above walkways and entrances. Add color with flowering plants that complement the color of the house. For example, brighten up neutral or pale walls with vivid red, yellow, orange or purple blooms.

3. Arrange seating in view of the fountain. Place one or two benches against a wall or near the center of the courtyard, depending on where you have space for seating. Arrange the bench or benches so that walkways and doorways stay clear.

4. Set a table in reach of the seating for beverages, reading material or outdoor meals. Center the table in front of a single bench or at an equal distance between two benches so that multiple people can use the table.

Tips & Warnings

• A solar fountain saves on energy and doesn't need power cords.

• Choose succulents and drought-tolerant plants if you're in an area that gets hot and dry or if you're unlikely to water outdoor plants very often.

• If you create your own hanging baskets, combine plants that have similar light and water needs.

• Avoid hanging baskets in windy locations. The wind can dry them out and stress the plants, advises the University of Georgia.

References

• Sunset Magazine: Design a Courtyard Retreat -- Water Music; March 2010
• The University of Georgia: Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture; Hanging Baskets; Randy Drinkard

Resources

• Illinois University Extension Illinois Master Gardeners: Oak Forest Hospital Therapeutic Gardens