How to Landscape a Garden Patio & Deck

A patio can be converted into a serene yoga retreat.

A garden patio, or raised deck, provides an enchanting oasis for entertaining guests or a private retreat that offers solitude and serenity. With a bit of planning and a weekend of work, it is easy for the handy do-it-yourself homeowner to transform a dull patio area into an inviting home feature. Hardscaping with stones or pavers adds depth, dimension and ambiance. Landscaping with trees, shrubs, flowers and ground cover plants adds color and lush greenery.

Things You'll Need

• Shrubs
• Ferns
• Flowers and flowering bulbs
• Trees
• Pots and containers
• Bird feeders
• Birdhouses
• Patio furniture
• Crushed lava rock or gravel
• Ground cover
• Vines

Instructions

1. 

   Containers planted with flowers and lush greenery add visual interest to patio decor.

   Plant both deciduous and evergreen shrubs around the patio to provide a windbreak and privacy. Choose evergreens for year-round greenery and deciduous shrubs that offer spring flowers, brilliant fall foliage and winter interest.

2. 

   Flowers brighten dark spots in the backyard landscape.

   Select shrubs and trees based on their size at maturity. Trees provide welcome shade in summer and visual interest in winter. When choosing trees to plant to shade a patio, consider the number of leaves, cones, nuts or berries that they produce, which are likely to fall on your patio. Low maintenance trees include maples and birch.

3. 

   Birdfeeders provide year-round interest to cottage gardens.

   Hang bird feeders, birdhouses and nesting boxes from trees within sight of the patio. Birds are enjoyable to watch and guests visiting your patio will be intrigued by their activity. Add patio hardwood storage benches and a comfortable table for entertaining.

4. 

   Bright crocuses enliven sidewalk edges and patio borders.

   Plant low-maintenance ground covers and vines around the edge of the patio or at the base of an outdoor deck. Use crushed lava rock or decorative gravel to define pathways and accent flowerbeds.

5. 

   Spring bulbs attract bees.

   Plant spring flowering bulbs to add cheerful color early in the season. Daffodils, jonquils, tulips and crocus are available in a diverse array of colors and blooming times. Plant early blooming, mid-season and late-season bulbs for flowers from early March through late May.

6. Add graceful ferns to the backyard landscape. Ferns are one of the oldest living plant forms. There are over 12,000 different species of ferns found around the world. These hardy plants are found in every hardiness zone in the United States. It is easy to locate the ideal types of fern to adorn your patio. Ferns may be planted directly in flower beds or in containers and hanging baskets. They are ideally suited for shady areas around the patio.

References

• Tropical Ferns & Exotic Plant Society: Cultivation
• Southern Nevada Water Authority: Landscape Designs
• Santa Clara University: Hardscape

Resources

• Exterior Wood Designs: Quality Hardscape Design and Construction