Patio Border Ideas
People are spending more of their leisure time in their own backyards, according to the National Builders Association, and what better outdoor area than a patio. Patio areas can be as simple or as complex as suits your needs. No matter how large or small the expanse or the expense, patio borders can define the space and provide privacy, wind block or a decorative area for plants, flowers or artwork. Does this Spark an idea?
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Living Borders
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Shrub or planting borders are a low-maintenance, natural backdrop for patio areas. Cutting flowers, daylilies and herb gardens can all make an attractive border.
Flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas can add color and texture. Miniature English boxwood hedge is a slow- and low-growing, heat- and cold-tolerant shrub, perfect for most climate zones.
Taller hedges such as global or pyramid arborvitaes are dense for privacy and can shield your patio from wind.
Natural Stone and Brick Walls
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If you're lucky enough to live in an area abundant with rock, a field stone rock wall border can be an inexpensive, yet beautiful patio border. Left as is, or draped with meandering ivy or other flowering vines, rock walls can be a backyard focal point.
Brick or paver block walls can compliment a matching patio surface. Topped with cap stone, you can set potted flowers, herbs or plants to add color, texture and privacy height.
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Fencing
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Depending on the level of privacy desired, wood fences of varying heights can be a solution. From split rail fences with climbing rose bushes, to picket fences or full-height stockade, wooden fences provide many options.
Stockade fencing can act like walls to hang outdoor plaques, weather-proofed artwork, an outdoor thermometer or hanging plants.
Wrought iron fencing can add elegance and sophistication to a border. Like the other fencing options, flowering climbers can be trained to weave through the rails. Hanging planters with bright-colored flowers can be hung from the fence, adding vibrancy.
Large Planters
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Large planters (concrete, resin, wood, stone or brick), spaced as close or far apart as you desire, can be positioned around the perimeter of the patio. Depending upon the planter size, flowers, shrubs and even small ornamental trees or bonsai can be planted and grown.
For a whimsical touch, plant and sculpt shrubs into topiaries of geometric or animal shapes.
Get Imaginative
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Think outside the box--hinge together old wooden shutters and paint, stain or stencil them. For more stability, attach stakes along the bottom and pound deep into the soil. These can be left to weather or can be crackle painted for an interesting, antiqued effect.
Line the perimeter, or only two sides (90 degree angle) with wooden benches. Besides acting as an area divider, you get the extra seating as an added benefit.
Deck or stair railings can be painted or stained and attached to plain fence posts or decoration ballusters. Spindles or slats come in many designs to choose from.
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