A plot of patio or decking is an essential consideration in gardens both big and small, from city gardens to country idylls. A lawn is of course lovely, but patios provide a good spot for an outdoor seating area. Whether you prefer a lush, plant-filled oasis or a chic, minimal garden room, you can tailor your patio to reflect your lifestyle, whether that’s with flagstones or decking. Our garden designer, shared her top tips for patios and decking.
Plan the space
The first step towards your patio transformation is to tidy your existing space. Throw away old plant pots and broken containers, sweep the terrace and prune back overgrown shrubs or plants that overhang the space. Give yourself a blank canvas and then step back and imagine the elements you would like in your revamped space, from seating area to storage.
Outdoor furniture
Somewhere to sit will be top priority, and it is worth investing in a good quality set that can be folded away or covered when not in use or a rattan conversation set with two chairs and a coffee table, such as the Denzel Bennett Patio Furniture Set from our collection. The Ecclestone Outdoor Living Rocker Set Chairs and Teapoy is a chic addition to the west side of the house to watch as the sun sets while having the early evening tea. A hammock, take a look at the Auteberry Rattan Hanging Chair, adds unmatched style to any garden, terrace or patio, while a firepit gives a designer touch, warmth and breaks down the barrier of not enjoying the garden during breezy days or nights. For more ideas, visit our store collection of garden furniture.
Vertical accents
Make use of every bit of space by utilizing walls and fences. Grow climbers such as Trachelospermum jasminoides which will thrive in most conditions including shade, or a Clematis montana which will grow swiftly to disguise boundaries. Vertical planting systems can be hung on walls to provide pockets for succulents, herbs or even trailing strawberries. Garden shelves can be hung on the wall to display delicate flowers like auriculas or small succulents.
Playing with perspective
Make your patio or courtyard appear bigger than it really is by hanging a mirror to reflect the plants in your garden (we love the Milano Irregular Wood-frame Wall Mirror from our collection), or draw the eye to a borrowed view beyond the garden to give the illusion of space. Try and screen part of the garden to create a sense of mystery - try surrounding a cosy seating area with plants grown up a trellis.
Accessorise
Finally, make your patio somewhere you truly want to be, by adding accessories such as outdoor cushions, parasols, outdoor rugs and perhaps a cheerful touch of garden gnomes for a splash of colour here and there around your garden. Now all you need to do is sit back and enjoy it.