When I began to create planting plans for clients in the mid
1990’s one of my main concerns was, how will this collection of
plants; the greenery, the flowering, the size and the shape grow
together to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement that
feels right in its proportion and scale. If you are looking to
create a planting plan for your patio or small outdoor space, the
same concerns need to be addressed. Keep in mind that small
spaces require great restraint, with a plan towards bringing
together a cohesive look. Plants for small and large patios
will still be used for similar purposes: decoratively, to create
a focal point, add privacy, screen out unwanted views, and to
create shade and such. No matter what your objectives, plants
can play a significant part in enhancing your outdoor décor. Take
a look at the tips and information below before you get started.
Hopefully this approach will take you from buying plants
impulsively or obsessing over a single plant and move you towards
creating a sensible and aesthetically pleasing plan for your
outdoor space.
See Plants In A New Light And Show Restraint
Your outdoor patio is an additional room and with a nice set up
you will be able to relax, cook, entertain and enjoy spending
time in your outdoor garden room. To get the most out of your
outdoor room with plants, begin thinking about plants as
structural elements that can help you to create a ceiling and
wall planes, similar to the foundations inside your home. By
thinking in these terms, you will begin to see plants differently
and hopefully be inclined to choose plants based upon form and
growth habit rather than a single factor such as “It’s a pretty
plant.” The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t help
you to put together a unified look, or to create an effect.
Showing restraint is one of the most challenging aspects of using
plants to create pleasing effects outdoors. It is important
however, that before another lovely plant makes its way into your
shopping cart, and later home, you head to the nursery with a
clear vision of what you want.
Create A Plant Wish List
Consider the size of your patio, it’s not endless real estate
after-all, and plants and planters should be chosen thoughtfully.
If you or anyone you know just can’t say no to another plant or
needs to take in all the homeless, tired plants out there that’s
fine, but be careful not to clutter up your patio with all of
them. A helpful approach to selecting plants for your patio area
is to take a good hard look at your space, and put together a
wish list of all the realistic things you want plants to help you
achieve; for example: to create greater privacy and to screen an
unsightly view. Some people will want a way to create shade or
to add dimension to a planting bed; others will want to soften an
area, or create a focal point. Whatever your objectives or
constraints, this will get you heading in the right direction.
No Two Patios Are Exactly Alike
While it is very common to find a patio directly off the back of
the house, there are no rules or regulations that make this the
ultimate location. Also, patios come in various sizes and shapes
and may contain any number of hardscape materials: flagstone,
concrete, tile, brick, pebbles and such. As for layout, a large
patio may include definition and enclosure with low walls and
planting beds; while a small patio may have just a ground plane
dressed in flagstone with enough room for a table and chairs (see
http://www.everything-patio-furniture.com) and some planters and
pots. Each patio example can take full advantage of plant forms
to create pleasing effects that will maximize every ones pleasure
outdoors.
Small Patios: Designing With Plants
Small patio spaces rely not so much on the horizontal plane as
on the vertical plane where the greenery of plants can produce
handsome walls, create a sense of enclosure and privacy, and,
screen out unwanted views. Vines are very useful in small
spaces, and garden structures such as trellises and pergolas can
assist them to grow upward without claiming too much valuable
patio space. This is especially true if plants are grown in the
ground versus being planted in pots which will likely take up
more room. For certain climates, evergreen shrubs such as boxwood
and privet provide permanent architecture year round and can be
clipped to maintain the right scale for your needs. To find
comparable plant choices for your zone consult with local
nurseries and landscapers. Ask for recommendations of upright or
vertical shrubs and trees that don’t take up a lot of horizontal
space and/or can handle being pruned to keep them upright.
With all of the nice plant choices available, make use of
perennials, shrubs and trees to create inviting effects. A patio
shining with beautiful hardscape is wonderful, but dull without
the bountiful greenery of plants to balance.
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