I'm putting down a small patio of tumbled pavers in the left rear corner of my garden. The border is probably eight feet deep on the left fence side, and five feet deep on the rear fence (it curves) , so it will definitely be flanked by lots of plants. However, I'm now realizing that I will have to do some shuffling around. And enlarging the borders to wrap around the patio. I really want plants that will trail over the patio, so that it will have that overgrown, always-been-there look. KWIM?
Now, if only I could afford some nice furniture. I think a small bistro set would look nice there, but I'd rather have two very nice, comfy chairs and an end table between them - classic, not modern.
Any pictures to show me?
Thanks!
I'll try to get a picture up tomorrow. We put the pavers right on top the grass, to figure out the design and shape I wanted, and how much we would need. (I need more, of course.) Boy, do we have a lot of work to do!
Jo
This message was edited May 4, 2008 8:45 PM
Can I see your cottage garden patio surrounded by plants?
Sounds like a great plan! I don't have a pretty patio like that, but maybe someday. : )
Sounds good! We have large porches to keep the house cool. This is my front tiled porch looking back to it from the courtyard that is filled with flagstone walkways and lots of plants. My kitchen table sits behind that bay window with the reflection of the yard in it. I don't think this is the photo you wanted, just wanted to say it sounds good and keep track of this thread!
Thanks! It's going to be a very small patio, but I think it will be nice to have some "weight" to counterbalance what's going on by the house. I wish I could afford to redo my patio next to my house and enlarge it, but that's not in the budget right now! This "little patio" is just what I need to feel like I'm making some progress with hardscaping.
Jo, I have to laugh....I can send a pic of my patio surrounded by plants, alright...do the milkjugs and pots and pots and pots of seedlings count? It is my patio surrounded by plants right now. LOL!
LOL Well, my "pot ghetto" is why I'm getting this new patio.
You see, I went to Home Depot to get some cheap concrete square paver thingys :) to make a home for all my pots, "starter" plants, butterfly weed, etc. in a section of my yard that would get some sun, but wouldn't be so noticeable from the rear windows of my house.
Instead, I came home with these pretty tumbled pavers to make a small patio in the left corner of my yard.
So, I still have to figure out what to do with all these pots. :)
Jo, I have a narrow strip that I have planted between the garage and patio. Here is a picture.
Here is what surrounds the other 2 sides, very relaxing to sit by. This was taken early spring so it has some growing to do and I plant some small annuals around the pond.
I need to get some good photos now that the thyme around the patio has filled in so well... I used several varieties of creeping thyme and some creeping phlox all around the perimeter. My back patio has 3 big flat rocks around it (for sitting -- and because I love rocks), and I've just been building little "pocket beds" (more like bottomless planters) by making rock walls that curve out from the back side of the rock and filling in with potting mix. I've planted a lot of herbs and scented plants near areas where we sit and walk... edibles are good, too... I have a side walkway lined with alpine strawberries (an attractive edging that provides tasty tiny snacks!).
Um, yeah, you do!
This is an older photo - a yellow cestrum (hummers love this plant) has now grown to 16' in three years, blocking the neighbor's balcony patio completely.
I went looking for another pic, but found this one of the shady part of the patio -- I doubt it will help you any, but....
It was from July 4th, 2007
This message was edited May 8, 2008 11:36 PM
Cactuspatch, I love the color of your house and pavers. Everything looks so lush and pretty.
Alas Jo, I have no pictures to contribute since I don't have a patio or deck. We are still debating about how we will include one or the other in the plans to add onto the house - hopefully next year. Until then, I will continue to live vicariously through everyone's photos.
Hi! This was taken before I added "stone" pavers on top of the gravel. I loved the "silver Queen" artemesia as an edger under my roses. It would do well where you live. You MUST have a fragrant rose nearby as well. I'd recommend an English one or Texas Pioneer Roses. BTW It's very good Feng Shui to have a small (really any size) patio that is away from the house. Have fun planning your garden.
Thanks, everyone!
I'm sorry I'm not participating, but I had surgery for a torn and detatched retina of my left eye a few days ago. It came on very quickly, and I am lucky that my eyesight was saved.
Jo
Thanks pennefeather, we have such large porches that I don't have alot to contribute in this area. I do love flagstone walks though.
Jo, so glad you are doing ok! How does that happen? Was it an accident related event or something that can just occur?
Oh geez, sorry to hear that, Jo! Glad you were able to jump on it quickly. Best of recoveries to you!
Ginger, Yo are absolutely right - I need to go out and get a rose! es. Roses. LOL!
Ouch, Jo! That sounds really painful. Good luck!
Not really that painful. Just very disorienting. I feel like I'm drunk all the time. (I'm not. LOL) I can't drive because my depth perception is awful. I'm not used to seeing with just one eye, and I still can't use the other eye. I thought I placed a dozen eggs on the counter top - oops! Let's just say my husband doesn't want me in the kitchen right now.