We did something similar on our property. We used a brand called Versa-lok, which is similar to the unilock. We put them around the perimeter of the property and put our fence on that to give us more privacy. We also used them to terrace the back and side yard. We did several circles and a lot of curves with them. We've been real happy with it. Here are a couple of pics -

One thing that should help you immensely is the existing site drawing that you may have gotten from the landscape designer, one with the house walls, and any existing permanent features, like trees and walkways, mapped out.

Use trace-paper overlays to try out different shapes for your patio, and explore placement possibilities. After you pick one, mark it out with landscape spray paint (its actually chalk), and then put a table and chairs or bench in the space, to make sure its the correct size for your family, and will suit your style and needs. Its a lot easier to try out different ideas before they are built!

I am a horticulture student, and well do I know the current trend to use curves to "offset the harsh boxiness of the house" but I'm glad you're open to other ideas jan. Rectangular forms blend with all architectural styles, and they're often the best choice for smaller spaces. This is because they are easiest to understand as the eye moves along them without interruption, making the space seem larger, while imparting the familiarity and comfort of an indoor room. Sweeping curves usually work best in larger spaces. But try out whatever appeals to you.

OTOH Circular spaces create a feeling of coziness, and have an inward focus that may be more to you liking. Traffic patterns need to be well-thought out, and you may need a larger area to accommodate your needs, as opposed to the rectangular area.

After shape, scale and proportion influence how your patio works with your house and garden, or yard. Scale refers to the relative size of all the elements placed in the space, with the goal being to create an outdoor room that is in balnce with the scale or mass of the house, existing trees, etc. No little squares in the center of the lawn, huge oaks looming over them, or massive, multi-level terraces jutting from low-slung bungalows.

Proportion is the ratio of one dimension to another, such as length to width. A quick method of figuring out proportion, is to use the rule of thirds. In classical design, for example, a space should be two thirds longer than it is wide.

You can manipulate the feel of your space with the placement of objects. Placing a focal point, like a firepit, large container, or fountain, one third of the way from your main viewing point creates an intimate vibe. For a more expansive feel, play up the perspective, by placing your focal point two thirds of the way into the space. I would experiment with this concept, it is really fun to see how this works.

LMK if this helped. :0)

Daisyadair - Love your Versa-Lok. It looks great, especially the multiple levels and design around the trees. It looks like it is low-maintenance too. Thanks so much for sharing, and it's good to know you're happy with it too.

Prairiegirlz5 - Wow! I'm so thankful for your input. I am going to print out your post for future reference. Here's a little more detail about our scale situation. The house is two stories with high ceilings and a moderately steep roof line. The back of the house is completely straight, except for where the fireplace juts out. The garage is also extended deeply, so it is also part of the back of the house, and thus, makes the house seem even longer (and even more straight). I wish I had a picture, but I don't. And at this time, I'd be waist deep in snow drifts in the back yard to take one (no kidding).

Also, we are in a rural location with large, old trees in our yard - mostly in the front and far back yard areas. The lot is just over 3 acres, so it is fairly large, and it rolls somewhat with a natural ridge.

So, we have a lot of yard, in fact, too much to mow, and the house and trees are big and tall. That's the scale story. I like the curves, however, it would be great to make the most of the space as well. However, the area of the patio is quite large, for us anyway, as we're only a family of 4, and we don't entertain often. When we do invite others over, it's usually a few people at a time, not the big party thing.

I'm going to look at your 2/3 rule. If curves look best in large spaces, that's what we've got, so maybe we're on the right track.

I would love to try out the landscaping paint to mark things out, but how with the snow????? We're hoping to get on the contractor's list early for scheduling reasons and also to get a discount for early order of the materials.

Thanks so much.

Jan

Would you happen to have a picture of the yard?

I'm the type that likes to mix things up, usually for the walkway it is straight; my neighbor next door has a curved one that just isn't me. I then do curves on the gardens, or in the back patio the wall.

This is the back. There was a rose garden to the left of the wall that we dug out when the house went on the market. The patio is on the small side for us, we were going to make it larger but decided to move.

This gives you an idea of what the gardens were like in the front before we changed out the edging, which you can see here. I don't have any newer photos with the plants and new edging in.

What we usually do is mark with garden hose. You can lay it down and play around with the shape until you like it, then use the paint.

One tip, make sure you see any references. When you spend that much money on something you want to make sure it is done right and level, who wants puddles when it rains?

Jan, I'd be happy to do some visuals if you'd like to post a picture of the space (even if there's snow, I can PS it out).

Do you have any inspiration gardens you've looked at?

Chicoryflower,

That sounds great! I will take photos tomorrow after work, regardless of the snow.

Jan

Maybe you can get your name on the list, if you know you're going to use Brussels, and with the general dimensions, they can ballpark your order? Plus, gravel, torpedo sand and edging are pretty standard for all installations. Can't hurt to ask!

Jan, that'll be fun! I need to do some virtual gardening. : )

Jan? *bump*

Okay, Chicory, I have some pictures (and frozen fingers to show for it - LOL). You'll see what I mean about the broad side of a barn appearance. It really needs something with curves and height to make it more attractive, I think. Check out the link to the brussels blocks we're interested in for the patio in my earlier post. The left side of the back of the house is actually an extended, deep garage area. The right side behind the fireplace takes a dip downward. There is a natural slope.

The pictures are a on the dark side, as I took them in the late afternoon after work. So if they are too dark, I can take better ones on Friday midday, if that would be best. The snow is very deep - thigh deep. So it's probably hard to get a good idea of the actual look of the land. I included some pictures of the deep backyard showing the trees. The neighbors' houses are further in the background. Our lot is 3 acres, and we have a lot of different types of trees, including white pine, red pine, birch, maple, poplar, ash, cedar, and spruce varieties.

I am thankful for anything at all that you can share.

Here are the pictures:

bump again :o)

Jan, I would add on a large sunroom with heated tile floors. Then from there several trees and maybe a flower garden, even a golf tee area and some raised gardens.

"So, we have a lot of yard, in fact, too much to mow,..."

Not being a smarty, but have you thought about getting sheep? The whole concept of "lawn" came from trying to replicate the effect of grazing sheep. Even if you fenced off half the place for the immediate yard and driveway, that still leaves plenty of land where you could easily keep a tiny flock of 3 to 6 sheep. Put out the word at the local school for the 4H and FFA students that you'd be willing to allow the kids to keep their animals on your property in exchange for yard work. All they'd need in the way of shelter is an open sided 10X10 shed, and some metal trash cans for the kids to keep feed in. You can't use pre-emergent herbicides, and you'd want the Ag teacher to walk over the place with you to make sure there are no posionous plants, but it's a very green way to take care of the grass.

Every year I send a few sheep to my Mother's house for what we like to call "Summer Vacation at Grandma's". She has an acre and a quarter that they don't want to have to waste money mowing, and the sheep keep it trim and tidy. Mom is partial to watching frolicking lambs, so we usually send a pair of ewes with their current offspring.

Anyway, other than that, have you been to the garden design forum at Garden Web? That's where the professionals and the most talented amateurs hang out.

bumping again . . . hoping Chicory stops by