THAT narrow alley

Per-fect !!!

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Lovely stone, evergreens, a few flowers and a table at which to gather for an alfresco meal are just fine.

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Protected by the home on all four sides, fresh air, a view of the sky, natural light and privacy make courtyards enticing spots. And it’s easy to see what made this one a standout: that geometric rug and coordinating trellis, large lanterns, comfortable furniture and plenty of greenery.

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It can weather well. Dampness, rain, sun and frost can all take their toll on garden furniture and landscaping. Black elements in a garden are more likely to weather well than pale colors or natural wood, which can fade or become dirty.

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It can make over modest materials. We are super-familiar with the concept of a fresh coat of paint reviving a tired interior, but we sometimes forget that the same applies outside. Even the grungiest garden wall or drabbest fence can be beautified with a layer or two of exterior paint.

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It adds a flash of drama. Black isn’t always top of the list for inclusion in a garden, so its use still feels unexpected and dramatic. Just look at these striking black planters. They add structure and glamour to this garden space without fighting with the lush planting.

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It’s both contemporary and traditional. Wood stained in rich black, as used on this striking addition, looks contemporary without being too edgy. Perhaps that’s because black is also a traditional finish used on many buildings, from barns to seaside shacks. Black wood references this vernacular tradition.

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TRY BLACK It creates a dramatic backdrop to green. Just as hanging an artwork against a darkly painted wall helps it shine, a black backdrop is the perfect dramatic contrast to foliage. Try painting fencing or a wall black and enjoy how the planting in front is beautifully highlighted.

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Use scale wisely. For this long, narrow patio, a long, narrow dining table and built-in benches are just the right fit.

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Create eye-catching details. A monolithic wall topped with a picket fence-like border of reclaimed wood changes the feeling on this small patio. Note the way the lighting helps as well.

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Add landscape lighting. Nothing ruins nighttime patio enjoyment like turning on the lone, way-too-bright spotlight you have in your backyard. Softer lighting on the ground and off the house can create a more pleasant mood. If you’re ready to invest in lighting, collect a few hurricanes and lanterns to keep the flames from blowing out in the breeze.

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Embrace a water element. You’d be surprised how well a small patio can take on water features. This urban garden has a wonderfully scaled, stepped-down narrow trough fountain that hugs the perimeter of the patio and helps to mitigate the city noise.

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In an urban setting, any outdoor space is a luxury, even one below street level. You just have to make the most of it. A high-top table and tall planting bed complement the scale of this space. Leaves add softness and create a garden feel.

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You may think you should put only small things on a small patio, but that’s not the case. Look how well this oversized urn creates a focal point on this modest-sized patio. Another clever trick here: The raised bed walls serve as extra seating.

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Obviously, space is at a premium with a small patio. In this modest courtyard, the raised garden bed serves as the back of a built-in bench. This adds room for a generously sized table in the space. Tall trees and slatted trellis walls keep the building walls around the courtyard from feeling oppressive.

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YES CAN DO !!!

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Save floor space and get your greens too, by installing a wall of planters. Choose succulents for low-maintenance beauty or fill pots with tender lettuces and herbs for an edible urban feast. Tend the plants with a hose extension and keep a ladder handy for when you need to get a closer look at the plants.

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Turn a narrow row-house back lot into an enchanting allée by lining the walls with wood trellises and climbing plants. A gravel path is an affordable and chic way to finish the space.

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