Landscape Ideas

shelves

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Plan your space to the square inch. Map out your patio space on paper before making any changes — if you measure and plan well, you may realize you can actually fit in more than you thought. In this small space, the designer squeezed in a grill, a dining area, and built-in planters.

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Create a living privacy fence. Cable wires mounted between fence posts create a sturdy support for climbing plants. Over time the plants can completely fill in the area, providing privacy for the patio.

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Update old floors with removable deck tiles. These easy-to-install wooden tiles can be snapped into place quickly and taken up when you move, making them an especially good solution for renters. You don’t need to live with a crummy patio floor anymore.

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Try a wall planting. Wall-mounted planters are great for adding extra green when floor space is at a premium. A slender console table is another smart addition to this patio, providing space for candles, watering supplies and extra seating tucked underneath.

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Build overhead privacy. An arched trellis can provide privacy, even if you live in a city with tall buildings all around. Sitting beneath the trellis with the sunlight filtering down and green vines twining, you’ll hardly remember you have any neighbors.

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Zen retreat. A planter of bamboo and a petite Japanese maple, along with a simple wood-slat trellis and minimalist furniture, create a peaceful space in which to unwind. A palette of white, natural wood, stone and lush greenery helps boost feelings of relaxation. Choose smooth river stones as mulch, and just one meaningful sculpture or icon.

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