Garden Shabby-chic Style Patio, Los Angeles

Should the weather cooperate, a homemade meal in the garden would be a Valentine's treat I'd certainly love.

Nestled beneath flowering trees, this cozy dining spot is one I would have trouble leaving. Pulling the mirror outside brings an unexpected indoor element and the gravel clearing gives the dining nook a sturdy landing pad.

If you have a small garden, this space gives you a great excuse to play with design. Try adding special details that you'd normally find indoors to increase the sense of space. Mirrors are a great way to create an illusion that the space is larger than it actually is.

Is your outdoor dining room in its full glory?

Mirrors. These light-reflecting beauties introduce a new level of whimsy to any outdoor living space. This one is casually slung low to the ground, giving the area a laid back, easygoing vibe. Increase the attraction of your favorite container garden by placing one directly behind it..

The garden offers even more possibilities. A table set beneath the shade of a tree or arbor would make an inspiring place to work. Consider adding a mirror or small water feature as a romantic finishing touch.

Throw a Tablecloth Over Your TableTime: 1 minute; 5 minutes if you iron it first.Starting budget: I recently found the cutest DwellStudio for Target tablecloth on clearance for $7.This quick and easy move can tie the patio to the plants around it through color. Your table will look fresh and inviting for your guests.

English cottage. This garden is reminiscent of the English classic book The Secret Garden. Lush vines, rich color and quiet nooks for reading and relaxing give it a peaceful feel. If you're inspired by the Brits' beautiful gardens, start with a table and chairs in painted white iron or go for a fun color such as sage green, dusty pink or baby blue. Use floral chintz for your table linens and crockery; mix, match and clash those patterns! You can pick up odd pieces of china tableware and old silver cutlery sets at your local antiques market. Add lots of different herbs and colorful flowers. Even though an English garden looks all romantic and natural, there is a little planning involved. First work out what flowers and herbs will thrive in your climate (and when they bloom). Then think through different heights you will need to get those lovely layers of color. Delphiniums and lupines (blues) give some height, then add upright campanulas (white), geraniums (pinks or red), cosmos daisies (pinks and whites) or agapanthas (blues or white). On the final lower layers, consider something like bedding dahlias and begonias with some trailing plants such as cacopa or verbena. Plant in groups and pack everything in close.You can also try climbing plants such as creeping roses to cover railings or exposed walls, and add a small water feature to create a relaxing sound of running water.

The desire to discover the hidden secret or the unexpected treasure is indeed the allure for many garden lovers. Here, tucked beneath a prolific bougainvillea, a mosaic-framed mirror is tilted against the dark fence. It serves both as living artwork, reflecting the greenery elsewhere in the garden, and as a faux window for the outdoor dining room. The intrigue makes this endearing space even more spontaneously beautiful.Previous: 10 Elements of an Abundant GardenNext: Views and Vistas add Abundance to the Landscape

Hide rock wall pretty cozy. Spiders???

Create the illusion of space - Great things come in small packages, but this cosy little garden dining area feels bigger than it is thanks to the mirror next the the table.

defo not an expensive set of chairs and table but the flowers and cloth make it wonderful. you could easily get a ready made arch and plant climbing roses or jasmines

Private dining space, gravel, social space