A very long time ago, when the outside world posed a threat from literally all sides, people tried to protect themselves, and for this they built houses with courtyards. This was exactly the place where you could relax, a kind of comfort zone for family members and friends.
Such open courtyards, but not outside the courtyard, are called patios. The homeland of the patio is Spain, where Spanish and Moorish architectural styles are closely intertwined.
But in Islamic countries, courtyards were created as the main place for conducting economic activities. There are similar courtyards in other countries, for example, China and Japan. It was there that the courtyards became a real attribute of the tea ceremony - this is one of the most important national rituals.
We carry out communications
You can hardly make a cozy courtyard with your own hands without preliminary preparation.
It is important to lay irrigation pipes in the location of the future courtyard; otherwise, any electrical or plumbing lines that need to run into the house later may require opening up the patio deck. In this example, the irrigation system is a series of connected pipes and an above-ground spring (irrigation to provide water to the plant will be installed later)
Once the ditches for the small pipes are dug, simply cover the laid pipes with a layer of soil, and do it so that the spring can break through this layer.
Leveling out negative aspects
The vertical design also has a number of disadvantages:
- the soil in containers dries out quickly and the beds need frequent watering;
- a small amount of soil in containers does not allow sowing all the usual garden plants, and those already planted require regular feeding;
- If the site is located in a climatic zone where severe winters are observed, it is not recommended to plant perennial crops - in winter the soil will freeze and the plants will die.
It is impossible to completely get rid of all negative consequences, but some of them can be minimized:
- Grow only greens and annual crops with a compact bark system;
- add hydrogel to the soil, it is able to accumulate moisture and gradually “give it” to the plant roots;
- use a drip irrigation system.
You can buy a “dropper” in a store, or you can search on the World Wide Web for diagrams of how to create them yourself.
Calculate each section
Another popular strategy for successfully landscaping a small yard is to divide it into sections and design each section separately. For example, a site from Growsgreen Landscape Design: patio, platform and brick framing.
A bridge-shaped intersection surrounded by gravel is an equally worthy option.
A corner with a bench and many plants attracts attention as an example of an excellent garden layout on the site. (Debora Carl Landscape Design)
Stone slabs at the door, a green lawn, a place to spend time in nature. Gravel and vegetation create a modern setting. (Shades of Green Landscape Architecture)
Steps will not only delimit zones, but will also become an interesting addition to the design. This next landscaping idea is sure to be a blast. The view of grass on both sides is especially pleasing. (Growsgreen Landscape Design)
Who said you don't have enough space for a pool? This example proves that it can be there. Of course, it’s not big, but it’s there.
Part of the decision to allocate sections includes creating flower beds in each of them. The plastered retaining walls present their signature feature - three basalt towers on a bed of Mexican beach pebbles. (Land & Water Design)
Even if there is only one main section, you can delimit it by framing it in stone. The lawn will add richness to the atmosphere. (Despina Design)
In the next photo, the tiny patio contains tropical plants, grass, rocks and water! The result was a “layered” terrain. (Avalon Northwest Landscape)
Believe it or not, even a brick embedded in pebbles can divide a space! This option deserves serious attention, because this small detail will add individuality and depth to the entire setting. (Susanna Pagan Landscape Design)
General information
Of course, now the courtyard no longer has a protective function, but it is still relevant, because it gives all families the opportunity to escape from the external, ever-busy life, and relax in comfort and silence, without rushing anywhere. In simple life, most often when planning a courtyard, the rather popular atrium layout is used. Its meaning is simple - all buildings are erected along the perimeter, and a beautiful courtyard is laid out on the remaining “patch” of the square. As a rule, buildings are usually located around or in the form of a square, or on three sides, while the fourth, free, is used as an entrance to the courtyard. In addition to the open courtyard, there are also closed varieties.
Decoration
House layout 7 by 7: the best ready-made projects and design options for typical house layouts (115 photos)
If desired, you can create additional decorative elements. Statues that match the style, garden figures, painted flower pots, homemade furniture or lamps - all this will add charm and uniqueness to your site.
Don’t rush to throw away unnecessary things, because many can be used to create unique jewelry.
- How to arrange a summer cottage - design options, beautiful ideas and stylish design solutions (90 photos + video)
- How to make a well with your own hands - design ideas and recommendations on how to beautifully design a well (110 photos + video)
- Do-it-yourself compost pit: purpose on the site, requirements for arrangement, design principles, manufacturing options. Recommendations for using a compost pit
If the territory allows, then you can organize a small water area - a fountain, a pond, a stream. The water element will help you relax and relieve tension.
Patio furniture, material requirements
Garden furniture, unlike interior furniture, is intended for outdoor use. Consequently, it becomes more dusty and dirty, can get wet in the rain, and wears out much faster. Therefore, you need to choose patio furniture carefully and carefully.
Armchairs, chairs, and tables for the patio should be made of durable, strong, easy-to-care materials that can easily withstand high humidity and scorching sun rays.
What garden furniture is best suited for arranging a patio:
- wicker from natural or artificial rattan;
- made of high-quality and durable ABC plastic or fiberglass;
- assembled from wood treated with moisture-resistant impregnation and coated with ship varnish;
- soft, on a metal frame, with seats made of vinyl and moisture-resistant textiles;
- forged garden furniture and combined models (wood or vinyl + forged metal);
- garden sets based on gabions with removable table tops and seats;
- DIY concrete block patio kits with removable tabletops and seating.
Possible options for garden furniture for the patio:
Patio areas and paths, photo
As we wrote, already at the preparatory stages of designing a country patio, it is important to think through a network of garden paths and platforms. They have not only a functional purpose - they provide comfortable movement from the entrance to the house to a decorative pond or swimming pool, to a place for family recreation, to a clearing for children's games, to outbuildings. Beautiful and correctly located paths and platforms are a stylish and attractive element of the decor of a country courtyard.
Depending on the design style of the patio, you can arrange paths and areas:
- from ordinary concrete and decorative polymer concrete;
- from granite and marble breccia (free-form tiles)
- from ready-made plastic and rubber blocks of various configurations;
- their wood cuts or materials imitating them;
- from ordinary and clinker bricks;
- from rectangular and shaped wooden flooring;
- from decorative paving and ceramic tiles;
- from natural and artificial polished stone;
- their usual pebbles, gravel and crushed stone.
Concrete and stone paths, paved areas made of plain and clinker bricks, or durable granite and marble breccia specially designed for paving are perfect for arranging patios in minimalist, classic and landscape styles.
Paths made of decorative tiles, figured wooden flooring, large pebbles and polished stone, mosaic stone platforms will stylishly fit into the landscape of patios decorated in ethnic and oriental design.
A good choice for Provence and country courtyards would be paths and platforms made of wood cuts, colored gravel and crushed stone, matching the design of plastic blocks.
Garden paths and platforms made of decorative concrete and polymer concrete are universal. Manufacturers offer such a variety of materials and shapes for concrete paving that choosing the right option for a beautiful patio path of any style is not difficult.
To ensure that the paths and areas in your patio look good and last as long as possible, try to pay attention to qualities such as moisture resistance and wear resistance of materials when choosing. When choosing a covering for a barbecue area, it’s a good idea to take care not only of its beautiful appearance and durability, but also of its fire resistance.
Taking into account nuances
It is possible to achieve the necessary beauty and charm if you carefully prepare for the upcoming work and take into account all the difficulties that arise. When planning the placement of a gazebo with barbecue, you need to calculate:
- will the smoke disturb the neighbors?
- is it possible to reliably hide a place for intimate conversations from prying eyes;
- provide a place for a utility room where the barbecue and firewood will be stored.
To place a playground, you should plan the location of such necessary elements as:
- closed sandboxes;
- swing;
- slide;
- various decorative figures of fairy-tale characters.
The undeniable advantage of locating a children's area in the backyard is that children are always supervised and away from roads.
Patio design, ideas with photos
small patio, ideas with photos
Thinking through the cozy arrangement of all the elements and decorative compositions of the patio, without cluttering up the space, and visually expanding the landscape are the main tasks of the design of small patios.
It is better to place garden furniture for relaxation and leisurely family meals in the fresh air - a table, comfortable armchairs or chairs - not in the center, but on an open terrace near the house, under a canopy, or on a specially arranged area in one of the corners of the garden, fenced on three sides.
A useful purchase if you don’t have enough space in your patio would be high-quality folding furniture and a collapsible canopy. It makes sense to choose portable options for barbecues, barbecues and grills for a small patio.
It is better to plant a regular or Moorish lawn in the center of the patio. It is convenient to use ready-made mixtures of lawn grass seeds or rolled grass to decorate the patio. Another popular patio design option is paving the area or individual sections of the patio area with tiles. Compact mini-flower beds, mixborders and edgings, also located around the perimeter of the site, are perfect as decorative plant compositions for small courtyards.
To leave more space and air, tall trees and shrubs, pergolas and other supports with vertical flower beds are placed around the perimeter. Miniature dry streams, as well as beautiful rockeries with conifers or creeping plants, will also be a successful addition to the landscape.
As for garden ponds, a pool or a pompous fountain is unlikely to look harmonious on a modest-sized plot. A more successful solution would be a small pond with a waterfall or a miniature decorative fountain. They can be designed in the same style as the garden landscape or made into expressive contrasting accents.
large patio, ideas with photos
When arranging a spacious patio, it is important to think about the zoning of the site and arrange the landscape design elements so that there is no impression of emptiness and chaos.
Group plantings of conifers and decorative deciduous trees, formal flower beds and spacious rock gardens in the borders and not too high hedges of climbing shrubs will help make the space of the patio more compact and cozy.
A set of garden furniture is placed under a cozy canopy near the house, in a spacious open or closed gazebo at the side fence of the site or in the far corner of the patio. Here you can also arrange an area with a stationary grill or barbecue.
It is important to think through not only the location and details of the internal arrangement of the place for relaxation and feasts, but also the external design. It would be good if it offers a view of a picturesque alpine hill, an original rock garden, a luxurious flowerbed or a beautiful garden pond. A lush green lawn with a network of garden paths will also be a good basis for floral decorative compositions in the center of the patio.
It’s up to you to decide what type of lawn to choose for your spacious patio. But it is worth considering that a luxurious ceremonial grass carpet is quite difficult to maintain and is very unstable to the vagaries of weather and trampling. Therefore, when decorating a garden patio, it is better to prefer a regular, Moorish or rolled lawn.
Lighting the courtyard of a house, photo
Functional and stylish lighting is an important element of the design of a patio in a country garden. Well-chosen street lamps will make it possible to safely and comfortably move around the patio in the evening and at night and will harmoniously complement the style of the landscape.
To illuminate the adjacent terrace, the central patio area and the gazebo for relaxation, you will need wall-mounted, wall-console and pendant lamps for outdoor lighting. Modern models of outdoor patio lighting are equipped with motion sensors and have options for adjusting dimming and programming to automatically turn on/off at a given time.
Along the paths and along the perimeter of the patio area, several lines of beautiful garden lights are usually installed: with conventional incandescent, halogen, LED or solar-powered lamps. It is not difficult to choose lamps with a design that suits the landscape style - classic, hi-tech or vintage - from the diverse range offered by manufacturers.
For decorative lighting of garden beds and flower arrangements, rockeries, alpine slides, waterfalls, fountains and pools, dust- and moisture-proof ground and underwater spotlights are used. If desired, you can choose floodlights for the patio with white, yellow, bluish, combined (RGB) and multi-color glow.
When arranging a patio, you should not try to implement many design ideas and techniques at once. An abundance of details will only disrupt the integrity and harmony of the landscape. A few successful touches are enough to make the patio of your country house a truly beautiful, cozy and comfortable island of family relaxation.
Patio landscaping, ideas with photos
Landscaping is one of the final steps in patio design. Properly designed landscaping allows you to achieve several goals at once:
- create a harmonious spatial perspective;
- emphasize the chosen landscape design style;
- divide the patio space into zones;
- improve the microclimate in the garden.
The landscaping of the patio is planned in two planes - horizontal (low-lying) and vertical. Ideally, all elements of vertical and horizontal landscaping should be in harmony with each other, as well as with the overall design style of the patio.
Horizontal gardening techniques include:
- seeded and rolled lawns;
- flower beds and flower beds of various types;
- low growing shrubs;
- decorative plant compositions;
- rockeries and alpine slides.
In vertical gardening patios use:
- single and group plantings of bushes and trees;
- supports and arches with climbing plants;
- high/medium height borders made of trimmed bushes;
- "hedges;
- sculptures from plants.
The basis for horizontal landscaping on a patio is a continuous lawn or a lawn combined with platforms and paths. Against the backdrop of velvety greenery, flower beds, flower beds and other compositions of flowering plants look especially expressive and bright. There are three types of grass cover: parterre, standard (universal) and meadow (so-called Moorish).
For arranging a garden patio, the most suitable would be a standard universal lawn made from easy-to-maintain, trampling-resistant and weather-resistant fescue, bluegrass, and bentgrass. You can sow a beautiful grass cover yourself or decorate the patio area using ready-made rolled turf - turf grown in a greenhouse with a dense grass stand.
It’s hard to imagine a stylish patio without flower beds and floral arrangements. They provide colorful shades to woody plants and fill the garden with freshness and intoxicating aromas. In the center of the patio area, you can (if the space allows) arrange a front flower bed.
In landscapes of a regular style, flower beds of regular shape look harmonious - square, rectangular, round, triangular, oval. When designing a landscape patio, you can choose any arbitrary configuration for the central flower bed.
The spacious flower beds combine many types of flowering plants - ground cover, low-growing, tall. They are usually arranged in sectors, diagonal stripes or concentric circles. For compact flower beds and decorative flower beds, select 2-3 types of flowers that harmonize well with each other.
Along fences, paved areas, at the intersections of paths, near terraces, gazebos or canopies for family recreation, flower beds and mixborders are planted - constantly flowering or remontant compositions of one or several types of plants.
Group and solitaire (single) planting of flowers is one of the fashionable techniques for decorating the landscape of a patio. They combine effectively with the lush greenery of the grass and help create a holistic, harmonious picture. As a rule, rather large, bright and attractive flowers are chosen for such plantings, such as roses, daylilies, irises, hosts, peonies and others.
Low coniferous, deciduous shrubs and trees with pyramidal or spherical crowns, trellis and border “live” hedges and lattice pergolas, arches and arcades with flower vines and climbing plants will help decorate the vertical space of the patio. Thoughtful vertical gardening will allow you to enjoy the changing natural colors and bright blooms until autumn.
Stage 1. Preparation
First you need to decide on the location of your patio, as well as its area. Typically the area is 20-30 square meters. meters turns out to be quite enough.
As for the location, it all depends on the landscape of the area and your personal preferences. A courtyard located on a small hill (if there is one) or in the corner of the site will look especially good.
Arrangement ideas
Arrangement of trees and flowers
The location of all plants in the yard must be thought out in advance; the landscape design of the yard of a private house begins with design; photos of examples will help you choose the right direction. Many trees and shrubs prefer dry or, conversely, moist soil; this must be taken into account when planting.
There are plants that prefer shady areas; they can be placed near other trees and shrubs.
The most important thing is that all plants harmonize and combine with each other, complement each other. Select all plants with different greening and flowering seasons. This way, your yard will always be green and blooming. A beautiful yard is harmony, minimalism and originality.
Figures in the garden
The choice of garden figures is now huge. With their help, a beautiful courtyard in the garden becomes even better and more original. When choosing figures for your garden, consider the size of the area. Too large sculptures and figures in a small area will look ridiculous.
The real decoration of the garden is the fountains. In hot weather they will bring with them coolness, and in the evening they will allow you to enjoy the amazing glare from the moon and artificial lighting.
Lighting
Most get-togethers with friends, and even family events, are most often held in the evenings, so it is difficult to overestimate the importance of well-thought-out lighting in the design of a country house courtyard.
Most often, the following areas are required to be illuminated:
- house facade;
- outbuildings;
- parking;
- main entrance;
- flower beds;
- recreation areas.
If your yard has a pond or waterfall, pay attention to the lighting around the water. Correctly selected lighting elements will help create a truly picturesque and fabulous look.
The natural beauty has faded a little, but with the help of lighting you can highlight artificial elements that can be no less beautiful.
Paths
A lot can be said about the design of paths in a country yard. They can be very diverse - gravel, asphalt, natural. Paths must necessarily unite all existing zones.
Also, the tracks differ in purpose - they can be main or additional. Depending on the materials, soft and hard ones are also distinguished. The latter include paths made of concrete, brick, tiles and other dense materials. Soft ones are made from pebbles, gravel, crushed stone. Nowadays, combined paths that combine several materials at once are also very common.
Purpose
The design of a private yard should begin by deciding on the motive for its purpose. That is, first you need to decide what perimeter is allocated for the garden.
The next stage is the summer kitchen
Next, it is important to zone the space, conditionally dividing it into a play area, a place for relaxation, and also entertainment (we include swimming, barbecue)
Secret tricks
Making a beautiful design on a site is a rather labor-intensive process in which it is very important not to make mistakes. Before the final choice of project, you should step back a little and look at your landscape with fresh eyes
There are two simple methods for seeing your landscape in a new way. So, the first method. An old artist's trick. It is necessary to move away from your site to such a distance that you can take in the entire territory with your gaze.
Now you need to squint your eyes so that the picture blurs and forget everything that happened before. A blurry picture makes it clear where the planting is too dense, and where, on the contrary, it would not hurt to plant the area with something else.
Pebbles
You can decorate your yard in a variety of ways. Pebbles, in this case, deserve special attention. Multi-colored, it will decorate any flowerbed or complement the area in an original way. Using several colors, you can separate several zones with them.
Patio area
Modern yard design is never complete without a patio area. It's a kind of outdoor living. All relatives and friends gather here to spend time in nature.
Today people, fed up with city life, are increasingly escaping to their houses outside the city. As a result, the patio area becomes larger and more well-maintained.
The excellent layout of such a courtyard will give the home coziness and comfort, and allow its owners to enjoy nature.
Water feature, pool or patio fountain?
One of the most effective techniques for decorating patios is the construction of artificial ponds in the patio area. Water looks incredibly harmonious and spectacular in combination with greenery and flowering plants. In addition, man-made ponds in the garden help to humidify the air and create a comfortable and pleasant microclimate, which is especially important in the summer heat.
A miniature pond with lilies, a winding flowing stream, a beautiful garden lake with a bridge, a mesmerizing waterfall, a luxurious fountain or a swimming pool - it’s up to you, of course, to decide based on your financial capabilities, style preferences and area of the yard.
According to the designers' recommendations, in order for the pond to look harmonious, it should occupy no more than 3-5% of the patio area and fit well with the overall design style of the landscape.
Some interesting ideas for designing decorative ponds, pools and fountains in the patio area:
