Garden Patio Ideas

Kelebogile Nondzaba explores patios and courtyards, garden accessories and plants

- Kelebogile Nondzaba

Spending time outdoors is said to be one of the best ways to de-stress – and what better way at this time than to do it in the comfort and safety of your own backyard.

PATIO VS COURTYARD

While a patio and a courtyard can share many similarities, such as paving or an overhead structure such as a pergola, there are some basic differences, says Craig de Necker of The Friendly Plant. “A patio is an outdoor space adjoining a building. These areas are typically paved or tiled. A courtyard is essentially a patio surrounded by walls or a building and open to the sky.”

He suggests you first look at how you intend to use the space, as this will determine the different elements that you will need in the area as well as possible placement. For example a client looking for a quiet herb garden would probably want that space to be close to the kitchen as opposed to the main lounge, he says. “A patio designed for entertaining would be best constructed near the pool or main entry area into the garden from the house. While space is always a consideration, over the years we have managed to fit quite a lot into small spaces, creating a cosy feel without feeling overcrowded.”

GARDEN FURNITURE AND DÉCOR ACCESSORIES

Choosing garden furniture for your patio can be tricky, but nothing that a bit of planning can’t fix. The best place to start is by looking at how much space you have. Then move on to the type of setting you want, for example are you looking to create something personal like a small cosy area or a big entertainment area for family and friends?