courtyard capers

GIVE YOUR DATED OUTDOOR SPACE A SIMPLE SPRUCE UP

- ADAM DOVILE

A shady courtyard is the perfect place to while away a lazy summer arvo, but if yours is looking a bit worse for wear, a few quick updates can give it a new lease on life – or several lives. It could be a summer study, a secret nook and a cool entertainment area, all with just a coat of paint, a simple DIY console table and fresh greenery. Voila!

BEFORE

1 THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

Bring your courtyard to life by removing small sections of paving to make room for garden beds filled with a range of shade-tolerant plants. A simple timber console table with frame against the wall opens up the space to make it appear larger.

2 light shirkers

Shady areas can be challenging for gardens, but you can always rely on ferns (Blechnum sp) and the big ‘tractor seat leaves of ligularia.

3 elegant restraint

Create a garden nook which doubles as a casual outdoor dining table or home office in the fresh air.

4 get this shiner

Ligularia’s big, stunning leaves are reason enough to plant it. But in summer it also surprises with daisy-like flowers on tall spikes.

5 succulent success

Crassula, or jade plant, is so reliable. You can set and forget it, then in late winter the leaves are smothered with tiny white flowers.

6 spread the love

Renga lily (Arthropodium sp) is a real space filler with its spreading leaves, but you’ll love it more when its dainty flower spikes pop up in summer.