Patios and terraces mark the transition between the house and the garden. They should be though of as an extension of the house or an outdoor room. Thoughtful planning should go into choosing the appropriate materials for the hard surfaces of the garden.
As a rule of thumb simple designs usually work best. The fewer the materials, colors or textures the better. Too many and the design becomes a bit overwhelming. When planning and designing your patio, keep in mind its intended uses. Outdoor entertainment and cooking will require more space than a patio intended for just sitting.
Stone found locally can tie your garden to the surrounding natural landscape. To unify your design with its adjacent architecture consider using stone which will complement the design of the house. Brick houses with a brick patio and cobblestone edging works well to create a transition space between the house and garden.
To create the feeling of an outdoor room, consider the use of hedges, arbors and trellises. Arbors can provide the patio with dappled shade and provide a place to grow climbing plants. Hedges and trellises covered in vines can create a garden wall and provide a patio with privacy.
Take note of the physical qualities of stone as they will determine what is most appropriate for your needs. Color variations, texture, fractures and size and shape all contribute to the stone’s character. Smooth uniformly colored stone, such as thermal bluestone, conveys a feeling of formality. The opposite is true of irregular, uneven natural fieldstone which is ideal freeform patios and meandering paths.
Before you begin the design process, evaluate the area where you’re planning your patio. Assess the soil and scope out the surrounding conditions. What type of soil is present in your garden? Clay soil will be poorly drained and require a more substantial sub-layer of crushed stone. Sandy soils are better drained and easier to build in.
Patios should be well drained. To build a stone patio remove six inches of subsoil and replace with four inches of crushed stone, this will help provide adequate drainage. On top of that, place 2 inches of sand or stonedust. Set the stone evenly on this layer. If the ground is extra wet due to clay soil excavate deeper and add more stone. Slope your patio gently away from any structures, to prevent water from collecting, this is important especially in areas where water will freeze in the winter.
Temporarily relocate any shrubs or flowers in the working area to avoid damage. You can also dig them out and set them in a shady spot with their roots covered with a moisture retaining material such as bark mulch or if the plants are small, transplant them into pots.
However you decide to create your patio, thoughtful planning and careful construction are key to enhancing your garden and outdoor living experience.
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