Patio Ideas
Pleached trees. All pros we spoke with recommend pleached trees, which are trained to grow in an almost wall-like form, as seen in this patio. “Pleached trees are a fantastic solution for screening higher buildings beyond the [yard] by adding extra height above the fence line,” Lindsay says. “They’re often a great solution for your neighbors, too, as they give pleasing green screening and privacy on both sides.” “They can add a lovely formal feel to a garden,” Tyrrell adds. Hornbeam (Carpinus spp.) is a popular choice, and Lindsay also loves beech (Fagus spp.). Wilson has a preference for deciduous species. “[With these,] you get seasonal change and variety, and this approach allows light levels through in the winter months while the interwoven framework of the trees will still provide a modicum of privacy,” he says.
Panicled Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) Why this tree: Shrub hydrangeas have long been a popular landscape mainstay. The panicled hydrangea takes the possibilities a step further, as it also can be trained as a standard tree. “You have great versatility with this hydrangea,” Algozzini says. “They can be used as stand-alone sentinels or base-planted with annuals for effect.” Choose a dwarf variety that is already trained as a standard tree. “Either ‘Quick Fire’ or ‘Limelight’ make great container presentations, and can be used formally or casually to match the setting,” Algozzini says. Growing tips: Panicled hydrangea is one of the easiest hydrangeas to grow and will give you plentiful blooms in summer. “It’s great for cutting gardens,” Greenberg adds. It’s also more tolerant of sun, heat and cold than other hydrangeas. Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9) Water requirement: Regular; you can cut back in winter Light requirement: Full to partial sun Mature size: Look for smaller varieties, including those that will reach only 2 to 3 feet.
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This cozy seating nook behind a canal house in Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to unwind in the evening. Designed like an outdoor living room, the small backyard features a covered seating area with inviting lights, a small storage shed and pale-flowering perennials that appear to almost float in twilight.
This cozy seating nook behind a canal house in Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to unwind in the evening. Designed like an outdoor living room, the small backyard features a covered seating area with inviting lights, a small storage shed and pale-flowering perennials that appear to almost float in twilight.
This cozy seating nook behind a canal house in Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to unwind in the evening. Designed like an outdoor living room, the small backyard features a covered seating area with inviting lights, a small storage shed and pale-flowering perennials that appear to almost float in twilight.
This cozy seating nook behind a canal house in Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to unwind in the evening. Designed like an outdoor living room, the small backyard features a covered seating area with inviting lights, a small storage shed and pale-flowering perennials that appear to almost float in twilight.
This cozy seating nook behind a canal house in Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring provides the perfect spot for the homeowners to unwind in the evening. Designed like an outdoor living room, the small backyard features a covered seating area with inviting lights, a small storage shed and pale-flowering perennials that appear to almost float in twilight.
Outdoor space. This area is tucked around the corner from the house and fits right into a beautifully terraced garden, designed by the former homeowner, Denise Johns, who is a landscape architect. “The gardens around here go on forever,” Ggem says. Contractor: Schaub ConstructionMore home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
Todd Haiman’s diverse landscape projects include pocket backyards in New York City, rooftop terraces and larger properties in suburban and rural areas. Two of his favorite paving materials for small yards and terraces are porcelain and tumbled travertine. These pavers “clean well with power washing once a year,” he says. He advises homeowners to use a light travertine in shaded areas to lighten things up. Haiman also likes to use compacted pea gravel that’s at least 1½ to 2 inches thick. “It’s good for animals, it has a nice crunch when you walk on it, and it’s a sustainable choice.”
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