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Before & after: An incredible patio transformation

Bring home the better days with this patio restoration.
Patio makeover with couch, outdoor dining area and gardenChris Jones / Photography

If you want to give your patio a transformation, you’re at the right place.

Does your garden struggle to produce the lush greenery you long for? The reason often comes down to just three things: soil, aspect, and competition for water and nutrients.

The soil in this south-facing garden was compacted, so the solution was to treat it to organic matter. Then, shade-lovers were planted in the garden and used in pots to lush up the deck. 

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Patio transformation before and after
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

Here’s how you can get the same look at your place. 

1. Hang it

Hang shade-loving Boston ferns in self-watering pots from your rafters for this patio transformation. Vary the depth they drop for an informal look that suits your back deck.

Hanging plants on privacy screen
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

2. Bring life to a corner

The bridal veil plant (Gibasis geniculata) is a shy little thing, especially with direct sunlight. Put it in a corner and allow it to trail down the steps of your deck.

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Plant and chair on a deck
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

2. Add scent

Plant orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata) as a small hedge in front of the deck. It’s quick growing and thrives even more after a trim, but don’t take the shears to it until after the lovely orange-smelling flowers have finished!

Orange jessamine plant lining the patio
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

4. Set the scene

Less is more in a patio transformation, especially in the garden, where plants shouldn’t interfere with your daily activities. Place them high or in corners where they can still be appreciated by you’re not always falling over them. Hide a dull view with a vertical timber screen that still lets in light. 

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Patio with an outdoor couch and privacy screen with hanging plants
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

5. Open out

By extending your garden to your patio, you enhance your outdoor lifestyle without having to endure hostile elements such as rain or fierce afternoon sun. At the same time, you’re making a subtle transition from outdoors to indoors. 

Deck with table and privacy screen with hanging plants
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

6. Fill the gaps

You can plant around thirsty trees with shallow-rooted plants such as black- and red-leafed cordylines (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Negra’ and Cordyline ‘Rubra’).

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Garden bed with green and red plants
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)

7. Colour up

Put patterns in your garden with neoregelias (members of the bromeliad family). The rosettes of leaves can be striped, spotted or freckled and change colour as blooming approaches.

red and green plants in mulch in a garden
(Photography: Chris Jones | aremedia.com.au)
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