Chris 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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’).
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.
