Bring Your Patio to Life With Plants
Nothing brings your patio to life than flowering plants and the vivid coloring of shrubs, bushes and grasses. More than this, plants and vegetation constantly change over the year as the seasons change, and with some simple planning you can ensure a constant kaleidoscope of color and interesting effects whole it is all completely natural.
Patios are usually a dynamic living space – they are heavily used for a variety of purposes which means that there form (or design) needs to take into account their function (or how you are going to use them). There will be occasions when you are looking for privacy and solitude, perhaps to enjoy the sun and your garden – in this case you will be looking for sunny exposure, or possibly some shade to enjoy a book. At other times you will be using the patio for family gatherings as you party or enjoy al fresco dining with the barbecue – in which case you may want privacy and shelter from the wind or prying eyes.
A great way to add color and variety, but at the same time retain flexibility and control over the patio space, is to use containers and potted plants. They are moveable and can be positioned to suit your needs and tastes, but at the same time they can also hold quite large plants and small shrubs. This gives you the flexibility to add color and shelter, or move them to suit your changing tastes or to give a more open aspect.
Whether you are planting in permanent beds, or using containers and pots, there are some groups of plants you should consider for their specific features.
Plants which are good for providing a barrier from the wind include the following:
