Rooms can be made to look larger by extending them into the landscaping.  This approach can be accomplished by making use of the same materials inside and out where appropriate and/or using glass walls to help join the interior together with the patio landscaping.

The roof line could easily be extended from the house or an add on roof could be built against the exterior of the house.

Patio landscaping elements such as vines, lattices, shrubs, fences, walls, shade trees, wild grasses and flowers can all be used to make a terrace a nice little hide out for relaxing or a wonderful place to entertain that is sheltered from the noises of the street or neighbors.  

Another useful patio landscaping accessory is a barbecue.  With an outdoor barbecue your patio landscaping quickly becomes an extra kitchen and a convenient location for outdoor dining.  Especially if counter space, table space and storage space for utensils and accessories are planned into the design.   The more convenient an outdoor kitchen is the more pleasure it will bring.

Your patio landscaping design should also include electric outlets.  This way, if you want some outdoor lighting, or nice background music you can easily power them without dragging extension cords from the house.

Your patio landscaping plan should also provide for children’s play areas and some kind of flooring material such as outdoor pavers, flagstone or cement to keep the grass from getting worn out. 

You should have easy access to your patio landscaping from the house via doors or pathways.   The easier it is to get to the more use it will get.

You can blend your patio landscaping with the rest of your yard with potted flowers and vines, baskets, retaining walls, dwarf trees and flowering shrubs.  You can also create more visual interest using changes of level; raising flower beds around trees, steps and walls.

Visit our other posts to learn more about patio landscaping.

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