I find patios (or decks) absolutely enchanting, no matter how modest.
A patio is like another room under the sky..
For many of us, our gateway experience with patios were simple barren small cement slabs fenced on three sides and connected to an apartment by a glass slider and partially shaded by eaves.
Even that could make a delightful patio.
My current patio is spacious, a large covered area and an open adobe paved area with a railroad tie retaining wall on one side
but it doesn't matter, not really. All patios can be made habitable with a modest budget and a little work.
And it certainly doesn't have to be expensive
A second hand patio set an be made good as new with a little paint. Maybe even one of those giant wooden cable spools. If there is no room, then a Bistro table and chairs is good enough.
A grill is a great asset but if there is no room for one, a Hibachi can suffice.
Outdoor lighting will allow you to appreciate balmy summer nights, but it need not be costly. A kerosene lantern with citronella oil will repel mosquitos as well as a bug light. Even a string of Christmas lights can fulfill the task. Or a candle stuck in a Chianti bottle.
You might add a windchime or hummingbird feeder, and some potted plants. Succulents are hard to kill, as are geraniums, which you can propagate from cuttings. Estate sales are good places to look for pots and planters. Scrounge or invest in a 5 gallon plastic bucket and visit a local stable or racetrack for free fertilizer.
You might even try for a container garden. Home grown tomatoes or herbs are a delightful addition if you're motivated.
I've got nine huge lush Jade plants that have developed over the years, from cuttings.
There will be necessities of course, a garden hose and nozzle, a broom and maybe a watering can.
There is so much you can do with patio no matter the size but the really important thing is to spend time there, Enjoying your morning coffee and paper, or an evening pipe and brandy al fresco. Inviting good friends over for a board game or cards,
Or grilling dinner for your date. Or just taking a nap under the stars.
A patio is like another room under the sky..
For many of us, our gateway experience with patios were simple barren small cement slabs fenced on three sides and connected to an apartment by a glass slider and partially shaded by eaves.
Even that could make a delightful patio.
My current patio is spacious, a large covered area and an open adobe paved area with a railroad tie retaining wall on one side
but it doesn't matter, not really. All patios can be made habitable with a modest budget and a little work.
And it certainly doesn't have to be expensive
A second hand patio set an be made good as new with a little paint. Maybe even one of those giant wooden cable spools. If there is no room, then a Bistro table and chairs is good enough.
A grill is a great asset but if there is no room for one, a Hibachi can suffice.
Outdoor lighting will allow you to appreciate balmy summer nights, but it need not be costly. A kerosene lantern with citronella oil will repel mosquitos as well as a bug light. Even a string of Christmas lights can fulfill the task. Or a candle stuck in a Chianti bottle.
You might add a windchime or hummingbird feeder, and some potted plants. Succulents are hard to kill, as are geraniums, which you can propagate from cuttings. Estate sales are good places to look for pots and planters. Scrounge or invest in a 5 gallon plastic bucket and visit a local stable or racetrack for free fertilizer.
You might even try for a container garden. Home grown tomatoes or herbs are a delightful addition if you're motivated.
I've got nine huge lush Jade plants that have developed over the years, from cuttings.
There will be necessities of course, a garden hose and nozzle, a broom and maybe a watering can.
There is so much you can do with patio no matter the size but the really important thing is to spend time there, Enjoying your morning coffee and paper, or an evening pipe and brandy al fresco. Inviting good friends over for a board game or cards,
Or grilling dinner for your date. Or just taking a nap under the stars.
