Need help to design new 20 ft arc patio in corner of backyard

Ken
by Ken
need help to design new arc shaped patio, 20ft in any direction. Has 6ft area for flowers or shrouds to fence. Fireplace or water feature possibility, stone or brick, reasonable cost.
Looking directly to corner of yard with arc shaped patio, 20 ft wide from corner.
Left side of arc, 20 ft long, and 6ft to fence for flowers or shrubs. I live zone 8
Right side, 6 ft to fence for shrubs or flowers.
  14 answers
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Aug 24, 2013
    @Ken very nice area. If you live in a zone 8 I would think that shade would be one priority. I would recommend one that is rain resistant, that way you can still sit out in the rain, which can be pleasant. On the back fence side of the shelter you could hang some inexpensive sheers (weight down the hems with medium weight poles/sticks - I used cut off hockey sticks). This will provide privacy from the back neighbours and a whimsy look to the structure. I would also reocommend some colourful plants in the garden areas. You could also add some colourful hangings on the fence. I have picked up some inexpensive metal hangings and spray painted them - change up the colours every year or two. You could also add interest by adding some garden sculptures/statues. These features are usually on sale at this time of year and can also be freshened up in the future with spray paint - gotta love rustoleum. I also find that potted plants can also add a lot of interest/character to the area. Thanks for posting, and please update with pics of your progress.
  • Ken Ken on Aug 24, 2013
    thank you for those hints, can use some of those great ideas. I have thought of some type of pagoda top on some , although it is shaded after 6:00 in the evening. I will post pics as I get started and temps get workable. 98 here today.
  • Ken Ken on Aug 24, 2013
    thanks
  • Susan Cryor Susan Cryor on Aug 26, 2013
    what a fortune you have, an almost blank canvas to work with! Envious ! Color, there are many plants, that do not bloom but add beautiful arrangement of colors and shapes...check into them, and get good advice for your location (sun) and soil. Straight lines need to be complemented with curves....most likely why the curved patio... Container planting is where you can add color and curves, taller ones to the back. I would make that a "living fence" with some vines, that bloom and attract humming birds. Perhaps some plant arches that arch at the top. I love pergolas. I made an arbor pergola, waited long enough for hubby to do it! You could put one in front of the curve and create an "entrance" to your corner heaven. Get a couple of lounge chairs and enjoy with a refreshing beverage!
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Aug 26, 2013
    If you want to have as much work free planting as possible, think about colorful shrubs that come in every color green from dark to variegated and different colored grasses. Then with a few large pots, you can create beautiful gardens. Lately I have seen large pots with a miniature evergreen in the center with various colors of plants at the base and different vines hanging out...they are stunning. I just bought 2 large pots for this type planting next year. I am going to put in scrap Styrofoam in the bottom to take up some space so as to lessen the amount of dirt so the pot will not be so heavy. I will try to post photos if I can get them of this technique.
  • Carolle Carolle on Aug 26, 2013
    Ken, I would make sure to include something like jasmine or a plant that has a nice fragrance. Using different heights also works. Maybe something taller on the corners.
  • NancyLee NancyLee on Aug 26, 2013
    Ken - my corner space is a little smaller but same idea. I wanted a medicinal herb garden but had no idea how to "design" it. So first I dug the area up and added soil amendments. Then looked around for awhile - my new home has a "plethora" of rocks and so I started adding rocks to enclose the space and then for little foot areas to be able to move to the back of the place for planting, weeding etc. (In the late fall or early spring, I'll widen these "footpath" areas - to avoid the "balance" challenge these narrow paths involved this summer!) And now, to me, it is so beautiful.
  • Randall Simmons Randall Simmons on Aug 26, 2013
    For a reasonable cost and less backache- you could make forms and pour cement. After setup use a coating with patterns or multi colors, avail Home Depot, Lowe's etc. Look nice and last very long
  • Tommy Roberts Tommy Roberts on Aug 26, 2013
    @Ken, build a solid roof cabana for shade all day long. It good be a flat roof with a non-noticeable angle slant for run off & on the back edges with copper gutters so run off does not erode the ground below where you should have border Bushes / Plants (ferns?) / annual flowers that bloom all season and longer depending on where you live. While you are at it, run electrical, and install a weather / outdoor fan with light. Buy the fan & the light where they are wired seperately. On one of the support posts mount the switches with a dimmer on the light, and a speed control swith for the fan. Make sure the wiring is run very neatly and is run through conduit to be neater. If you leave the wood treated and stain try finding copper conduit. I do not suggest paint as it eventually will need more in a couple years and then eventually you will have major issues with flaking. I had all this that I descibed by our pool in Palm Springs and it was always the favorite place to be. We also had a grill with a chimney and natural gas hookup and light pointed at the grill from the support beams. Another note is that the copper, especially the gutters, will eventually develope a patina which really makes everything look natural. Make sure the roof is tarred and covered properly that will last you years and years. Hire professionals to do the electricity and roof if you are a DIY guy. Know that I have spent all your money :-), seriously think about it. It would be a huge asset to the backyard. OK, one more thing if you want to really go all the way, the side you plan on putting the grill, you could also make it an outside kitchen with a wet bar, refrigerator, and small refrigerator. Depending of the style of your home, "old" brick looks great and would also make a great non-slip floor if raining. Have the sink drain into a far corner so as not to disturb any plants. Whew. Tommy
  • Tina Hulgan Tina Hulgan on Aug 26, 2013
    Tina Hulgan Here are a couple of ideas 2 different fire places one for the corner or one centered on the back wall with and garden tower with fresh spices and flower a small water pond in the corn flowing to the front all about patio covers.com
  • Ken Ken on Aug 31, 2013
    thanks to all of you, these are great answers, and will be incorporating them. Please keep em coming.
  • Marie Mealy Marie Mealy on Sep 01, 2013
    build u a cover and then grow a vine fast growning it will vine till it compleatly cover type of frame and will pretty much rain proff and u hav life all around u
    • Tommy Roberts Tommy Roberts on Sep 03, 2013
      @Marie Mealy Excellent Idea. How about Morning Glory's? There are a lot of trailing vine type to choose from. Nasturtium is a great flowering climber, plus you actually can eat the flowers and leaves for a salad. Nothing like having a center flower piece in a table and then serving it for salad. Guest become very surprised. Roses, Ivy, Clematis (Beautiful) and so on. Look on line at BURPY SEEDS for ideas. Tommy
  • Ken Ken on Sep 02, 2013
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
  • Marie Mealy Marie Mealy on Sep 03, 2013
    honey suckle too