Patio/Walkway ideas
by
Diana Mick
+11
There is a set of 4 4x4 beds on each side of a 4 step cement walkway. It goes down to my yard. I would like ideas on how to make it a private relaxing patio?
9 answers
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Maybe some taller potted plants on the left side would help.
JoAnn Reynolds
on Jun 08, 2015
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don't plant this anywhere important. because it will completely take over your whole bed. It is so pretty that is what fools you. Beauty is only skin deep. I wish I had never planted it in my beds because I can't begin to get it all out!!
LYNDA
on Jun 08, 2015
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What might look cute is adding an antique door (or louvered folding door) on the one (or each) side with a flower box attached. Then add varying height potted/colorful plants to place on the bottom, in front of the door. Maybe even include an old chair with the seat cutout and a potted plant inserted or a galvanized tub full of colorful flowers. Cute space!!
LHiggins
on Jun 09, 2015
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Do a painted concrete first with design of your choice. Then potted plants and paint the wooden bench.
Karen Kitty Collier
on Jun 09, 2015
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I had experience with that plant and it is hard to get rid of as spreads like Bermuda grass and Im constantly pulling it up as it eventually gets tall and leggy. I like the pots with plants idea as you can change around to your liking.
Sue Sanders
on Jun 09, 2015
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I'd start with a good spray washing of the concrete to get the moss and dirt off. I personally prefer concrete stain to painting concrete. There's a lot of concrete, so my word of advice is "soften". Build something like the pic below to create a bit of drama to the entrance and to hide the dog house and soften the look of the area. Maybe add a small patio table and chairs perhaps with a nice patio umbrella. Get comfortable chairs so you'll enjoy sitting out there. Paint the park bench...shabby chic isn't working here. The concrete bench doesn't say "cozy" so I'd either move it off the patio, or paint it (maybe mosaic the "legs" if you're crafty) or maybe just a couple "breezy" plants to hide the legs. Dependng on space, you might consider replacing the concrete bench with a 3-seater patio swing. I like lots of potted plants well placed, but this year I'd go with pretty (but inexpensive) annuals (like petunias) and spend your money on the "bones" of the area...the entrance, furniture and nice pots. You need some height, so consider some of the grasses available in nurseries and home improvement stores as the "thriller" in pots with flowering fillers and thrillers. Use pots of varying sizes. In my opinion, bigger (not huge) is better because a plethora of small pots can look "goodwill-ish" , don't add the same punch and have to constantly be watered. Good luck! I'd love to see pics as you do the work.
OhSally
on Jun 09, 2015
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I agree with everyone about getting rid of the Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) as much as you can so the hostas have a chance to reach their full size. Without knowing your growth zone, I would also suggest getting some small evergreen plants in the planter boxes for winter interest and perhaps a small flowering shrub an/or vine on the structure by the entry to the patio. For the rest, Oh Sally's list of improvements is right on! Good luck and keep us posted!
Mansetomboy
on Jun 09, 2015
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I'd ask at a paint store for color suggestions. Hubby and I used a product called Daich Spreadstone on our concrete patio. It is a thick paint-like material that you spread with a trowle and blend it with a sea sponge. We did ours to look like flagstone. You can have it colored any color you want. We used a basic color and 2 or 3 accent colors. They have a video to show you how to apply it, and it was very easy. I didn't think we were artistic enough, but it turned out very nicely. We get a LOT of compliments on it. You might look into it...here's a link: http://www.daichcoatings.com/spreadstone.html They have a nice website with ideas. It was less expensive than hiring someone to refinish our concrete...It also covers small cracks to make the patio look nicer. The Daich compayn is out of Canada, but they found a local store for us to purchase it.
OhSally
on Jun 09, 2015
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I would pick a warm color beige for the patio. Or perhaps wood decking tiles could go on top. You could add some large potted plants perhaps some that are tall-even a small tropical tree that hangs over the stairs a bit. Add color with small annuals in the same around the tree. Repeat on the patio (keep the pots on small risers if you paint the patio.) Add a fountain surrounded by potted flowering plants. Hang a couple of hanging plants. Build a pergola which you can hang thin curtains and a chandelier. or lanterns. Furnish with a double chaise, a small table with a candle.
Christina
on Jun 10, 2015
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