As the Australian Summer weather heats up, more and more people are choosing to spend time outside on their patio, enjoying the shining sun and entertaining family and friends. An excellent way to spruce up the design of your outdoor space is investing in your very own patio garden.
Not sure where to start and need some inspiration? Don’t worry - you’ve come to the right place! Great Aussie Patios have created the ultimate Aussie guide on how you can elevate your outdoor entertaining area with a new patio garden.
1. VEGETABLE GARDENS
Growing your own food with a patio vegetable garden is one of the best ways to enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening. A vegetable garden is a practical addition to anyone’s patio space and is so easy to do!
The first step is deciding the best place to grow your veggies. Most crops need about 6 - 8 hours of sunlight per day, so you need a space that gets a good amount of sun. If you’ve got a shady patio, you can grow salad greens that require less sunlight.
You also need to make sure you plant your veggies in a convenient spot for watering. If you really want to make watering hassle-free, you can opt for a self-watering planter.
The soil you use in your veggie garden can also make a huge difference. Don’t use regular soil, as it won’t allow the excess water to drain. You need to find a good potting mix and fertilise your veggies regularly.
When choosing what to plant in your patio vegetable garden, try to incorporate a variety of heights, textures and colours. Nowadays you can even find dwarf varieties of fruit trees!
2. PLANT WALLS
Think vertically in your patio garden with a plant wall. A vertical garden design can draw attention or hide an unattractive feature or view. Vertical patio gardens offer the perfect solution if you have limited patio space.
Plants that grow well in a plant wall are smaller plants like Orchids, Ferns, Geraniums and Begonias. Alternatively, you could even grow a vertical veggie garden and plant lettuces and herbs!
One thing to keep in mind with a vertical plant wall is that your plants will need more frequent watering and fertilising since they are exposed to more light and wind.
3. HANGING PLANTS
Hanging plants are another great option to get the most out of the space in your patio area and add a pop of colour. Some garden stores sell pre-planted hanging baskets but you can also just buy the basket and fill it with whatever plant you want.
Just keep in mind if it will be hanging under the patio, it won’t receive as much sun, so you need to choose a plant that does well in the shade. Hanging baskets are most commonly used for ornamental plants but some people also grow strawberries, tomatoes and herbs.
4. CLIMBING VINES
Climbing vines are a perfect way to transform your patio garden area into an inspiring green space. Vines, ivy and other flowering varieties are very hardy and adaptable. They can be grown in garden beds, narrow pots and some can even grow without a trellis or supporting wires.
For a shade-loving vine, opt for Star Jasmine. If you’re looking for a sun-loving vine, go with a Bouganvillea. For times when you need a fast-growing creeper, Crimson Glory is an excellent option.
5. GARDEN PLANTERS & POTS
Garden pots and planters are perfect for areas with no soil or rain, like patios. You can easily move them around as the seasons change. Potted plants and planter boxes allow you to mix and match your favourite plants that may not usually grow well together in a garden bed.
Using pots and planters is a great way to breathe new life into a space. You can get creative and display your pots on shelving or even paint your own pots to add even more colour and a personal touch!
6. SUCCULENT GARDEN
If you’re more of a set-and-forget gardener and are looking for something low-maintenance and easy for your outdoor area, succulents are the perfect option for you!
Succulents come in a huge variety of different sizes, colours, shapes and textures. Succulents are suited to survive in harsh, hot weather and grow well in hanging baskets, pots and vertical walls. They prefer sunny spots and usually need about 6 - 8 hours of sunlight a day.
Combining succulents with cacti is a good way to get more of a variety of colours and textures. You can even get creative and use cake tins to create different shapes and letters with succulents.
7. SCREENING PLANTS
Tired of neighbours peering into your garden? Or maybe you live by a busy road and want some extra privacy? Screening plants are the perfect solution for you!
Screening plants serve as a living fence to block out loud noise, wind and prying eyes. Not only this, but they also help to keep your garden cool during the summer months. Privacy plants can also help to hide unsightly aspects of your garden such as a gas meter, bins or an ugly fence.
Some of Australia’s most popular screening plants include the Lilly Pilly, Star Magnolia and Gold Bamboo. However, choosing the right plants for your property depends on a range of different factors. You need to consider the weather conditions and your own screening needs.
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GET IN TOUCH WITH PERTH'S PATIO EXPERTS
Do you need some extra shade in your outdoor area? Is your existing patio looking a bit worse for wear? Great Aussie Patios has you covered!
Our team of experts can help you create the perfect outdoor space to entertain friends and family. We offer a wide range of options when it comes to designing your own Perth patio.
Don't hesitate to contact us to find out more about how we can help create your perfect outdoor entertaining area!