How to Design a Patio Area
A patio area provides a comfortable space to entertain, relax or dine al fresco. Before choosing materials and furniture, determine the patio’s intended goals. A general seating and resting area will require different furniture than a dining space for quick turnover. Opt for natural materials to create a patio that feels like a natural extension of the house. Flagstone, slate and sandstone provide a warm, organic feel, and can be used to define separate seating or dining areas. Shade Garden Ideas Use a variety of colors and foliage textures to create an appealing shade garden. For example, the slender leaves of Ice Dance Japanese sedge combine with wide ajuga and the dark-purple hues of Sirens’ Song orange-delight heuchera in this pathway planting. The low-maintenance combo is ideal for shady conditions. Eliminate traditional turf grass in shady areas and replace with shade-tolerant ground cover such as moss, ferns or hosta. Or, plant massed beds of shade-loving perennials, shrub...