With fall finally reaching two digit temperatures in the day, I’m excited to be able to use our outdoor living space again. With a few additions and low cost items, I was able to add some seating, greenery, and a small barbeque, perfect to enjoy in the mornings and evenings without having to hop in the car to enjoy fresh air.
Keep reading for all the improvements after the jump!
The Before
Basic, sad, and underutilized space. I had dreams of those picture perfect small space patios that you see in large urban areas. (Most of the folks in our complex use theirs as a space to dry laundry. It’s sad really.) I had big dreams and wasn’t willing to give up on my vision. We knew going vertical with our plants was a necessity and we had dreams of pocket planters and lush hanging gardens. With summertime and hot heat, I love the idea of a small grill and wanted the space to accommodate a small charcoal grill as well. While we living in a dry and arid climate, we opted to go crazy with succulents and palms, keeping watering low maintenance.
Our Progress
With a few benches, potted plants, and a concrete succulent wall, the makeover is full on and has been underway for a bit. I’ve been playing with ways to elevate common materials, keeping things budget friendly, while adding a large visual impact. In this garden plan, I’ve kept the palette limited to pale stoneware, terracotta, blacks, whites, and greens. (I’m learning this palette is kind of my go-to in this season and I absolutely love it.) Adding color and texture with fabrics, woods, and plants, it keeps things tight and cohesive. All of our plants are drought friendly, requiring minimal watering or herbs, remaining highly functional and useful, rather than solely ornamental.
My favorite project so far is the concrete succulent wall under the kitchen window. Once completed, it will add an additional serving surface, perfect for a bar or to hold food for any small gathering. The bench is great for additional seating and is anchored by an ivory garden stool for the perfect vignette.
Finishing touches
I’ll be adding lighting poles in the corner to hang our string lights higher than we had previously. I still love globe string lights and have been using this set for years. By using a bit of wire, eye hooks, and sand, the poles will be camouflaged in plant containers placed in the farthest corners of the patio. Saying farewell to playing limbo with string lighting is more than welcome. I have a DIY for hanging planters I need to complete, adding a bit of visual interest to the garden. That and sprucing up a few herbs that have bit the dust. (Poor cilantro, it died in the summer heat on day one.) The final touch? Adding a piece of reclaimed lumber to the top of the succulent wall. Then this project will be complete and ready for those cozy fall nights. Bring on the tea, blankets, and hot toddies!