Small patio – main features

The patio is a space that will help you enjoy the countryside outdoors. It is a modern corner of tranquility in the backyard of your property. The tendency to create patios came to us from the Mediterranean countries. They are especially popular in Spain, but they are just as popular in Canada.

What are the advantages of creating a patio on the plot?

• Such an open space in the countryside will become a good recreation area without serious financial investments.
• Patio will remind you that a country house is needed first and foremost for recreation, not for endless planting and subsequent maintenance.
• Patio will be the center of family and friendly gatherings, a real island of relaxation together.
• If you combine the patio area with the creation of a fire source, in addition to relaxing, it will also become an area for family meals and dinners.

Where should you start if you’re thinking about creating a patio? In this article, we will give you 8 basic recommendations that will help you go from idea to implementation.

1. Choosing a location

Choosing a place for a patio should start with determining its function. Will it be a place for guests and gatherings until late at night? Then you need a large space, a source of fire, lighting and a large seating area.

Or is it a quiet little corner, hidden from prying eyes for two? In that case it could be a small area with some additional fencing.

Or maybe it’s a place for a family dinner by the fire. Then the size of the patio area will depend on the number of family members and the nature of the pastime.

Or maybe it’s a place to hang out with friends and watch soccer or baseball games? You can install a projector, put comfortable chairs and a barbecue.

2. Choosing the shape of the patio

There are 2 basic concepts for a patio area: as an extension of the house or as a separate area from the house on its own.

If you choose the first option, it should be related to the house stylistically. Often patios are made in the backyard, hidden from view, but there are exceptions.

If a patio extension of the house is chosen, a square or rectangular shape will blend with most homes. It blends well with most suburban homes and doesn’t complicate the creation of this area.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the only solution.

The patio can be multi-level, two-story, unusual irregular shape and with quirky curves. If you have chosen a non-standard solution, it is better to think about this concept together with the designer.

In the case of the second solution, you can make a patio at a significant distance from the main structures. An independent patio area can be built on the shore of a real or artificial pond, in a green garden, surrounded by green trees and shrubs.

3. Making a marking and preparing the base

The most important condition is to choose a level site.

Once you have chosen a suitable place on the site, make its markings. After marking the area, we proceed to the leveling of the surface of this area and prepare the base.

The base of the future patio can serve:

• gravel + sand

This is a soft type of foundation. It will cost less than concrete and is not inferior to it. It will be the best choice for the patio area.

• concrete

This is a hard type foundation. It requires more labor and financial costs. It is used for problematic soils on the site, as well as for areas with high loads. The latter certainly does not apply to the patio area.

Then a cement-sand mixture is laid on the base, on which the tiles themselves are then laid.

4. Choosing the shape of the tiles

The shape of the tiles will directly depend on the chosen shape and area of the future patio area.

If the shape of the future patio is radiused, you can choose a circular shape of tiles, so you simplify the process of laying and minimize the trimming of the material. This doesn’t mean that you can’t choose a straight shape in this case, just that there will be more trimming. It will not be superfluous to add edging to visually give the circular area completeness.

If the future space will be rectangular or square, then the shape we choose is straight. If the patio area is expected to be large, then you can choose a large form of detail tiles. On a small area, a classic shape and similar shapes with small detail sizes look good.

5. Determining the type of patio

Patios can be open or enclosed.

An outdoor patio would be a good solution if the property already has a terrace or pergola with a roof and protection from the wind. In that case, you can make the patio open and in case of bad weather, take shelter in other structures.

An enclosed patio is the right choice if it is the only such structure for recreation on the site.

In that case, it is better to protect yourself from possible bad weather and think through barriers against wind and rain. It is not necessary to make them completely closed, air-permeable solutions will also do. Better to be puzzled about the design of the roof, or the device of the canopy to protect the recreation area from drips of rain or the scorching afternoon sun.

6. Create a source of heat

By creating a fire bowl in this area, you can spend not only warm summer days there, but also cozy, wrapped in a plaid in the fall and spring.

If this area was glazed, you can continue to use it even in winter.

The fire bowl can be done with the same tiles as the main area.

This way, it fits in well with the overall patio concept.

An outdoor fireplace will also add warmth and coziness to the space.

It is important to remember that an outdoor fireplace is a large stationary source of heat, so it is suitable only for large patios. In the case of small and medium-sized patios, it is better to be limited to a fire bowl.

The second point when choosing a fireplace: it will be the heart of the entire patio. So first think about the fireplace area, and then around it line up the rest of the filling of this area.

7. Installing the lighting

If a roof has been designed, this greatly simplifies the issue of lighting.

You can install sconces, pendant lights, and other electrical lighting options.

If you have chosen a patio area without a roof, this does not mean that you have to sit in the dark.

Wireless, self-contained sources will serve as lighting in such a case. Lights, lights, garlands, working on batteries and batteries will be a good alternative.

Also no one canceled the fire as a source of light: candle lights can brighten up your evening with a warm glow.

Special street lights can be installed along the contour of the patio and along the approach paths. Soft light directed upwards will give coziness and allow you to comfortably walk along the paths in the dark.

8. Consider the landscaping

By planting a green hedge, shrubs or small trees, you can make the patio area even more cozy and picturesque.

In the case of an outdoor patio, you can put up trellis walls and see them with climbing plants. Grapes, clematis, creeper, climbing rose, etc. will do the trick.

By planting an evergreen hedge, you can create additional protection from the wind and prying eyes.

On an enclosed patio, you can put plants in tubs or hang flower pots.

The final and nicest touch is to choose the right furniture and trim for the patio. For enclosed patios, furniture made of natural solid wood is well suited. Garden furniture for outdoor areas can be chosen from artificial or natural rattan.

Read our blog and call us!

Let’s say at once: to fashionable trends in landscape design should be treated with caution.

Sometimes it takes years before the garden acquires the look that the designer depicted in the sketches. But even if it only takes a few weeks or months to decorate an area, it’s worth asking yourself whether the design will go out of style by next year and how much time, effort and money will have to be spent to update it.

That’s why we at Captain Handy recommend not chasing fashionable new products in landscape design in 2021, but choosing something that will be in trend for a long time to come. That’s what we’ll talk about.

Naturalness

The main landscape design trend in 2021 is closeness to nature, and this trend won’t go out of fashion for a long time. People are tired of the fast pace of life and want to enjoy peace and tranquility in the park and on their property. Designers suggest abandoning the “framing of nature”.

Losing relevance perfectly trimmed trees and shrubs of complex pretentious forms, an abundance of wrought iron fences, partitions, etc., displacement of greenery by paths, stones, pergolas and other elements. Modern trends in landscape design – adding meadow lawns and wildflowers, the rejection of strict geometric shapes in the planning of paths and flower beds, chaotic seeding (of course, the chaos should be created wisely), replacement of artificial fences and partitions with hedges.

The general rule: the more the presence of wildlife in the garden is felt, the better.

Lighting in landscape design

Fashionable landscape design should include lighting that:

• Does not draw attention to itself, but complements the plants in a harmonious way;
• adjustable point: by changing the brightness and hue for individual lamps, you can visually highlight some parts of the garden, to create an interesting light pattern;
• quickly adjusted if necessary: a good choice would be portable solar-powered lights.

Since naturalness and simplicity are in fashion, preference should be given to lighting fixtures with a concise modern design, without fussy elements.

Furniture in landscape design

A new trend in landscape design in 2021 is garden furniture that resembles home furniture as much as possible. In essence, the site should become an extension of the interior.

“Furniture” trends in landscape design:

• Moisture-resistant upholstery. It is good, if it creates the feeling that you have a regular upholstered furniture in front of you.
• Laconic design, rounded shapes, a minimum of decor.
• Restrained natural colors: muted green, blue, sand, beige, etc.
• Rough texture. Matte, rough surfaces instead of glossy and smooth.

Of course, garden furniture should be unpretentious in maintenance and very reliable. Practicality, not luxury, comes first.

Vertical gardening

About the new trend in landscape design – replacing metal and wooden fences and partitions with hedges – we spoke above. In addition, you can:

• Decorate walls with pots with plants;
• create green screens;
• make cascades from hanging planters;
• Braid roofs, walls of gazebos, terraces, etc. with climbing plants.

Vertical gardening helps to create volume and is especially successful in the design of a small area.

Water features

The splash and murmur of the water relaxes and soothes, increases the feeling of unity with nature, so it is desirable to add water features even in areas where there is little free space. Do not necessarily break a big pond – enough small fountain, brook, miniature waterfall or even a small bathtub for birds.

Remember that water objects can be dynamic (waterfalls, cascades, fountains) and static (decorative wetlands, ponds). In fashionable trends in landscape design fit both options: the design of the site take into account the purpose of the different zones and the wishes of the customer.

Functionality

New in landscape design is the functionality of the garden. First, you can organize a small vegetable garden, even if only aromatic herbs will grow there. Herbs, vegetables, fruits, grown on their own land, now are very highly valued. Secondly, in fashion plants and flowers that not only decorate the area, but also perform other functions: for example, help to create a shady corner for relaxing, attracting bees and butterflies, etc.

Note: The list of landscape design trends for 2021 includes the most eco-friendly garden care possible. Recommend to your friends to give up toxic chemicals, use natural fertilizers, etc. Try to choose plants that are resistant to the climate of the region and do not require complex expensive care.

Not everyone has time for regular pruning, weeding and other work, which is why low-maintenance gardens are trending.

Read our blog and call us!

Comfortable rest on a picturesque site will please any wealthy person. But the beauty and convenience will not appear on their own. You will have to spend time, make efforts for landscaping and arrangement of the territory to get a beautiful, functional homestead. If you do not have the necessary knowledge, it is better to invite professionals who will do a full service landscaping in Toronto.

With what to start landscaping?

Works on the full landscaping of the territory of a private house, start with finding the most shady and sunny places.  In addition, the orientation in the space of the territory, all this is reflected in the draft landscape design. The project plan not only takes into account the weather conditions of the region, but also takes the soil analysis and even prepare the wind rose.

Explore the topography, while taking notes, photographs to plan the necessary changes to all the rises and falls in the area.

Then determine the basic type, acidity, fertility of the soil, it depends on the possible set of plants on the site. Check the moisture content of the soil, the height of the location of groundwater, which will allow to make the correct drainage system.

After this, begin preparations for full service landscaping:

• Before starting landscaping, the topography is corrected;
• The soil is fed with mineral fertilizers, organics if necessary;
• Clay soil must be lightened, sand and peat mixture, straw manure or decomposed sawdust are added;
• Organize drainage and water supply;
• It is desirable to buy grasses that can grow under trees;
• Hedges, flowerbeds should be formed so that they fit the adopted style, so as not to violate the theme of the landscape.

Warning. At higher elevations, the soil will quickly evaporate moisture, the plants will not have enough of it. In lowlands, on the contrary, the moisture will accumulate, so the roots can rot.

Types of full service landscaping company

When the topography will be prepared, it is necessary to perform zoning, that is – to determine the places where certain plants will be located.

Usually the area near the house is divided into 3 zones (types):

• Front yard;
• back yard;
• Intermediate.

Back yard landscaping

If the site is near a residential house, planted with cultures of the choice of the owner, you can use your imagination, but you need to harmoniously connect the plants on the borders of paths, flower beds and flower beds. Climbing plants are planted near arches, pillars, frame the facade of the house. You can place them along the fences, buildings, they will create shade in the gazebo that in the complex and will represent the full service landscaping.

All services landscaping will be boring without plants in vases.  They luxuriously descend from hanging baskets or vases they can even be installed on the canopy.

Practical! You can create small compositions from flowers in pots. They will be so convenient to take care of them, modern containers equipped with small wheels allow you to plant your favorite plants and quickly change the landscape if necessary.

Intermediate landscaping

The perimeter is often fenced with a fence or “hedge”, they can reliably separate the homestead from the outside space. This is done using shrubs or wicker plants, sometimes densely planted low trees.

Front yard landscaping

This work involves visually noticeable places. These include recreational areas, the place near the entrance, in front of the windows of the house. In this type of landscaping, a properly formed lawn is very important. It is combined with a rockery or an alpine hill.

It depends on where the lawn is located, which grasses are the best to choose. If it will grow in the shade, it is necessary to choose the seeds of grasses well developing without direct sunlight. Ordinary plants will not work, the lawn will get uneven, will grow for a long time.

 There are lawn grasses that can withstand physical stress or drought. Be sure to prepare a reliable irrigation and drainage system. Full service landscaping can’t do without a lawn.

Effectively look “windows” – a kind of openings in the concreted or paved areas. Here you can plant perennials with tracery beautiful foliage.  Near curbs, paths place trimmed boxwood, openwork roses.

Rarely can you find a completely flat area, for this reason you need to think in advance how to eliminate the disadvantages of the available relief, for this reason are good full service landscaping company. On the flattest places it is better to erect a residential building, outbuildings.

If there is a small high hill, it is easy to make an alpine hill. In the lowlands it is better to plant water-loving plants, place a fountain or make a pond. The ravine “cut” your homestead, you can turn it into a real or dry stream, and across it in a convenient place to throw a bridge.

Also, if you do not want to think about all the wisdom of combinations and landscaping systems, then you should contact the company “Captain Handy”. Captain Handy is a full service landscaping company near me in GTA.

Read our blog and call us!