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Tips for Landscaping Around Decks, Patios and Porches

Once the weather warms and decks, patios and porches are back in use, queries begin coming in requesting assistance in landscaping these areas. So, I thought it would be a good idea to offer these suggestions to all of our readers. The first task is to sit on your patio, porch or deck and actually look out (away from the exterior walls). What do you see? Do you see an open never ending lawn or, maybe it's a small enclosed area? What could you see as a focal point in your view? How do you feel about your deck? Is it quiet and cozy or more of an open space where you would prefer more privacy? The answers to these questions will dictate how you landscape around your outdoor living area.

Let's discuss patios, low level decks and porches first. Your point of view from sitting in your chair should give you looking into (not onto) the lawn area. Basically, the lawn becomes an extension of that outdoor space. Low level sitting areas take more advantage of the opening. Colors and textures can be used effectively from the immediate areas on to the outlying regions. The view will be complete from the tree tops all the way down to groundcover. So, be sure to add in lots of colorful perennials and shrubs into the outlying landscape.

Now, in landscaping around the perimeter of your low level deck (patio or porch), you will want to select plants with that in mind. If your outside living space is large and extends out considerably from the house, consider placing ornamental trees or other decorative plants.

The following is a great listing of plants for this purpose: Japanese red maple, Sky rocket juniper, Blue point juniper, Emerald green arborvitae, Crape myrtle, Kousa dogwood, Kwanzan cherry, Sourwood, Red bud, Sweetbay magnolia, Clumping bamboo, Sweetgum silhouette, Nishiki willow.

Remember to allow for stepping stones or other access to the outlying areas. In planting along the edges, select low growing plants so as to not block the outward view. Staying in the 3 ½ foot range and below should work quite well, especially with taller plants in that range that are airy at the tops such as ornamental grasses. The following lists plants that make excellent borders.

Barberry crimson pygmy, Crape myrtle Chickasaw, Crape myrtle Pocomoke, Coreopsis, Astilbe, Gaillardia, Heucheras, Lemon princess spiraea, Hydrangeas (Cityline series), Hostas, Chamaecyparis pisifera compacta, Nandina dwarf firepower, Nandina dwarf harbor, Saliva, Russian sage little spire, Weigela, Liriope, Acorus Ogon Grass, Sporobolus h. Prairie Dropseed Grass, pennisetum Karley Rose Grass, Pennisetum Hameln Grass, Phalaris a. Strawberries and Cream Verbena, low growing Lantana, low growing Rosemary, Lavender and Sage are all good choices to consider.

When planning your landscape around high level decks and balconies, remember that you will be looking down onto the plants immediately around the perimeter and only seeing the top portions of the plants in the outlying areas. High level areas truly take on a different view of the lawn than low level areas and should be landscaped accordingly. High level decks are considered to be (roughly) 5 and 6 feet and higher off the ground. Plant for fragrance, long blooming periods, lots of texture and slightly away from the deck so you are fully able to enjoy the plants.

This list of plants works nicely in such situations. Tree suggestions are: White birch, Dogwoods, Serviceberry, Magnolias, Tulip poplar, Lilacs, Crape myrtles, tall growing varieties Heptacodium, Seven son, Oakleaf hydrangeas, Magnolia Jane, Red bud, Flowering cherry, Flowering peach, Flowering pear, Sourwood, Laurels, Rhododendrons, and Holly.

Armed with this information, you can now confidently plan the landscape around your multi leveled outdoor living spaces.

 

About the Author

Cheryl is co-owner of Greenwood Nursery She writes Greenwood's weekly newsletter, regularly contributes home, gardening and landscaping articles to online magazines, as well as writting her own blogs, including Gardening With Cheryl.

Outdoor Deck Patio Q&A

Can be used indoors to the patio tiles 20in ground outdoors?

I know it's expensive to redo a deck, but I need a simple 150 to 200 square feet of patio where you can put 2 chairs and a table, maybe a hammock. I love the stones outside but becomes so expensive to build with them, so I wanted to stick to a small budget. "I can use 20-inch tiles that are commonly used for large rooms or bathrooms largest outdoor patio free (you can get a good price)? If so, what would the installation process it and steal the best stone to use?

There are some factors to be addressed before anyone can answer correctly .. If frost proof tile? Do you live in a non-freezing weather? What support will be installed? I will take concrete, but do not tell. Said tiles, but you mentioned about them sealed, which is not necessary because tiles are now made of stone for for indoor use, you can use the hem of hand if you live where my frozen. Any questions you can send an email via my avatar and see my grades do not .. GL

External staircase can be built by one person?

I bought a townhouse that has a 1 / 2 foot drop 2 on my patio. Can not afford afford to put a cover on everything, but would like to install temporarily stairs. I moved 200 miles from friends and family for a job, so they need to to do it myself. I made some smalle wood projects on my own and prefer not have to hire someone. Any thoughts or advice?

Yes, you can easily make stairs on their own. My dad built some of its own that came into our old barn and is rising about 4 feet. You may want to purchasing or collars to find something to support the wood against when you're building to make the job easier. If you use nails, I recommend using nails ring shank, so the tables do not come loose, otherwise I recommend pre-drilling and screws. Remember to keep the height of each step as well. You also may want to see some skid pads on the stairs as they can be slippery when wet. Usually can be applied as a large sticker. The most difficult is figuring out how to cut the bands.