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Building a patio is one of the best ways to enhance
a garden. It may seem a major undertaking, but the work involved
in making a small patio can easily be completed in just one weekend.
"This is the patio to end all patios,"
exclaimed Alexander Riley as he looked upon the stunning entrance
to the home of exotic gardener Will Giles.
"It has an arbour built over it which forms
a balcony over the front of the house. Hanging baskets are then
filled with wonderful exotic plants - but something like this does
need time to cultivate."
Will Giles is well known in the gardening world
for his knowledge of the exotic garden. "The whole idea of
the balcony was that colonial feel," he explained. "Where
you get that grand facade at the front of the house."
Starting from scratch
When thinking of a patio for the first time, Alexander
advises that you should take into account the type of house you
live in.
Alexander Riley of Paston House in Norwich |
"In Will's garden we've got beautiful old
flint which is in keeping with the house, but more modern houses
lend themselves to wood.
"Decking has become terribly popular but it
can become a bit tired and grubby. I'm sure
there are people who have a slightly faded looking decked patio
at the moment.
"Personally, I would have mine painted. There
are some wonderful colours available that are sympathetic backdrops
to plants that look very good.
Colourful ideas
"If you're starting from scratch, try looking
at the colours you've got in your home.
"It's lovely to be able to bring some of the
outside in and visa versa. Obviously you want to choose colours
that are going to draw your eye from the room your in to out into
the garden.
"Don't stick to those colours exclusively,
but try and pick up some of the colours you've got inside your home."
Size matters
Despite what some might say, size is important.
Your patio should be designed to complement both the space it's
sitting in and the number of people you that are going to use it.
"It's a bit like sitting in a big room all
on your own," said Alexander.
"If there's only two of your most of the time,
you don't need an enormous space.
"If you do a lot of entertaining then create
a good sized terrace or patio as its easier for people to stand
on.
Garden furniture
"The bamboo furniture
that Will has placed in his exotic garden looks fantastic, especially
with even more bamboo growing behind it.
"You don't have to be posh to have wonderful
wooden furniture.
"One trick is to take some old kitchen furniture,
sand it down and do it in a distressed painted look with a top coat
of varnish to protect it from the elements.
Add some chintz, which is so back in, and you get
an instant summer look that'll cost you almost nothing.
"It's incredible what you can achieve in gardens
very, very cheaply."
See detailed view of furniture and patio.
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