This small space

Five tips to make your small patio a space to enjoy the big outdoors

Jeannie Howard

People with small yards, decks or patios can have an inviting and stylish space while maximizing every inch. Patricia Williams, owner of Sweet Pea’s Garden in Vacaville, says to be creative, “make your outdoor living space a place to gather your family around, and make the best of your own private sanctuary."

Tip 1: Privacy Every sanctuary needs privacy; Williams suggests “planting a screen of green.” This can easily be achieved by planting tall-growing plants in a collection of side-by-side pots, either of coordinating containers or a colorful mix. This technique will make a huge impact without taking up too much space. Williams says another way to add privacy is with a trellis dripping with wisteria.
Tip 2: Pet Friendly If family members of the four-legged type frequent your patio, think about plants that are safe or even healthy for them to eat. Williams encourages having wheat grass or catnip available for your pets. However, she also advises to use fertilizers and pesticides that are 100 percent organic; one resource is Dr. Earth, a Vacaville-based company that makes all natural fertilizers and pesticides.
Tip 3: Vegetable Garden Yes, you can have a vegetable garden on a patio. Williams recommends herbs or patio tomatoes or dwarf tomatoes such as “Tiny Tim” or “Red Plum”. Also pole beans and peas—especially sweet peas—can be planted on a trellis or topiary. “Vertical stacking helps create space upward,” she adds. Other plants that do well in containers include green onions, summer squash, such as the “Eight Ball” variety, and habaneras.
Tip 4: Fragrance Fragrance can instantly change the feel of any space, and outdoor patios are no exception. “A good fragrance is uplifting; people enjoy it,” says Williams, “but some people are allergic, so you need to be careful.” Williams suggest using flowing plants like honeysuckle, gardenias, little gem magnolias, roses, freesias, night blooming jasmine or lilacs. Also keep in mind that a fragrant plant is like perfume. Williams says, “You want to smell the plant, but you don’t want it to be overpowering.”
Tip 5: Seating and Lighting We can’t forget about seating and lighting. Williams prefers wrought-iron bistro sets and love benches. Sticking with neutral wood or black iron for the furniture, you’ll be able to inexpensively change colors with the seasons by simply changing a cushion. As for lighting, Williams thinks candles are great, as well as back lighting with spotlights placed behind your containers.