Patio ideas

Most patios are built too small and too grey. The size of the table decides everything else about them.

AI-generated concept image

Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Upkeep: Low
Colour: Neutral
Planting survives: −8 °C / 18 °F

Getting it right

Measure outward from the furniture: a six-seat table needs a 3.5 × 3.5 m clear area, and a barbecue or bench adds another metre. Lay a fall of about 1:80 away from the house, and keep the finished surface at least 150 mm below the damp-proof course. Then break the grey — a 600 mm planted border down at least one long side, thyme run into the joints at the edges, and one large pot where the paving meets the lawn.

Plants that work

Botanical names are given first so you can order the right plant anywhere. Heights are for mature plants in open ground.
Plant	Type	Light	Water	Height	Hardy to
OliveOlea europaea	Tree · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	3–8 m	−8 °C / 18 °F
English lavenderLavandula angustifolia	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	40–70 cm	−20 °C / −4 °F
African lilyAgapanthus praecox	Perennial · Semi-evergreen	Full sun	Moderate	0.6–1 m	−8 °C / 18 °F
Star jasmineTrachelospermum jasminoides	Climber · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	3–6 m	−12 °C / 10 °F
Chinese wisteriaWisteria sinensis	Climber · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	6–12 m	−25 °C / −13 °F
Common boxBuxus sempervirens	Shrub · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	0.3–3 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
Mondo grassOphiopogon japonicus	Groundcover · Evergreen	Partial shade	Moderate	15–25 cm	−15 °C / 5 °F
Creeping thymeThymus serpyllum	Groundcover · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	5–10 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
HostaHosta (hybrids)	Perennial · Deciduous	Shade	Moderate	30–80 cm	−35 °C / −31 °F
Chinese silver grassMiscanthus sinensis	Grass · Deciduous	Full sun	Moderate	1.2–2 m	−25 °C / −13 °F
RosemarySalvia rosmarinus	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	0.6–1.5 m	−12 °C / 10 °F
Blue fescueFestuca glauca	Grass · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	20–30 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F