When my parents visited last fall, we made the executive decision to rip out the hedge in the hopes of adding a patio. Turns out, the hedge was three plants and had some super-thick trunks and roots. Exhibit B of John with a fraction of hedge remnants:
Now that it’s summer, we’re itching to get this brick patio started! At one point, we considered installing the patio ourselves. That is, until we saw the yard sloping towards our house. Clearly, that’s not good if it rains, so we called a few patio and landscaping companies for quotes.
We decided on the company and we finalized the design a few weeks ago. And yes, we borrowed the neighbors furniture for illustrative purposes.
We’ll have a curved path connecting the driveway with the patio, keeping space for the rosebush and some grass to the left of the path. The day lilies will be moved since they were only planted there until we found a more permanent spot for them.
The left side of the patio will be the eating area with a table that fits 6 or so people. On the right will be a conversation area with chairs and a small table. Yes, Dad, we’ll conceal the air conditioner with some plants.
Underneath the window will be a raised, walled planting area. In addition to planting space, this will also give us more seating. We don’t plan on putting the grill on the patio since there’s plenty of space to put it on the driveway when we use it and roll it back in the garage when we’re not.
We’re currently waiting on the building permit (we applied for it last Friday), so once we have it, we’ll start breaking ground!
Are you completing any big projects this summer?
Covering up the a/c with plants might add to the aesthetics of the place, but I wouldn’t recommend overdoing it. Suffocating the a/c with plants might cause it overheat.