11 Patio Garden Ideas and Tips for Your Patio

Even if you have very little space in your yard and it’s all paved, you can still turn it into a lovely garden: Create a beautiful patio garden!

What exactly is a patio garden?

A patio is an open courtyard enclosed by walls or buildings. The floor is usually paved with materials such as tiles, stones, or concrete. Space is limited. By adding plants, you can turn your patio into a patio garden. This creates an ideal spot for dining outdoors or relaxing. Because there is usually little to no soil, plants are grown in pots and planters.

Patio Garden Inspiration

Do you have a patio garden, or would you like to spruce up your small terrace? We’d love to share some garden ideas for your patio. Below are photos of various patios and patio gardens, which show that even with very little space, you can still create a charming, beautiful, and green (patio) garden.

Lighting sets the mood

Make use of the vertical space

Keep it simple

Go for a formal look

Consider space-saving furniture

Embrace the textures that are already there

Go for colorful garden furniture

Don't be afraid to use color

Create a green border

Take Advantage of Changes in Elevation

Tips for a Patio Garden

Make use of the vertical space. Use the walls and let climbing plants and hanging plants grow on them. Many climbing plants do need a support, such as a rack, wire mesh, metal wire, or trellis.

Choose multifunctional and space-saving furniture. Furniture with multiple functions is ideal—for example, a bench with storage space. Also consider foldable or collapsible furniture, so it takes up as little space as possible when you’re not using it.

Choose plants that are suited to the conditions on your patio. If your patio gets a lot of shade, opt for shade-tolerant plants. Good choices for shade include bamboo, spider plants, Carex, and ferns, but there are also flowering perennials that thrive in the shade. For a sunny patio, choose true sun-lovers, such as full-sun perennials, ornamental grasses, herbs, and exotic plants. Group plants with the same care requirements together in a pot or container.

Use pots and planters to grow plants. Virtually all plants (and even smaller trees) can be grown in a pot or planter. However, this does require extra care. Plants will dry out more quickly and are more likely to develop nutrient deficiencies. Be sure to check out our tips for potted plants.

Create a green border. Place pots along the edge of your patio to give it a greener look.

Choose a garden style that suits you. Especially in a small space, it’s a good idea to stick to one style. This creates a sense of calm and atmosphere. Will you go for a formal look, or will you choose a sleek, modern style?

Lighting adds an extra dimension to your patio. Not only does it create a cozier atmosphere, but it also lets you enjoy your patio for longer. It’s also nicer to look out from inside your home onto a lit patio than at a dark void.

Don't be afraid to use color. Go for colorful furniture, pillows, and decorations to create a cheerful atmosphere—especially if your patio otherwise looks rather dark.

A wall on its own can also be beautiful. Older walls, in particular, have wonderful textures. Leave part of it bare and visible.

Make sure excess rainwater can drain away properly. Consider installing a gutter or other drainage channel. This will prevent your patio from flooding during heavy rain.

Is your patio very sunny? If so, a shade cloth or pergola can be the solution and provide more shade.