25 Patio Garden Ideas
Looking for some patio garden ideas to turn your outdoor space from boring to beautiful? These ideas will inspire you to create a dreamy outdoor oasis that you’ll never want to leave!
A patio garden can be as simple as a few containers of fresh herbs, or as grand as a beautiful, fully-landscaped garden.
It all depends on how much space you have, and how much time and effort you want to put into it.
1. Bring a touch of the tropics to your garden
Create a lush, green paradise with a mix of potted plants. Opt for a variety of foliage, like the palm, fern and hosta in this garden, to add texture and interest.
Pops of pink and yellow flowers add a burst of color to the mostly green space. Try a mix of annuals and perennials for a low-maintenance display.
2. Create a garden oasis
If you’re lucky enough to have a large patio, consider creating a lush garden oasis like this one.
A variety of potted plants fill the space with greenery, while a privacy fence and pergola create a sense of enclosure and seclusion.
Vines and hanging plants soften the structure of the pergola, and a pair of outdoor curtains can be drawn for extra privacy.
A gravel patio is an affordable and chic option for a large space like this.
3. Add a water feature near your patio
If you have the room and the budget, a water feature in a patio garden is a great way to add a sense of tranquility.
This small pond has been built into the patio itself, and the surrounding plantings help to soften the edges of the stone.
A water feature like this can be a great way to create a focal point in a patio garden and help to break up the space.
4. Add a vertical garden for privacy
If you live in a densely-populated area, you might want to add some extra privacy to your patio.
A great way to do that is with a vertical garden. You can use a trellis, pergola, or even a living wall to block out the view of your neighbors.
This patio garden idea also adds a lot of greenery to your space, which is always a good thing.
You can plant climbing plants, like jasmine or clematis, for a fragrant and beautiful privacy screen.
5. Plant flowers in containers
If you don’t have a lot of space, you can still enjoy the beauty of a flower garden. Plant flowers in containers and group them on your patio.
This is a great way to add color and texture to your outdoor space. You can even change out the flowers with the seasons, if you like.
6. Add a living wall to your patio
You can easily add a living wall to your patio with a green wall kit. These kits are easy to install and can be customized to fit the size of your space.
You can also create your own living wall using planters or hanging baskets.
Living walls are a great way to add greenery to your patio without taking up any floor space.
They can also help to block out unwanted views, reduce noise, and create a more intimate atmosphere.
7. Grow an edible garden near your patio
If you have a green thumb and love to cook, why not grow your own fruits, veggies, and herbs in your patio garden? Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s also a great way to stock your kitchen with fresh, home-grown produce.
This patio garden by Urban Farmstead features an array of edible plants, including tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.
If you’re new to gardening, you can start with just a few plants and work your way up.
8. Add a pergola to your patio
If you’re looking to add some structure to your patio garden, a pergola is a great option.
Not only do they provide a great place to hang string lights, but you can also use them to support climbing plants like wisteria, clematis, or honeysuckle.
Pergolas come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so you can find one that fits your space and budget.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can even build a DIY pergola.
9. Bring the indoors out
If you’re a fan of houseplants, you can easily bring the same lush greenery you love indoors to your patio.
This space by Emily Henderson is filled with an assortment of houseplants, but you can achieve a similar look with a mix of ferns, snake plants, and peace lilies.
The key to a good mix of plants is to vary the size, shape, and texture of your plants, just as you would with an indoor plant collection.
10. Create a meditation garden
Need a place to escape to after a long, stressful day? Create a meditation garden on your patio.
This idea from us is the perfect example of how you can do just that.
Fill a planter with a variety of plants and flowers in different colors and heights. Then, add a small fountain or water feature to the center of the planter.
The sound of trickling water will help you relax and unwind.
11. Create a secret garden
Surrounding a patio with tall plants and shrubs can create a sense of privacy and make your outdoor space feel like a secret garden.
This patio in London is surrounded by lush plants, and the pink flowers on the table add a pop of color.
The overgrown look is a great way to create a sense of privacy without adding a fence or wall around your patio.
Use potted plants to add height and surround your space with a variety of flowers and greenery.
12. Add a fire pit to your patio
A fire pit is a great way to create a focal point and add a cozy, inviting feel to your patio.
It’s also a practical addition that will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space well into the evening and even into the colder months.
There are lots of different styles and designs to choose from, so you’re sure to be able to find one that suits your space and budget.
If you don’t want to commit to a permanent fire pit, you can also find portable options that can be easily moved around.
13. Create a patio garden for entertaining
If you love to host, a patio garden is a great way to create an inviting space for you and your guests.
You can use potted plants to define different areas of your patio, such as a dining area or a lounge space.
If you have a large patio, you can even create a garden room by using plants to create a living wall or a hedge.
This is a great way to add privacy to your outdoor space and create a cozy atmosphere for entertaining.
14. Add a patio garden to your front yard
Don’t forget about your front yard! This is the first area of your home that guests see, and a patio garden can make a great first impression.
Keep it simple with a few potted plants or add a raised garden bed to create a more defined space.
You can also add a bistro table and chairs to create a welcoming seating area.
15. Add a small patio garden to your balcony
If you don’t have a garden, but you do have a balcony, you can still create a beautiful patio garden.
This balcony garden by us uses a variety of container sizes and shapes to create a lush, plant-filled space.
The key to a balcony garden is using the vertical space to your advantage.
Hang plants from the ceiling, use a trellis to grow a climbing plant, or create a living wall with a variety of potted plants.
16. Add a patio garden to your deck
This deck is a prime example of how to make an outdoor space feel like an extension of the home.
The large outdoor rug, sofa, and coffee table make it feel like a living room, and the patio garden adds a pop of color.
If you’re working with a large deck or patio, you can create a similar look by adding a garden bed or two.
This is a great option for anyone who wants to grow a variety of plants, and it’s a good way to break up the space and add some visual interest.
17. Create a patio garden around your hot tub
Who says a hot tub can’t be the centerpiece of your outdoor space? This garden designed by Kirsten Honeyman of Sweeten, a free service that matches homeowners with vetted general contractors, is perfectly designed to complement the spa.
A mix of planters and built-in garden beds make the space feel lush and inviting.
A selection of perennials and evergreen shrubs will help ensure the garden looks good year-round.
18. Create a zen garden near your patio
Who needs a water feature when you can have a zen garden? This cozy nook is filled with a variety of potted plants, a small fountain, and a zen garden complete with a wooden rake.
One of the best things about this patio garden is that it’s surrounded by a variety of different plants.
The small trees, shrubs, and tall grasses create a sense of privacy around the patio while still allowing plenty of light to filter through.
19. Add a small patio garden to your side yard
If you have a long, narrow side yard, you might be wondering what to do with it.
Side yards can be a bit of a challenge, but they’re also a great opportunity to add a small garden to your space.
This garden features a variety of plants, including a small tree, a colorful flower bed, and a small vegetable garden.
The garden is defined by a short wooden fence and a gravel pathway, and it’s a great way to add some color and greenery to an otherwise boring space.
20. Add a patio garden to your pool
Who says you can’t have plants surrounding a pool? This patio garden by Reath Design proves that you can.
Here, a variety of plants create a lush border around the pool, while the concrete patio provides plenty of space for lounging.
A mix of potted plants and built-in flower beds help to break up all the concrete and add color to the space.
21. Add a patio garden to your walkway
If you have a long walkway to your front door, you can add a patio garden on either side to create a warm welcome.
This garden idea features a mix of container plants, including trees, flowers, and even vegetables.
You can also add landscape lighting to your walkway to make your guests feel extra special.
22. Add a patio garden to your driveway
Yes, you can even add a patio garden to your driveway. This is a great way to make use of space and add some greenery to an area that’s usually pretty bland.
You can add plants to the edges of the driveway, or add larger planters and containers to the space.
You can even add a patio garden to a parking space if you don’t use it often.
23. Add a patio garden to your outdoor kitchen
It’s as easy as picking up a few potted herbs to add a garden to your outdoor kitchen.
This one, designed by Emily Henderson, is filled with basil, thyme, rosemary, and more.
It’s also located right next to the indoor kitchen, so you can easily grab any herbs you need while cooking.
24. Add a patio garden to your courtyard
If you’re lucky enough to have a courtyard garden in the city, create a patio garden with raised beds to make the most of your space. This design by The London Gardener makes great use of the space with a series of raised beds, each filled with a variety of plants to create a wall of foliage. The raised beds also provide a handy place to sit, which is perfect for entertaining.
The garden is finished with a small patio area and a bench in the corner, creating a cozy space to sit and enjoy the garden. The garden is enclosed with a fence and a series of trellises, which are covered with climbing plants to create a green wall.
25. Add a patio garden to your entryway
Don’t forget about your front entryway when it comes to planting. A large planter with a variety of plantings can make a great first impression and give your home an inviting feel.
This large, tiered planter is full of a variety of plants with different colors, textures, and sizes. The planter is flanked by two smaller planters with the same plants, which gives the entire entryway a cohesive look.
Conclusion
If you don’t have a lot of space, choose a few plants and garden accessories you love and set them up in a corner of your patio. This will give you the green space you’re craving and provide a nice view for when you’re spending time on your patio.
What is your favorite idea for a patio garden?
