Imagine your backyard being not just a space for occasional barbecues, but a multi-functional oasis. Zoning your outdoor area allows you to create distinct zones that cater to different moods and activities. Here’s how to unlock the potential of your outdoor haven.
Add screens for privacy and ambiance
Craving a secluded reading nook or a hidden retreat? Metal screens are a stylish and practical solution. I love Corten steel (known as weathering steel) for a modern, industrial vibe, or go classic with black wrought iron. Screens can provide visual separation and a touch of mystery, enticing exploration within your outdoor haven.
Balinese bliss with an outdoor shower
Get the serenity of a Balinese older-style hotel by incorporating an outdoor shower. Imagine a traditional mandi – a simple, enclosed structure – surrounded by lush greenery. Bamboo planted in large pots or a trellis covered in climbing vines could create a private haven for a refreshing rinse under the stars. You could even hide a whole bathtub in there as long as you can use the water for your garden afterwards.
Bamboo
This versatile plant isn’t just beautiful, it’s great for zoning. Bamboo does need quite a bit of water so you might be wary of it. However, it’s grass, so it will come back even if you’ve let it dry out. Bamboo is best planted in large containers unless you choose a clumping variety. If you plant a non-clumping variety, it will rapidly take over your garden and you’ll never get rid of it. However, it’s safe in a pot to provide natural screening and create a separate ‘room’ within your outdoor space.
Posts and curtaining
The advantage of using curtaining to zone a space is you don’t need to worry about watering. You might need professional help to install the posts but you can offset that cost by using a natural-coloured unbleached calico for the curtains.
Zone by colour
Embrace the power of colour! If you don’t have an established garden, now is your chance to divide your outdoor space into zones defined by specific plants and colours. You could create a vibrant ‘green zone’ bursting with ferns, hostas, and shade-loving foliage. Channel Vita Sackville-West’s white garden at Sissinghurst with white hydrangeas, white begonias, and white camellias for a peaceful ambiance. If you need more drama, go for an intense purple zone with lavender, Tibouchina, purple pansies, purple bougainvillea, and purple irises. I’m sure you can think of others that will have your purple patch blooming all year round.
Up your plant pot fame
Terracotta pots offer a classic, rustic charm but plastic pots will work, too. To use pots to zone or define an outdoor, range several pots side by side to define a space around your barbecue or outdoor kitchen.
Choosing the perfect plants for your pots
Here are some great choices for plants that will grow successfully in pots:
- Herbs: A dedicated herb zone adds a touch of practicality and fragrance to your outdoor space. Fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano are beautiful and readily accessible for culinary adventures.
- Succulents: Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, succulents come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Create a vibrant container arrangement with echeveria, jade plants, and aloe vera.
- Bougainvillea: This tropical beauty thrives in hot and sunny climates. Its vibrant purple (or white, pink, orange) flowers add a touch of drama and exotic flair to your space.
- Citrus trees: Citrus can be tricky to keep healthy. They need regular feeding and watering. However, how good will it be picking fresh lemons, limes, or oranges straight from your backyard? These fragrant trees add a Mediterranean touch and provide you with delicious fruit.
- Pelargoniums (Geraniums): These cheerful flowers come in a wide variety of colours and bloom throughout the summer months. They’re almost indestructible and will tolerate neglect. Best of all, you can grow these plants from cuttings easily.
- Camellias: These evergreen shrubs boast stunning blooms in shades of pink, red and white. They thrive in cooler climates and provide winter interest.
Remember: When you are choosing plants, consider the amount of sunlight and water each zone receives. Group plants with similar needs together for a thriving outdoor haven.
Let your creativity flow, explore different colour palettes, and enjoy the process of creating your own personal outdoor oasis.
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