A hardscape is always in season, and Jerry Fritz has created versions of his signature living patio for many happy clients over the years. The concept is deceptively simple: large flagstones create open space, a natural transition between home and garden. Ground covers and rock garden plants fill the gaps between stones and soften the edges of the patio, tying it into the surrounding beds. Here are some tips for adding one of these comfortable outdoor living spaces to your landscape.
1. Use heavy, flat slabs of stone
The larger the stones, the less likely they will be to shift and become tripping hazards. Include a few stones with shallow indentations to catch rainwater for birds to drink and bathe in.
2. Keep the center low
Ground covers used in the middle of the patio should be low-growing and able to tolerate some foot traffic.
3. Add volume at the edges
Where the patio meets surrounding beds, plants can be taller. Use shrubs and small trees to define the perimeter.
Photo: courtesy of Jerry Fritz Garden Design
Pro Tip: Fill gaps with ground covers
Ground covers sold in 6- or 8-inch pots can be broken down into smaller pieces to fill spaces between stones. simply take the plant out of its pot and use a sharp knife to cut off all but the top 2 inches of the root ball. cut this plant material into smaller pieces, and tuck them into the spaces between stones. they will quickly root into the screening material.
Carol Collins is the associate editor.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
SHOWA Atlas 370B Nitrile Palm Coating Gloves, Black, Medium (Pack of 12 Pairs)
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Lightweight and close-fitting for excellent dexterity. Machine washable. Breathable back of hand to reduce perspiration. Designed for easy movement and continuous wear. Ideal for aerospace, assembly, automotive, construction, final fix, gardening, manufacturing, operating machinery, packaging, precision handling, tiling, warehousing.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Premium 16 Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix - Special Garden Flower Seeds Blend designed for planting indoor & outdoors across North America. With over 16 varieties and 100,000 wildflower seeds, this mix is the best solution to attract pollinators - bees, butterflies & birds are essential for garden plants health. Our Special Perennial Wildflower Seeds Mix Includes White Yarrow, Columbine, New England Aster, Siberian Wallflower, Shasta Daisy, Lance-Leaf Coreopsis, Sweet William, Purple Coneflower, Blanketflower, Gayfeather, Blue Flax, Lupine, Dwarf Evening, Primrose, Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan. Easy & Fun Growing Experience with our online guides - Don’t plant disappointment - Add more colors to your wildflower garden! We send only super hearty heirloom flower seeds with the highest germination rate and fast sprout. Our detailed growing guide helps you grow seeds the garden of your dream like a PRO. Colorful Wildflower Garden from Seeds - Grow wildflowers everywhere - Indoor in window garden or Outdoors Flower garden Garden make a beautiful design for your garden borders, pathways, field or meadow and attract pollinators. Made in the USA by Small Family-Owned Business - Quality You Can Trust - Our wildflower bulk seeds variety pack are tested at the highest germination rates before being sealed to last for up to 3 years before you need to plant. Each packet of our flower seeds variety pack is resealable to make it easy to store and has its own label with a QR code for the growing instructions.
The Crevice Garden: How to make the perfect home for plants from rocky places
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
A crevice garden replicates the environmental conditions of mountain tops, deserts, coastlines, and other exposed or rocky places on earth. These striking garden features provide perfect conditions for the plants native to these far-off places, bringing the cultivation of these precious gems within everybody’s reach.
Comments
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in