Create your own cosy outdoor nooks, even in the city.
Create your own cosy nooks even in inner-city courtyards, patios and balconies
With summer around the corner, the urge to spend time outdoors grows stronger by the day. And there’s nothing like having your own quiet retreat to enjoy the warmer temperatures.
Creating a sanctuary is not restricted to those that have plenty of outdoor space. We spoke to a number of different specialists about how you can transform your outdoor area – be it garden, patio, deck or balcony – into an inviting space.
Auckland landscape designer Jo Hamilton of Second Nature says the first priority is a deck or a paved terrace on the sunny side of the house for everyday use all year. Then comes the special place for
retreat, privacy and that getaway feel. “It’s not necessarily a year-round destination in your garden but a place for the warmer months,” she says. “It can be further from the house, not necessarily visible. The space doesn’t need to be large – enough room for a few people – but it must be inviting and secluded.”
Jo recommends locating your magic place where afternoon and evening sun falls. “Create a little journey to get there; a pebble pathway or stepping paving slabs set flush with the lawn,” she says.
A hedge or a line of small pleached evergreen trees or climbers on sturdy trellis will define and screen the area, creating mystery and seclusion.
Screen it
Landscape designer Matt McIsaac of Industry Landscapes says pleached hedging is fantastic, especially in smaller areas. A pleached hedge is one where the upper branches of the plants intertwine to form a thick hedge, while the lower branches are removed to expose the trunks.
“You get the screening above, but can create interest in the underplanting,” explains Matt.
They are also lighter than a full hedge, allowing sunlight to penetrate while still forming that all-important privacy screen.
“You should be strategic with your planting,” says Matt. “If there’s a neighbouring window you’d like to block, a well-positioned plant will suffice and give you the seclusion you’re after without blocking the light or view.”
If you’re wanting to block or at least muffle noise, plants can help here too.
“Dense planting will help block noise,” he says. “A lot of people are nervous about losing backyard space to planting, but a deeper garden can create an illusion of space by the layering of plants. It’s a different mindset, and yes, it does take up space, but it creates a bigger buffer between you and your neighbour.”
A water feature can also be used to enhance privacy as the sound of bubbling water will create an aural barrier. In addition, water in itself has a lovely calming effect, bringing an air of peace and tranquillity to your outdoor retreat.
And Jo Hamilton says water features are not just for the larger garden; there’s one to suit every outdoor space, even the very small. “We’re increasingly faced with diminishing garden spaces and the reality of apartment living,” says Jo. “The apartment balcony or deck needs planning too.”
She recommends using narrow but tallish planted troughs to separate your outdoor living area from your service end – things like the clothesline and barbecue.
“Free-standing green walls can be used as space dividers but at some expense, so consider a DIY version, fixed to a trough on castors for manoeuvrability.”
Plants in pots are a given for apartment living but are equally fantastic on patios.
“Plant scented plants – in pots or in the ground – to add to the seductive feel of your haven.”
Matt says he’s had a couple of clients recently who’ve downsized but are looking to have big garden ideas in a small space.
“I’ve used big potted plants – specifically magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’, which is a big tree in a small form.”
Edible elements are another great choice – dwarf fruit trees in pots do dual duty as a food source and a screen. Citrus trees look good, have scented flowers and provide fruit, and apples and pears are particularly good for espaliering along a fence when space is at a premium.
Plant it
So what plants should you consider using to create green screens? Lisa Bowman of Twining Valley Nurseries says ficus ‘Tuffy’ is hugely popular for hedging, especially in Auckland and other frost-free areas.
“People often want hedges for privacy, however, consider if the area you want to screen is used primarily for sitting. If that’s the case, you may not need as much height as you first thought. This opens up options to choose lower or slower growing plants.
“Layering hedges also looks great. Edge the garden in buxus or a low-growing camellia and plant a taller screen behind it.”
Her taller hedge recommendations are Michelia gracipes, which has pretty creamy flowers that are heavily scented; Laurus nobilis, the bay tree with its aromatic leaves that are used in cooking; and liquidambar, which has stunning autumn colour. “The liquidambar is deciduous, which means summer privacy and winter sun,” says Lisa. “Scented and flowering options add an extra dimension and give you something to look forward to.”
If you’re concerned that gardening is not really a strength, Lisa says that as long as the hedges are clipped, the garden will look tidy. “Everything else can do as it may.” Matt McIsaac also recommends Ilex largo, an upright holly; blue totara, which is slow growing with tiny grey-blue leaves; and our native titoki with its shiny foliage. Alternatively, he suggests subtropical plantings, climate permitting, as they suit lowmaintenance gardens. “When they get overgrown, it adds to the charm,” he says.
If this sounds like you, try Chamaedorea costaricana as a hedge. It’s a Central American palm that looks similar to bamboo but without the tendency to invade.
Light it
Getting your outdoor lighting right is important. Nial Larsen of The Lighting Centre says you can create visual interest by not lighting everything.
“You want to create layers of light,” he says. “It’s important to have your ambient lighting, dining lighting and your task lighting on different circuits so that once the barbecuing is done, you can switch those lights off and in doing so hide the mess.”
Outdoor chandeliers are becoming increasingly popular. Available in a wide range of styles, from modern to traditional, they add visual interest above an outdoor dining table.
Lighting can also be used to great effect if you want to draw the eye away from a particular area. “If you have a spa, by lighting up the surrounding trees rather than the spa itself, you can relax in the shadows,” says Nial. “If your views aren’t great, wash a dressed stone or timber wall in light. By creating texture and shadow, you create interest.”
Mark McClusky of Bardsleys Lighting & Design says the trick is to not overlight your outdoor spaces.
“Low-level lights are very nice. Mini recessed lights in the deck or tiles are subtle, and a discreet way to highlight steps or different levels. “If you’ve got the room, set your lighting a little further away as it will increase the perception of space. And when you’re uplighting plants, choose your interesting trees,” he says. “Stay away from spindly ones or those with less foliage.”
Dress it
The furniture you use in your outside space needs careful consideration. First think about what you’re going to be using the space for. Carol Mortimer of Alfresco Living says to focus on living as you do every day, rather than those occasional times when the family descends for Christmas lunch or you’re throwing a party.
“Ask yourself, what is the area used for 90 per cent of the time? How many people usually sit at your table? “We’re finding large tables aren’t as popular as they used to be. If you need the capacity, opt for an extendable table, which will leave you with plenty of space for most of the year but the ability to seats guests when you need to. “If your indoor dining area is near the deck or outdoors, there’s no need for an outdoor dining table at all. Instead, have a small table for drinks.”
When choosing outdoor lounge furniture, opt for low and relaxed so that people feel nestled into the space. Carol also recommends creating a bit of a theme with your outdoor sanctuary.
“It’s like another room, it’s an extension of the home, so add design elements that link it with the rest of the house. Flow the colour out from the living room to the outdoor room. However, if you have a great view, keep your colours soft and low key so they don’t distract or draw the eye away.”
If there’s no outlook, she suggests creating a bit of wow factor. A mirror in a green wall gives an illusion of space, while a fire makes a cosy focal point. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your sanctuary.