Moroccan inspiration
Q My fiancé and I want to transform our tired patio into a Moroccan-themed dining and entertaining area. Do you have any suggestions of plants but also man-made materials we can make use of? What a lovely idea! To me, A Moroccan gardens are evocative of an exotic haven, sheltered from the outside world and full of colour. Palms such as Trachycarpus fortunei and Astelia are both hardy and will make a statement. Jewel colours could be used for flowering plants. Dahlias, lilies and heleniums are all striking. For hard landscaping, try broken colourful tiles laid in a mosaic. Laser-cut metal screening panels are also readily available. Choose panels with an intricate pattern reminiscent of Moroccan architecture. A shade sail in a bold colour will provide some shelter.