Patio
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist.

To enhance the patio, it is not too late to plant certain patio plants for a lush, tropical effect and seasonal beauty. Some of these are fatsia, aucuba, dwarf azalea, rice paper plant, dwarf holly, dwarf yaupon, plumbago, sedum, Texas sage, dwarf juniper, nandina, English ivy, fatshedra, vinca, ajuga, liriope, daylilies, caladium and ferns. Know the plant's growing requirements and ultimate size.

A careful selection of the patio tree is important. Select fast growing small trees, 30 feet high or less, which have attractive blooms. Place the tree so as to provide maximum shade at the time the patio is used most. Be sure to allow for normal spread of the branches as well as the root system. Consider the tree's seasonal interest. Some which provide outstanding seasonal bloom or fall color include: crape myrtle, parkinsonia, redbud, river birch and loquat.

When planning the new patio, have a complete, well-thought-out plan on paper prior to beginning work to reduce mistakes. Make the patio design simple. Complicated designs add extra maintenance and are more difficult to construct. Allow open spaces for plantings. Have the patio large enough to satisfy your individual family needs, and locate it where it will be most useful and enjoyable. Take advantage of existing shade trees, southern breezes, privacy and unity of the overall landscape design and house. If the patio site is near the street, make plans to ensure maximum privacy and quiet. A row of small trees, large shrubs or an attractive fence may be needed to obtain necessary privacy.

Often a patio which has few or no planting areas can be enhanced by the use of container plants. For a large container, use permanent or winter hardy plants, rather than those that must be brought indoors or protected in winter. Permanent, cold-hardy plants which are adaptable to pot culture are podocarpus, pittosporum, nandina, fatsia, fatshedra, dwarf yaupon holly, holly fern and yucca. Some easy-to-grow and heat-tolerant annuals and perennials which may be planted in May are gloriosa daisy, daylilies, periwinkle, salvia, cockscomb, zinnia, marigold, geranium, cosmos, copperleaf, croton, wandering Jew, coleus, ornamental peppers, gaillardia, portulaca and snow-on-the-mountain.

The properly landscaped patio will be a source of constant pleasure and pride for your family.