We love the Hayley House. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need a bit of work here and there. As you know, we’ve already done a lot to bring it up to snuff.
Our backyard is very peaceful, but it still needs some help to make it into our own backyard oasis. We’d really love to build a screened-in porch. That project is several thousand dollars above our budget. Definitely not in the cards until the house is paid off.
So I’ve been thinking, dreaming and wondering what we can do to transform the patio into a comfortable, beautiful place in the meantime. (Who knows, we might love the changes so much that we never build the porch at all!)
I’m thinking a good first step is to define the edges. Container plants could help with that:
If I get some taller plants, it could even make for a beautiful green wall:
If it’s not too expensive, we might can find a garden structure of some sort that will make our little patio into a room. (I love these hanging lanterns, too!)
An outdoor screen could be kind of cool…
One really great “found” thing that came with the house was a very well-made welded thing. It was holding PVC pipes. After we gave those to our friend for horse jumps, we flipped the thing over. Kelly said it would make for a great table base.
I agree. I can already envision using it for a serving table/outdoor bar.
All we need is a very cool top. Rock? Weathered timber? Tile? Who knows. We’ll find it.
I’m pretty excited about this little project! It feels both doable and affordable – just what I like.
In addition to your ideas about plants you might consider a canvas gazebo (see a picture at http://www.easy-outdoor-decor.com/aluminium-gazebo.html) with side walls for insect/rain protection. I've seen some pictures of a really creative use of one but I am not sure right now where. I think it was in the June issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I just don't have access to my copy at the present time.
I followed the link – that would be really nice and could be a good short-term solution for our desire to cover all or part of the patio.
The sun hits that side of the house in the evening. It would be wonderful to push it a bit further away from the french doors.