William Carson Joyce
Photo of a country patio in Santa Barbara with a vegetable garden.

Moroccan oasis with copper fountain and trellis for vines. This is a double planted garden. In six months this garden wall will be completely covered in vines and the flower bed below will be thick with over grown flowering shrubs. The garden includes a variety of organic fruit producing vines and trees for the homeowners to enjoy.

Country Farmhouse Gathering

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Inspiration for a small country backyard patio in Bridgeport with gravel, a vegetable garden and no cover.

Victorian Edible Garden - South Pasadena

ecocentrix landscape architecture

John Feldman | Photographer
Design ideas for a traditional backyard patio in Los Angeles with a vegetable garden and a pergola.

Texas Tuscan Home

Malory

Mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Atlanta with a vegetable garden, concrete slab and a roof extension.

Dagmara Residence

LaCantina Doors

LaCantina Doors Aluminum Thermally Controlled bi-folding door system Zero Post Corner
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary backyard patio in San Diego with a vegetable garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Small space, Big Impact

Wildflower Landscape Design at K&D Landscaping

Raised planting beds faced in a natural stone veneer are accessorized by LED lights for evening dining. Wildflower Landscape Design-Liz Ryan
Photo of a small traditional backyard patio in San Francisco with natural stone pavers, a vegetable garden and a pergola.

Windsor Farmhouse

Geared for Growing Landscape Services

Expansive country backyard patio in San Francisco with a vegetable garden, decomposed granite and no cover.

New Orleans Style Courtyard

Cascade Outdoor Design

This beachfront home is along a main road, so the homeowner wanted to combine her love of the city of New Orleans with her desire to create an intimate space at the front of her home. This courtyard features authentic touches such as a functional City of New Orleans manhole cover, decorative City of New Orleans water meter covers, and wall sconces from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. A custom pelican tile mosaic, pelican statue, and sailboat water feature bring a nautical element to the space. An awkward, unusable planter was creatively converted to give the appearance of a basement level apartment by adding a custom iron gate, brick steps to a wooden door, and a back lit stained glass window. A custom cypress pergola frames the patio space directly off of the master bedroom. Raised planters provide a space not only for visual interest, but also edibles and soft lighting. Photos copyright Cascade Outdoor Design, LLC

A San Jose Edible Garden

User

We added the porch and overhead arbor off the kitchen for alfresco dining. photo...Caitlin Atkinson
Small arts and crafts backyard patio in San Francisco with decking, a vegetable garden and a roof extension.

Valley Estate

Damian Farrell Design Group

There are vegetable patches in containers made of railroad ties, and stone and gravel on the primary patio area. French doors and large windows let sunlight flow throughout the home.

Le bureau au fond du jardin

AGENCE MARN DÉCO

Design ideas for a mid-sized modern front yard patio in Paris with a vegetable garden and gravel.

Raised Garden Bed

Oakford Home Furnishings

This client requested a two tiered raised vegetable garden for his Philadelphia row home. Photo shows the finished project.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional backyard patio in Philadelphia with a vegetable garden and no cover.

Garage Remodel project

DeHaan Remodeling Specialists, Inc.

DeHaan Remodeling Specialists, Inc. Garage Remodel Project
This is an example of a traditional patio in Grand Rapids with a vegetable garden.

Gold Skies

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

The previous state of the client's backyard did not function as they needed it to, nor did it reflect their taste. They wanted enough space for entertaining company, but also somewhere comfortable to relax just the two of them. They wanted to display some of their unique sculptures, which we needed to consider throughout the design. A pergola off the house created an intimate space for them to unwind with a cup of coffee in the morning. A few steps away is a second lounge area with a fire feature, this was designed to accommodate for the grade change of the yard. Walls and steps frame the space and tie into the built vegetable beds. From any angle of the property you are able to look onto green garden beds, which create a soft division in front of the new fencing and is the perfect way to add colour back into the landscape.

Gold Skies

Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc.

Rénovation d'une maison de 165m2 sur 4 niveaux à Boulogne

SMDco

Inspiration for a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Paris with a vegetable garden, no cover and concrete pavers.

Réaménagement et extension de maison

VERTIGO atelier d'architecture

Large contemporary backyard patio in Paris with a vegetable garden and decking.

A Coordination of Inlays

Outdoor Dreams

Inspiration for a large eclectic backyard patio in Richmond with a vegetable garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Sean Residence

Anchor Design-Build, llc

Photo of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Dallas with a vegetable garden, concrete slab and a pergola.

Patio Design Ideas with a Vegetable Garden

A patio is a paved outdoor area that adjoins a house, and is a popular addition to Australian and New Zealand homes. Not only is it yet another place to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also save you time and money on landscaping. Often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, patios and courtyards can serve multiple functions. If you add outdoor furniture such as lounge chairs and a sofa, a barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a dining table and chairs, you can use them for entertaining, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Browse the Photos on Houzz for courtyard and patio designs to see how you can best utilise your existing outdoor area.

What materials should I use to construct my patio?

Stone pavers and bricks are the most common surface materials used for patios, while concrete, tiles and gravel are also popular. Stone paving is usually at the top end of the price bracket, but is highly durable and the most natural-looking of the surface materials available. Brick patios, on the other hand, are relatively easy to lay, and provide a warm, rich colour that can complement traditional homes. Concrete patios are one of the least expensive to build and are also very durable, while gravel is quick and easy to install. You will also need to decide whether you want your patio covered or left uncovered. You can add roofing if you plan on using the space regularly, or opt for a pergola, trellis or umbrella for shade instead. Patio enclosures, usually made from glass or mesh screens, can also transform your space into an outdoor room.

What outdoor patio furniture and decor should I include?

A patio can be so much more than just a paved slab, if you add the right additions. An outdoor kitchen and bar will help make the space the life of the party, while high-quality, low-slung chairs will make you want to stay outside for longer. If you have the budget, you may even consider adding a spa or pool. To make it the ideal al fresco area even when temperatures drop, a fire pit or fireplace will be able to keep you and your company toasty warm. To entice you and your guests into the space, make some room for greenery, even if you just a place a pot plant atop a table. It will help tie in the area to the surrounding garden. Fairy lights, garden torches and citronella candles will also help set the mood and keep the mozzies at bay, while soft furnishings such as waterproof rugs, pillows and chair cushions will add personality. For something striking, consider adding a water feature or wall garden. If you're ready to hire a landscape professional to help you with the job, browse our directory here!