Photo of a mid-sized eclectic backyard patio in Richmond with a vegetable garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

We installed a raised garden bed made of redwood with individual timed sprinklers. This is a great contemporary garden with minimal upkeep.
This is an example of a mid-sized modern backyard patio in Orange County with a vegetable garden, no cover and concrete slab.

Country Farmhouse Gathering

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

Small country backyard patio in Bridgeport with a vegetable garden, gravel and no cover.

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.

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

Ballard Backyard Makeover

Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC

Photo of a mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Seattle with a vegetable garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

5 Senses In The Garden

Spirit Garden Design

Edibles can be incorporated into designated veggie planters or planted directly into the garden. Incorporating fruit trees, blueberries, and huckleberries allow for convenient harvesting and munching by kids young and old.

the tennessee flagstone

J&A Stone Work

natural tennessee flagstone , will go with just about any color of the house or give you the nice and soft contrast some times we look for, non slippery and easy to clean . always beautiful .

Cascadia Tiered Planter

Jackson & Perkins

Like no other planter you've ever seen, this three-tiered structure allows you to create a unique piece of living architecture anywhere in your garden or outdoor-living area. As well made as it is attractive, this innovative planter is constructed of 100% Western Red Cedar that's naturally decay resistant. The corner joints are reinforced for increased durability. The Cascadia Planter comes with multiple installation options, which allows you to get the exact look you're wanting. It's perfect for creating a unique focal point, even in the off-season when it isn't overflowing with blooms. Proudly crafted in the USA, this decorative and fully functional planter holds approximately 4 cu. ft. of soil. If it is going to be displayed on a deck or other non-porous surface, it is recommended that a plastic liner (not included) be placed under the base tier. Assembly and care instructions included. Overall dimensions: 28" W x 28" D x 15" H. Tier dimensions: Large - 28" x 28"; Medium - 20" x 20"; Small - 12" x 12".

The sun is always shining in this "get away" remodel

Peregrine Design Build

Susan Teare
Mid-sized transitional backyard patio in Burlington with a vegetable garden, natural stone pavers and no cover.

Windsor Farmhouse

Geared for Growing Landscape Services

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

Edible Retreat

User

Crushed gravel patio surrounded by raised bed vegetable gardens with drip irrigation enclosed by cedar fence, colorful perennials and edible berries. Jeremy Brodeur

Flagstone Patio with Custom Garden Beds

Ecology Artisans

Redwood garden bed with drip irrigation system installed. Beds are 20" deep providing sufficient uncompacted growing space for veggies. Flagstone patio replaced a soggy, patchwork grass area.

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.

A Coordination of Inlays

Outdoor Dreams

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

Country Farmhouse Gathering

Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.

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

The City Salad Box

Eden Condensed

Double City Salad Boxes
Small contemporary side yard patio in Los Angeles with a vegetable garden and no cover.

Nantucket Residence

Sudbury Design Group

Located in one on the country’s most desirable vacation destinations, this vacation home blends seamlessly into the natural landscape of this unique location. The property includes a crushed stone entry drive with cobble accents, guest house, tennis court, swimming pool with stone deck, pool house with exterior fireplace for those cool summer eves, putting green, lush gardens, and a meandering boardwalk access through the dunes to the beautiful sandy beach. Photography: Richard Mandelkorn Photography

Pear St

Sweet Smiling Landscapes

This small urban patio transformed into a productive, edible oasis.
Inspiration for a small traditional backyard patio in Santa Barbara with a vegetable garden and no cover.

Bennett Valley Pool House

Catch Architecture

Paul Dyer
Photo of a small modern backyard patio in San Luis Obispo with a vegetable garden, concrete pavers and no cover.

Patio Design Ideas with a Vegetable Garden and No Cover

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!