The pergola creates the ceiling while the wall block defines the space and creates the walls of this outdoor room.

Are you thinking to yourself, "The backyard just isn't working for me?" Perhaps you want to dine outside or want a nice spot to read a book or drink a glass of wine with a friend, but just don't have that now. Whether it's you developing the space or a designer, you will want to consider how you and your household will use the space -how will this space function? Will it be used for dining or for intimate conversations? Will guests mingle at a party out there? Answers to these questions will determine size.

Create the feeling of an outdoor room with your patio. Use plant or hardscape materials to build your walls, ceiling, and a floor. Incorporating a seating wall will enclose and define the space, and can be used during gatherings. Insert an inlay of pavers or stones into the "floor" to resemble a rug.

Consider the pluses and minuses of different hardscape materials. "Floor" materials could be crushed stone, decking, concrete, pavers, or natural stone. Concrete may not be feasible in heavy clay soils prone to heaving. Natural stone provides an elegance to the project, yet the price of natural stone may be out of reach for some. The irregular surface of flagstone may be annoying when you want a stable surface for a table and seating.

Other things to consider include: are there "hallways" that allow people to freely move from point to point. Can someone move from lawn to house door without having to go around a table and chairs? Ensure there is enough space around the grill for several guys to mingle around while the host barbecues. Porch lights can be harsh, so consider adding some soft lighting.

For More Information:

 Archived Article on Design Principles - May 2009

Archived Article on Design Principles - July 2009

Use Ruby Tears as an accent in a garden bed.

The glorious look of a crabapple flowering in spring is a sight for sore eyes after a long winter. Ruby TearsTM is a new weeping crabapple introduced in 2010 by local company Bailey Nurseries. Ruby Tears is a cross between the weeping cultivar of 'Louisa' and the rounded form of 'Prairiefire'. 

Ruby Tears has the best attributes of both "parents", having disease-resistant to scab and powdery mildew with a beautiful weeping form. Emerging foliage is burgundy-maroon fading to medium green with a bit of gloss. Dark pink flower buds open to bright pink. The ½" fruit appears in late summer as bright red changing to maroon and persists into winter - although the birds will have eaten the berries come early spring.

Growing to 8 to 10 feet tall and with a spread to 12 to 15 feet wide, this smaller statute tree would be ideal for smaller yards or placing in garden beds. Often consumers don't give weeping trees a chance because young trees appear gangly and unattractive. Use patience and allow young weeping tree forms to develop. Like teenagers with their lanky and awkward limbs, trees will grow into their graceful self.

To Do List for May

1. Prune spring flowering shrubs after they bloom. Lilacs, azaleas, magnolias, chokeberries, chokecherries, serviceberries, spring flowering spireas such as a bridal wreath spirea should be pruned after flowering.

2. Do not prune crabapples after they bloom. Spring or summer pruning increases chances for infection and spread of the bacterial disease fireblight. Prune in late winter to early spring (Feb. - early April)

3. Apply crabgrass preventer around mid-May.

4. Aerate the lawn to improve air, water and nutrient penetration through the month.

5. Allow foliage on spring bulbs, like daffodils and tulips, to die back naturally to refuel the bulb for next season.

Helpful Links & More Info

Recycle Holiday Lights