The Top 83 Patio Garden Ideas

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero What does your backyard look like right now? Is it a plain slab of concrete? Or perhaps you have a wood deck? If you have an empty patio, then it’s time you do something about it. It’s fine to start with patio furniture and decor. However, you need to go one step beyond this. These patio garden ideas will help you turn your plain humdrum design into a beautiful and vibrant outdoor living space. Perhaps you add gardening spaces that allow you to grow herbs. Or maybe you want to grow vegetables that can supplement your family’s diet. Then there are flowers. They may not give you food, but they’ll look stunning in full bloom. Isn’t it time you try out one or more of these patio gardening ideas with your home?

Backyard Patio Garden Ideas Adding plants and gardening in your backyard takes a plain yard and turns it into a beautiful escape. If you have a small yard, tall plants and hanging baskets can give your backyard a whimsical secret garden feel. Larger backyards benefit from sweeping landscaping that defines the property into multiple usable spaces. Source: @chitowntudor via Instagram Source: @gremilyemily via Instagram Source: @helene_mara via Instagram Source: @momma_vintage via Instagram Source: @oddnyshage via Instagram Source: @theresa_gromski via Instagram Start your patio makeover by looking at backyard ideas. This will help you to understand what works and what doesn’t in the space you have available. Large container gardening may work well on a large patio. However, smaller patios don’t have the space for these large containers. Vertical gardening is a smart idea for small patios and balconies. However, it’s a bit unnecessary for large patios. Pavers are beautiful but can become very expensive when you have a large space planned out for your patio. Hanging planters give you additional gardening space but only work if your patio has a stable overhead covering that can support the hanging planters’ weight.

2. Deck Patio Garden Ideas If you already have a wood deck area, then you’re ahead of the game. You have an empty space that’s prime for turning into a beautiful outdoor living space or dining area. It doesn’t have to be huge; you just need enough space for a table and chairs or sofa. Scale your patio furniture to the amount of floor space that you have. Source: @andrew_home_improve via Instagram Source: @dining_delight via Instagram Source: @iheartplantys via Instagram Source: @kimorab_lib via Instagram Source: @layladudley via Instagram Source: @nancygreenphoto via Instagram Source: @the_1882_house via Instagram One of the most common balcony garden ideas is to use potted plants. These are nice because they allow you to grow plants without needing access to dirt in the ground. If you want to make things easier on yourself, keep the plants in the pots that they come in from the store. Place that pot inside of your decorative ones. Then when they annuals die; you can easily pick them up and replace them. If you prefer to grow perennials, you can transfer your plants as they outgrow their pots and then easily put them back in the larger pot you had it in. 3. Design and Layout Ideas for Patio Gardens Consider patio design ideas and plan the layout of your backyard patio or balcony garden before you start buying plants or outdoor furniture. It can help to outline your patio on paper and then sketch where you want to grow plants and where you want to place the furniture. This ensures you have enough space to walk around your backyard patio. Source: @afeliashome via Instagram Source: @beautifulanddifferent via Instagram Source: @big_e_deluxe via Instagram Source: @deb_at_no_70 via Instagram Source: @edge_of_barley via Instagram Source: @forevergreyhome via Instagram Source: @my_e4_home via Instagram Source: @uaskigyrl via Instagram Source: @zaralovesxo via Instagram Don’t forget to look up and down. You don’t want everything to be on one level. This means having some plants in pots sitting on the ground and others on boxes or benches. You could also add hanging planters from the patio covering. For increased privacy, grow plants that will vine and drape out of the hanging pots. This creates a natural curtain to act as a sight and sound barrier from those around you. 4. DIY Patio Garden Ideas You don’t need to buy fancy structures or hire landscapers to build your patio garden. Build your own container garden out of water troughs, Rubbermaid tubs, or 50-gallon drums cut in half. For small spaces, hang grow bags on the exterior of your home or from your patio ceiling. Source: @belmont_end_terrace via Instagram Source: @clslandscape via Instagram Source: @mkandnewyorkie via Instagram Source: @ninageehome via Instagram Source: @renovating.no_.36 via Instagram Source: @rugrats.and_.renovation via Instagram Source: @wisherhome via Instagram Look for DIY garden design ideas that let you grow the types of plants you want to grow. They should also work with the space you have available on your patio. Some gardening design ideas look beautiful, but in practice, aren’t functional. Building your own planters ensures you have the right sized planters that perfectly fit on your patio. You could build railing boxes, a plant ladder for potted plants, or have a single large pot in a corner. Consider alternative materials for growing your plants. A hanging shoe rack can hold several small herb plants when hung on the exterior of your home. A wood pallet can also work as a planter while giving your patio a rustic or farmhouse feel. 5. Fire Pit Ideas for Patio Gardens Adding a fire pit to your patio garden makes it an enjoyable place to be throughout the year. Place your fire pit in the center of your patio and arrange your patio furniture around it. Try to keep your patio garden away from the fire pit. You could have container plants placed next to and behind the furniture. Source: @ahousewren via Instagram Source: @mykindoflike via Instagram You don’t want to have your plants too close to the fire pit. This presents a fire hazard and can damage the plants. You can build your own fire pit with bricks or pavers. Build up the sides while building in vents for airflow. This will encourage the best fire in your pit. Get more use out of your fire pit by buying one. You could purchase a fire pit that’s in a table. Then during the warmer months, when you aren’t using the fire pit, you can cover it and have a large table surface for entertaining. Remove the cover and have the fire pit when temperatures drop.

6. Flower Ideas for Patio Gardens Many people assume that you need to plant vegetables, fruits, and herbs when you think about gardening. However, that’s not your only option. Planting flowers around your patio space can create a whimsical and colorful space. Source: @anetaczarlinska via Instagram Source: @garden_conversations via Instagram Source: @gstrosphotos via Instagram Source: @home_shabby_chic via Instagram Source: @homestead_on_lexington via Instagram Source: @laurie_c_4 via Instagram Source: @modernhome.6 via Instagram Source: @prettyhousedecor via Instagram Source: @rjanemorgan via Instagram Source: @touchofeleganceinteriors via Instagram Source: @wpieknymwnetrzu via Instagram If you’re interested in planting and caring for your flowers, then annuals may interest you. They bloom for a season and then are done. If you want flowers that return season after season, then consider perennials. Plan how your flowers will look in bloom. You could have spring-blooming flowers that overwhelm your patio all at once. Or you could have a variety of seasonal flowers. Then you’ll have a few plants with flowers throughout the year. Hang some plants from pots, have others along your patio railing, put some in various sized pots, and then finish by placing small pots plants on your patio table. 7. Gravel Patio Garden Ideas If you don’t currently have a backyard patio, you need to build a patio area before you can start growing plants around it. Pea gravel is an affordable way to build your patio. Start by marking out where you want your patio and walkways. Then remove all of the grass and other plants currently growing in those areas. Level the ground and lay down landscape sheeting that prevents weeds from growing up. Spread the pea gravel out over the landscaping tarp. Source: @creativelivingwithbarb via Instagram Source: @doctorinherhouse via Instagram Source: @joyfulfluff via Instagram Source: @keep_things_simple via Instagram Source: @littlecharliep via Instagram Source: @prioryhome via Instagram Source: @the_past_it_rebel via Instagram Create a large space that can serve as your seating area. It can be sizable with enough space for a dining table and chairs. Or it can be just large enough for typical garden furniture, such as a bench or cafe table and chair. While most people go with white for their pea gravel, it isn’t your only option. These tiny stones come in a variety of colors, and choosing a color like black can give your backyard a modern feel. You can also use different types of gravel to create a design or define different spaces. Try using pea gravel for the main walkways and then lining the walkways with larger river rocks. The larger rocks will keep the smaller pebbles in place.

8. Outdoor Patio Garden Ideas Plants need sunlight to survive and thrive. However, what do you do when you lack the property space to grow plants outside? Living in a condo or apartment means you never have to worry about backyard landscaping, but it also means you don’t have outdoor space for growing a garden. Source: @another_renovation via Instagram Source: @barnestowers via Instagram Source: @homeforme2020 via Instagram Source: @jade.doutch via Instagram Source: @kp_house_and_stuff via Instagram Source: @lake_inspired via Instagram Source: @pennypenningtonweeks via Instagram Source: @thehomeinvogue via Instagram Source: @theonebespoke via Instagram Source: @theresa_gromski via Instagram Source: @tiffyandflow via Instagram Source: @vandenberglandscapes via Instagram Source: @welcome_to_number_48 via Instagram All you need is a small balcony to have an outdoor garden. A vertical garden lets you maximize your available space and grow as many plants as possible. You could hang a planter that has several spaces for growing individual plants. Some vertical plant stand can stand on their own, with spaces encircling the planter for growing plants. Both of these vertical planters are nice because you can grow different plants based on the amount of light and water they’ll receive. Plants that need more water should be towards the bottom of the planter, while plants that like arid ground can go towards the top. Plants that need more sunlight could be on one side, while those requiring less could be on the other. 9. Paver Patio Garden Ideas Give your backyard garden a finished look by using pavers to build the walkways and patio areas. This makes it safer to move about the backyard by creating a smooth and even surface to walk on. It also elevates the look of your patio floor. Source: @727_photos via Instagram Source: @homeandgarden.story_ via Instagram Source: @march_on_magnolia via Instagram Source: @mydecoimages via Instagram Source: @outdoorartisan via Instagram Source: @rosemounthouse via Instagram Source: @stonearchlandscapes via Instagram Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram What’s nice about using pavers is that it blends well with small patio ideas. Because the space you want to cover is smaller, you can splurge on a more expensive paver or stone style. You could also use two different paver styles to create a unique look. Outline the patio area with a decorative trim paver. Or create a pattern that covers the entire patio area. Whatever you do, either have professionals install your pavers or be sure to do it yourself correctly. You don’t want them to sink or shift, making your patio look derelict.

10. Plant Ideas for Patio Gardens The type of plants that you choose for your patio garden and make or break its success. You need to pick plants that grow in the amount of light available and thrive in the climate you live in. What’s nice about container gardening is that if your containers are small enough, you can move them around your patio for the ideal amount of light. Source: @adornedsouthernhome via Instagram Source: @dartagnanaguilar via Instagram Source: @dat_aussie_life via Instagram Source: @evieallum via Instagram Source: @joyinthegarden76 via Instagram Source: @lola.decor_ via Instagram Source: @miffyshaw via Instagram Source: @mybeautifulplants7 via Instagram Source: @puntodereves via Instagram Source: @radical_botanical via Instagram Source: @styleyourspaceee via Instagram Source: @venicevintageparadise via Instagram Source: @zeninteriordesign via Instagram This works well if you have a small garden space on your balcony. As the seasons change, so does the sun’s movement. You may find that a different spot is better in summer than in winter. If you want a garden space for a patio vegetable garden, then you need to plant the right vegetables during the right time of year. An herb garden may thrive in the warmer months, but you may need to bring them inside in winter. Another popular option is succulents. These slow-growing plants tend to be small and require minimal maintenance. This makes them perfect for the person who wants to grow plants but isn’t very good at it.

Backyard Patio Garden Ideas Adding plants and gardening in your backyard takes a plain yard and turns it into a beautiful escape. If you have a small yard, tall plants and hanging baskets can give your backyard a whimsical secret garden feel. Larger backyards benefit from sweeping landscaping that defines the property into multiple usable spaces. Source: @chitowntudor via Instagram Source: @gremilyemily via Instagram Source: @helene_mara via Instagram Source: @momma_vintage via Instagram Source: @oddnyshage via Instagram Source: @theresa_gromski via Instagram Start your patio makeover by looking at backyard ideas. This will help you to understand what works and what doesn’t in the space you have available. Large container gardening may work well on a large patio. However, smaller patios don’t have the space for these large containers. Vertical gardening is a smart idea for small patios and balconies. However, it’s a bit unnecessary for large patios. Pavers are beautiful but can become very expensive when you have a large space planned out for your patio. Hanging planters give you additional gardening space but only work if your patio has a stable overhead covering that can support the hanging planters’ weight.

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero

What does your backyard look like right now? Is it a plain slab of concrete? Or perhaps you have a wood deck? If you have an empty patio, then it’s time you do something about it. It’s fine to start with patio furniture and decor. However, you need to go one step beyond this.

These patio garden ideas will help you turn your plain humdrum design into a beautiful and vibrant outdoor living space. Perhaps you add gardening spaces that allow you to grow herbs. Or maybe you want to grow vegetables that can supplement your family’s diet. Then there are flowers. They may not give you food, but they’ll look stunning in full bloom.

Isn’t it time you try out one or more of these patio gardening ideas with your home?

1. Backyard Patio Garden Ideas

Adding plants and gardening in your backyard takes a plain yard and turns it into a beautiful escape. If you have a small yard, tall plants and hanging baskets can give your backyard a whimsical secret garden feel. Larger backyards benefit from sweeping landscaping that defines the property into multiple usable spaces.

Source: @chitowntudor via Instagram

Source: @gremilyemily via Instagram

Source: @helene_mara via Instagram

Source: @momma_vintage via Instagram

Source: @oddnyshage via Instagram

Source: @theresa_gromski via Instagram

Start your patio makeover by looking at backyard ideas. This will help you to understand what works and what doesn’t in the space you have available.

Large container gardening may work well on a large patio. However, smaller patios don’t have the space for these large containers. Vertical gardening is a smart idea for small patios and balconies. However, it’s a bit unnecessary for large patios.

Pavers are beautiful but can become very expensive when you have a large space planned out for your patio. Hanging planters give you additional gardening space but only work if your patio has a stable overhead covering that can support the hanging planters’ weight.

2. Deck Patio Garden Ideas

If you already have a wood deck area, then you’re ahead of the game. You have an empty space that’s prime for turning into a beautiful outdoor living space or dining area.

It doesn’t have to be huge; you just need enough space for a table and chairs or sofa. Scale your patio furniture to the amount of floor space that you have.

Source: @andrew_home_improve via Instagram

Source: @dining_delight via Instagram

Source: @iheartplantys via Instagram

Source: @kimorab_lib via Instagram

Source: @layladudley via Instagram

Source: @nancygreenphoto via Instagram

Source: @the_1882_house via Instagram

One of the most common balcony garden ideas is to use potted plants. These are nice because they allow you to grow plants without needing access to dirt in the ground.

If you want to make things easier on yourself, keep the plants in the pots that they come in from the store. Place that pot inside of your decorative ones. Then when they annuals die; you can easily pick them up and replace them. If you prefer to grow perennials, you can transfer your plants as they outgrow their pots and then easily put them back in the larger pot you had it in.

3. Design and Layout Ideas for Patio Gardens

Consider patio design ideas and plan the layout of your backyard patio or balcony garden before you start buying plants or outdoor furniture. It can help to outline your patio on paper and then sketch where you want to grow plants and where you want to place the furniture. This ensures you have enough space to walk around your backyard patio.

Source: @afeliashome via Instagram

Source: @beautifulanddifferent via Instagram

Source: @big_e_deluxe via Instagram

Source: @deb_at_no_70 via Instagram

Source: @edge_of_barley via Instagram

Source: @forevergreyhome via Instagram

Source: @my_e4_home via Instagram

Source: @uaskigyrl via Instagram

Source: @zaralovesxo via Instagram

Don’t forget to look up and down. You don’t want everything to be on one level. This means having some plants in pots sitting on the ground and others on boxes or benches. You could also add hanging planters from the patio covering.

For increased privacy, grow plants that will vine and drape out of the hanging pots. This creates a natural curtain to act as a sight and sound barrier from those around you.

4. DIY Patio Garden Ideas

You don’t need to buy fancy structures or hire landscapers to build your patio garden. Build your own container garden out of water troughs, Rubbermaid tubs, or 50-gallon drums cut in half. For small spaces, hang grow bags on the exterior of your home or from your patio ceiling.

Source: @belmont_end_terrace via Instagram

Source: @clslandscape via Instagram

Source: @mkandnewyorkie via Instagram

Source: @ninageehome via Instagram

Source: @renovating.no_.36 via Instagram

Source: @rugrats.and_.renovation via Instagram

Source: @wisherhome via Instagram

Look for DIY garden design ideas that let you grow the types of plants you want to grow. They should also work with the space you have available on your patio. Some gardening design ideas look beautiful, but in practice, aren’t functional.

Building your own planters ensures you have the right sized planters that perfectly fit on your patio. You could build railing boxes, a plant ladder for potted plants, or have a single large pot in a corner.

Consider alternative materials for growing your plants. A hanging shoe rack can hold several small herb plants when hung on the exterior of your home. A wood pallet can also work as a planter while giving your patio a rustic or farmhouse feel.

5. Fire Pit Ideas for Patio Gardens

Adding a fire pit to your patio garden makes it an enjoyable place to be throughout the year. Place your fire pit in the center of your patio and arrange your patio furniture around it. Try to keep your patio garden away from the fire pit. You could have container plants placed next to and behind the furniture.

Source: @ahousewren via Instagram

Source: @mykindoflike via Instagram

You don’t want to have your plants too close to the fire pit. This presents a fire hazard and can damage the plants. You can build your own fire pit with bricks or pavers. Build up the sides while building in vents for airflow. This will encourage the best fire in your pit.

Get more use out of your fire pit by buying one. You could purchase a fire pit that’s in a table. Then during the warmer months, when you aren’t using the fire pit, you can cover it and have a large table surface for entertaining. Remove the cover and have the fire pit when temperatures drop.

6. Flower Ideas for Patio Gardens

Many people assume that you need to plant vegetables, fruits, and herbs when you think about gardening. However, that’s not your only option. Planting flowers around your patio space can create a whimsical and colorful space.

Source: @anetaczarlinska via Instagram

Source: @garden_conversations via Instagram

Source: @gstrosphotos via Instagram

Source: @home_shabby_chic via Instagram

Source: @homestead_on_lexington via Instagram

Source: @laurie_c_4 via Instagram

Source: @modernhome.6 via Instagram

Source: @prettyhousedecor via Instagram

Source: @rjanemorgan via Instagram

Source: @touchofeleganceinteriors via Instagram

Source: @wpieknymwnetrzu via Instagram

If you’re interested in planting and caring for your flowers, then annuals may interest you. They bloom for a season and then are done. If you want flowers that return season after season, then consider perennials.

Plan how your flowers will look in bloom. You could have spring-blooming flowers that overwhelm your patio all at once. Or you could have a variety of seasonal flowers. Then you’ll have a few plants with flowers throughout the year.

Hang some plants from pots, have others along your patio railing, put some in various sized pots, and then finish by placing small pots plants on your patio table.

7. Gravel Patio Garden Ideas

If you don’t currently have a backyard patio, you need to build a patio area before you can start growing plants around it. Pea gravel is an affordable way to build your patio.

Start by marking out where you want your patio and walkways. Then remove all of the grass and other plants currently growing in those areas. Level the ground and lay down landscape sheeting that prevents weeds from growing up. Spread the pea gravel out over the landscaping tarp.

Source: @creativelivingwithbarb via Instagram

Source: @doctorinherhouse via Instagram

Source: @joyfulfluff via Instagram

Source: @keep_things_simple via Instagram

Source: @littlecharliep via Instagram

Source: @prioryhome via Instagram

Source: @the_past_it_rebel via Instagram

Create a large space that can serve as your seating area. It can be sizable with enough space for a dining table and chairs. Or it can be just large enough for typical garden furniture, such as a bench or cafe table and chair.

While most people go with white for their pea gravel, it isn’t your only option. These tiny stones come in a variety of colors, and choosing a color like black can give your backyard a modern feel. You can also use different types of gravel to create a design or define different spaces.

Try using pea gravel for the main walkways and then lining the walkways with larger river rocks. The larger rocks will keep the smaller pebbles in place.

8. Outdoor Patio Garden Ideas

Plants need sunlight to survive and thrive. However, what do you do when you lack the property space to grow plants outside? Living in a condo or apartment means you never have to worry about backyard landscaping, but it also means you don’t have outdoor space for growing a garden.

Source: @another_renovation via Instagram

Source: @barnestowers via Instagram

Source: @homeforme2020 via Instagram

Source: @jade.doutch via Instagram

Source: @kp_house_and_stuff via Instagram

Source: @lake_inspired via Instagram

Source: @pennypenningtonweeks via Instagram

Source: @thehomeinvogue via Instagram

Source: @theonebespoke via Instagram

Source: @tiffyandflow via Instagram

Source: @vandenberglandscapes via Instagram

Source: @welcome_to_number_48 via Instagram

All you need is a small balcony to have an outdoor garden. A vertical garden lets you maximize your available space and grow as many plants as possible. You could hang a planter that has several spaces for growing individual plants.

Some vertical plant stand can stand on their own, with spaces encircling the planter for growing plants. Both of these vertical planters are nice because you can grow different plants based on the amount of light and water they’ll receive.

Plants that need more water should be towards the bottom of the planter, while plants that like arid ground can go towards the top. Plants that need more sunlight could be on one side, while those requiring less could be on the other.

9. Paver Patio Garden Ideas

Give your backyard garden a finished look by using pavers to build the walkways and patio areas. This makes it safer to move about the backyard by creating a smooth and even surface to walk on. It also elevates the look of your patio floor.

Source: @727_photos via Instagram

Source: @homeandgarden.story_ via Instagram

Source: @march_on_magnolia via Instagram

Source: @mydecoimages via Instagram

Source: @outdoorartisan via Instagram

Source: @rosemounthouse via Instagram

Source: @stonearchlandscapes via Instagram

Source: @thefontaineflat via Instagram

What’s nice about using pavers is that it blends well with small patio ideas. Because the space you want to cover is smaller, you can splurge on a more expensive paver or stone style. You could also use two different paver styles to create a unique look.

Outline the patio area with a decorative trim paver. Or create a pattern that covers the entire patio area. Whatever you do, either have professionals install your pavers or be sure to do it yourself correctly. You don’t want them to sink or shift, making your patio look derelict.

10. Plant Ideas for Patio Gardens

The type of plants that you choose for your patio garden and make or break its success. You need to pick plants that grow in the amount of light available and thrive in the climate you live in. What’s nice about container gardening is that if your containers are small enough, you can move them around your patio for the ideal amount of light.

Source: @adornedsouthernhome via Instagram

Source: @dartagnanaguilar via Instagram

Source: @dat_aussie_life via Instagram

Source: @evieallum via Instagram

Source: @joyinthegarden76 via Instagram

Source: @lola.decor_ via Instagram

Source: @miffyshaw via Instagram

Source: @mybeautifulplants7 via Instagram

Source: @puntodereves via Instagram

Source: @radical_botanical via Instagram

Source: @styleyourspaceee via Instagram

Source: @venicevintageparadise via Instagram

Source: @zeninteriordesign via Instagram

This works well if you have a small garden space on your balcony. As the seasons change, so does the sun’s movement. You may find that a different spot is better in summer than in winter.

If you want a garden space for a patio vegetable garden, then you need to plant the right vegetables during the right time of year. An herb garden may thrive in the warmer months, but you may need to bring them inside in winter.

Another popular option is succulents. These slow-growing plants tend to be small and require minimal maintenance. This makes them perfect for the person who wants to grow plants but isn’t very good at it.

                        How can I landscape my garden cheaply?

Do the work yourself to save the most money. The majority of the expense comes from the labor costs when landscaping. Choose local perennial plants that will thrive year after year. These are easier to source, so they’re more affordable to purchase. They’ll also thrive in your local climate and region, meaning you won’t have to worry about replacing plants that fail to establish roots in your landscaping.

                        How do I make my garden beautiful?

Start by cleaning everything, such as your fence, furniture, and pavers. Then remove all of the unnecessary clutter, including worn-out decor and stray plants or weeds. Trim and prune the plants you want to keep so that they look neat and grow better. Then look for ways to add new decorative items.

                        What vegetables can you grow on a patio?

If you want to grow vegetables on your patio, stick with ones that thrive in pots. This includes tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, pepper, lettuce, and beans. Many of these plants can grow quite tall and will need support. Place your plants on your patio in a spot where they’ll get enough light. Then water them regularly.

                        How can I landscape my garden cheaply?

                        How do I make my garden beautiful?

                        What vegetables can you grow on a patio?

1. Backyard Patio Garden Ideas#

2. Deck Patio Garden Ideas#

3. Design and Layout Ideas for Patio Gardens#

4. DIY Patio Garden Ideas#

5. Fire Pit Ideas for Patio Gardens#

6. Flower Ideas for Patio Gardens#

7. Gravel Patio Garden Ideas#

8. Outdoor Patio Garden Ideas#

9. Paver Patio Garden Ideas#

10. Plant Ideas for Patio Gardens#