The Courtyard: A Place of Quiet Seclusion

A courtyard is the garden living area that comes closest to being a true outdoor room. These elegant spaces provide the ultimate in privacy.

Enhancing an Existing Courtyard

There is much you can do with an existing courtyard. Consider the following design aspects when refurbishing an existing courtyard:

Enclosure A distinguishing characteristic of a courtyard is having the space feel as though it has four "solid" walls. Solid is more visual than literal. A vine-covered trellis or a hedge may close in a small space (perhaps less than 10 feet square) without making it feel claustrophobic. A lattice fence can create a private and intimate space without completely blocking all light. An open roof or canopy adds even more sense of enclosure. Whatever structure you use should allow plenty of light into the courtyard so there is no mistaking its feeling of welcome. A retractable awning is another way to add enclosure. A temporary roof that covers the courtyard completely in winter also extends the time you can use the area and protects the plants within.
 
Style The style and look of the courtyard is to some extent predetermined by the walls that define it. However, these walls can be altered to create the setting you want. A courtyard looks most natural when the style, materials, finishes, and color are in tune with the home's architecture. Because a courtyard is an extension of the house, it is typically furnished in much the same way.

Scale An aspect of design you do have control over is scale. The absence of a roof makes the space feel bigger than it is. A grouping of tables and chairs that feels comfortable on an open patio may look cramped in a walled courtyard. Scale also comes into play when selecting plants. In terms of both design and horticulture, it works better to have fewer, larger pots than many little pots that dry out quickly and blow over.

View The main concern for a courtyard is usually the view into it rather than out of it. As you design, examine views from any windows (including those overhead) and doors that enter the courtyard. Also, if you have an attractive view from the courtyard, consider cutting a window in a wall of the courtyard to frame it.

Adding a New Courtyard

If your home is already built, plan a courtyard as part of another outdoor home improvement project. This may not add as much cost to the project as you might think. You can then enclose the courtyard using a fence, hedge or any of the other suggestions above. If you plan to add a courtyard, consider how it is oriented to the sun and how you will enter and exit from the house and garden. The more entries, the more you are likely to use the space. Be sure the courtyard paving, no matter the material used, drains away from the house. Also consider ways to provide a partial canopy by extending the rafters of the roof over the new structure or choose one of the options above or below.

Source: bhg.com

Making Your Yard More Private

Make your landscape more of a personal retreat by adding elements that give you privacy. Try these easy ways of creating your own private garden.

Privacy Fences

The most obvious -- and fastest -- way of creating privacy is to put up a fence. Fences help keep your neighbors from seeing into your yard. They also provide a sense of enclosure and safety, making them a perfect option if you have children. Fences keep kids in and strangers -- or animals, such as dogs -- out. If you choose to build a fence to add privacy to your landscape, select a material and style that will complement your home.

Here's a hint: If you want to create a private space in your yard, look around before you build a fence. You might be able to use existing structures to create privacy. For example, tuck a small patio or deck next to your garage or home. Screening just one or two sides may be all you need.
 
Hedges

If you want privacy that is completely green, grow a hedge. There are shrub varieties perfect for using as hedges for every region. For a natural look, mix it up a little and combine a variety of shrubs. Don't be afraid to mix in a small tree or two for extra height, color, and texture. By planting species with different sizes, shapes, and colors, you can layer the plants into a beautiful mosaic. For a more formal look, prune or shear shrubs regularly. Note: The best time to prune your hedge depends on what type of shrub you're growing.

Here's a hint: If you shear your shrubs, keep them looking good for years by ensuring the bottom of the shrub is wider than the top.
 
Berms

Berms are basically miniature hills in the landscape. They add height to plantings, which can be an effective way to create privacy. A berm is also good for highlighting smaller plants, as it can bring them to eye level. Because of their sloping sides, berms drain better than flat beds, so they're well suited for rock garden plants and any species that prefer dry soil. Trees and shrubs planted on berms will add additional privacy and also help to form a sound barrier between the street and yard. Include rocks and stones to give the mound stability.

Here's a hint: If you make a berm, a ratio of one foot of height to every four feet of width is usually suitable to keep mulch from running down the slope.
 
Pergolas

While a pergola probably won't block out your entire yard, it's a great solution for adding privacy to a smaller space. A vine-covered pergola creates a private, shady nook underneath -- perfect for a secluded bench or patio. A pergola also adds year-round structure to the landscape. You can create different levels of privacy with pergolas, too. A simple vine-covered pergola provides a little privacy; running lattice panels between the pergola columns will add even more. Hanging sheets of outdoor-friendly fabric to act as curtains will give you even more seclusion.
 
Lattice Screens

If you just have a spot or two you want to block from view (or where you want the view blocked), try setting up a few inexpensive lattice panels and planting a small garden bed around them. Vines will give the lattice panels extra interest -- and help them feel integrated into the landscape.

Here’s a hint: Be sure you have the right vine for the right spot. Big vines can easily crush a lattice panel, arbor, or even small pergola as they grow. Small vines, on the other hand, may not grow large enough to adequately cover a large arbor or pergola.

Source: bhg.com

While there's no way to eliminate the weathering of wood, it's relatively easy to minimize the effects:

•   Use only hot-dipped galvanized, or stainless steel fasteners with a ring or spiral shank to minimize warp and rust stains.
•   Treat the surfaces of fence boards with a water-repellent solution to reduce the rate that moisture is absorbed and released. This solution should also have a good UV inhibitor if you don't want the fence to gray.
•   Follow a regular maintenance program of cleaning and refinishing every few years with a water repellent containing UV inhibitors. This will revitalize a dull appearance caused by dirt, mildew or graying. Opinions differ on how necessary it is to perform regular maintenance, but most agree your fence will look much better for the effort.

Source: doityourself.com