Squares are one of the most common patio shapes, yet they present unique challenges when decorating and setting them up. You want your paved space to break common rules and reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic tastes. Therefore, landscaping around a square patio isn’t as simple as the average Pinterest board might portray. 

As your Middletown landscaping service, Taylor Landscaping explores how you can reimagine your square patio. We provided some insider tips below to help you diversify your creative ideas. 

Landscaping Around a Square Patio: More Challenging Than You Think

Square patios seem simple enough. However, square patios typically have limited space for decorative features, furniture, and plants. Plus, many gardening hobbyists don’t realize they could encounter numerous hazards while landscaping. Therefore, you’ll reap more benefits from working with a professional landscaper for even the smallest patio project. 

Zoning and Floor Layout

Like rooms, patios have zones that inform the floor plan. You can split them into quadrants and further divide the quadrants to create visual symmetry while adding function. For example, you might dedicate one quadrant to seating and another to a firepit. These details may determine how you landscape the borders.  

Slab Textures and Variations

Border definition creates visual contrast while outlining the patio’s edges. It can also extend the area, especially if you plan to erect a rock wall or other hardscape feature. For example, some stylish yet functional borders include:

  • Pebble mulch with succulents: Hardy succulents growing from striking white or black pebbles create a calm, secluded vibe. 
  • Raised wooden boxes for flower beds: If you prefer kitschy aesthetics, you can erect homey wooden boxes to grow diverse flowers, grasses, and other plants.  
  • Border stones for an encircling path: Flat, natural rocks, like flatstones, can make your patio appear larger. They can also provide a walking space. 

Adding Structures

If you live in a bustling neighborhood, you might want to shield yourself and your guests from your neighbors’ comings and goings. A creative hardscape design or wooden architecture can add visual interest while providing privacy and peace. Adding a water feature, like a mini waterfall or fountain, in a patio corner will peacefully drown out sounds. 

Playing With Social Features

Particularly small patios work best when their designs prioritize seating and social spaces. After erecting a privacy feature, your landscaper might recommend keeping patio furniture along the edges of the slab. You can place a table at the center for plates and drinks.

Planting Trees

Every patio needs plenty of shade. One or two healthy trees positioned where the sun rises and sets will supply sufficient coverage. If you select blossoming specimens, like tulips or cherry trees, you’ll enjoy a flourish of cheery color each spring. 

Native Middletown Foliage and Flowers

Whether you choose a border bed, raised beds, or hanging planters, you need a plant selection that can withstand Kentucky’s elements. Choosing native options can minimize care requirements while attracting local pollinators. You can use annual flowers as dramatic accents to indicate seasonal changes. 

Exploring New Heights

When landscaping around a square patio, you have countless ornamental options to add color, structure, and texture. Some popular decorative elements that can define your patio’s borders include:

  • Potted plants: Shop for planters that vary in height to create a more dynamic look. 
  • Columns: Decorative columns can stand alone or support coverings that provide additional shade and shelter. You can explore natural stone structures or Roman-styled ones for a more polished, classic look. 
  • Lattice: If you adore the wiley look of vines growing unrestrained, you should consider vertical lattice walls. Plant blossoming vines nearby to create an untamed fairytale aesthetic.
  • Shrubs: Perhaps your style runs more toward tea parties and coffee dates. Shrubs set the perfect tone for these gatherings. Select specimens that blossom, like azaleas or camellia bushes, to add a vibrant sparkle.  

Color Palettes

Here’s where landscaping around a square patio meets interior design trends. You need a cohesive color scheme to bring everything together. Consider the following elements and how they will blend with or accent other colors:

  • Flowers: Although you should treat flowers as accents, you can also let them steal the show. They should take center stage during their blooming season. 
  • Stonework: A safe approach to stonework involves choosing neutral colors that will blend into the background. However, bolder looks with black pebbles or dark gray slabs can make the space feel more modern. 
  • Woodwork: If you incorporate lattice, plant boxes, and other wooden structures, you might paint them to enhance the atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with a traditional stain. Alternatively, you might experiment with navy blue, yellow, or reddish brown. 
  • Patio furniture: Like the flowers, your patio furniture should double as an accent and a main visual attraction. However, it shouldn’t overshadow the flowers and other decorative features.

If you use outdoor decorations, like planters, glass bird feeders, and wall art, choose pieces that provide a feast for the eyes. Purchase these items last so that they perfectly balance the above-listed elements. 

Designing the Lighting

You can’t host an endless garden party or the neighborhood Independence Day celebration without outdoor lighting. Summer gatherings are seemingly endless because of late sunsets and perpetual warm weather. Keep your guests safe with an attractive yet functional lighting design that highlights:

  • Seating 
  • Pathways
  • Patio borders
  • Building entrances

Simplifying Maintenance

Most homeowners love their patio until they must set aside a weekend to sweep and hose it down or otherwise maintain other aspects. You need a design that you can easily maintain during your off time. A professional landscaper will help you select features and layouts that minimize your workload. 

That means more time enjoying your patio rather than working on it. 

Reinvent the Square With Taylor Landscaping in Middletown, Kentucky

Successfully landscaping around a square patio starts with a consultation with Taylor Landscaping in Middletown, Kentucky. Our landscaping service for homeowners combines creativity, vision, and innovation for a natural reimagining of your property. 

Call 502-709-3708 to reinvent your space with a little help.