Courtyard garden ideas: Secluded landscaping
by
Checkatrade

This contemporary-chic courtyard incorporates lots of interest and character with the array of materials used. Bordered by tall bushes for privacy, the landscape is split into a low maintenance gravel patch and lawn area.

Rectangular concrete stepping stones bridge the two spaces, placed at various angles for a unique design aesthetic, while the plain brown bench offers a low-key spot to sit and relax.

The calathea cigar plants at the back of the garden are tall and vibrant, with large leaves that add some extra excitement to this clean and contemporary courtyard.

Turn your courtyard into your own personal oasis by incorporating a pond and water feature. Not only are ponds great for biodiversity, but they’re also a tranquil and relaxing feature that turns any space into a haven away from the world.

This gorgeous pond uses slate stone bricks around the periphery, while a jug feature in the centre is surrounded by water hyacinths for a burst of colour. Two complementary sun loungers offer a spot to bask in the afternoon sun, while the potted roses finish off the ‘secret garden’ look perfectly.

The first thing we notice when admiring this cottage-chic courtyard is the chevron paving stones. It’s an easy way to make even the smallest of spaces ooze with character and style.

These keen gardeners have opted for a stripped back and natural courtyard, with lots of wildflowers and shrubs that flesh out the area. A simple carved wooden bench finishes the look, which curiously makes us want to sit there and read for hours and hours…

Why not get the look by hiring one of our keen gardeners?

For those of you with a walled courtyard, there’s one very easy way to make it pop.

Paint it!

Opt for warm colours such as terracotta, green, teal, burnt orange or violet. These colours are regularly found in nature and will naturally complement almost any garden aesthetic.

These courtyard designers opted for an integrated pond that incorporates a waterfall running the length of the far wall. However, they didn’t waste any space and filled the gaps with raised flowerbeds and lots of colourful botany. The purple Acer trees are a wonderful courtyard addition, characterised by their hardy nature and rich purple leaves.

As always, the look is finished off with a bench, which invites the occupants to sit and take a load off after a long day glued to their desks.

Gabion baskets are hugely on-trend this year. Hardy, stable and versatile, they can be adapted to any garden and any style. This courtyard has topped its gabion baskets with seating planks and filled them with large boulders of varying shades.

Two rows of Himalayan birch trees intersperse within the gabion basket patterns, creating easy symmetry for a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish. They’re each bordered with foliage to protect their roots, while the peripheral planters house agapanthus, grasses and achillea.

There is so much you can do with a small court garden. From paving slabs to plants, to trees, to steps, to water features, to seating areas – courtyards are versatile and perfect for all seasons.

The key things to consider when designing your courtyard are the following:

• Due to the shadier nature of courtyards, be sure to plant perennials that are happier in areas with less light
• Bold and creative courtyards require careful planning to avoid overpowering the space
• Build upwards and use all the space available to create a usable courtyard fit for a gathering of 6 or more
• Consider festoon lighting, firepits or floor lanterns that allow you to use the courtyard after dark
• Water features are an instant showstopper, so consider installing one for an easy design hack
• Benches, arbours, furniture packs, living walls and potted plants are just some of the features you can incorporate into your courtyard design

If you’re still not sure, hire one of our professional landscapers to help you out!

There are several plants that love courtyards, but the most common are the following:

• Big leaved plants such as cigar, Japanese aralia, hostas and bear’s breeches.
• Climbing plants such as ivy, wisteria, clematis vines and rambler roses
• Hanging baskets with colourful plants like box balls, tangerine hibiscus and trumpet creepers
• Window boxes with wildflowers that will attract and support the declining bee population

Just be sure to water your plants regularly to avoid wilting leaves.