family, a break from the frantic pace of everyday life, and a safe place for children to play. Or better yet, a courtyard surrounded by multiple houses would provide a shared secure outdoor space for multiple families. Though this might sound like a modern-day idea, the grouping of houses around a shared courtyard was common practice among the Incas as far back as the 13th century. Fast forward to the 21st


century, and courtyards are


perfectly suited to small sized (sub)urban lots that already require enclosure. Tall fencing, stone walls, hedging plants such as cedars, and climbing vines, are all options that provide full privacy. Because their designs tend to be low-maintenance, courtyards are a perfect means to incor- porate nature into a hectic lifestyle without an onerous gardening workload. This ultimate outdoor room lends itself nicely to dining, reclining, relaxing and just enjoy- ing fresh air and the sounds of nature. Components of Courtyard Designs


When designing your courtyard garden, consider each


of its components very carefully. Design details become more important because they’re more apparent in a small and focused space. Each corner must be well considered, including the pots, plants, groundcovers and furnishings. Begin by defining the feeling that you want to create; clas- sical, zen, and ultramodern are the most popular design themes for courtyards today. Enclosure. Strive for complete privacy on all sides of the


courtyard to create the feeling of escape from the outside world. Use fast growing climbing vines such as grapes to soften stone walls or to thicken the privacy of fencing. A wall of thick cedar hedging is also an ideal option. Water Feature. The sound of trickling water pleases


the ear and creates a real sense of tranquility and inti- macy. Plan to include a water feature in your courtyard; the absence of water can make the courtyard appear flat and dull. Furnishings. Think about how you most want to use


the courtyard. Is it to entertain friends? To enjoy your daily breakfast? To read until the stars come out? This will dictate which type of furnishings you invest in. Then, splurge on the most comfortable furnishings you can afford. The more comfortable you are, the more time you’ll want to spend there. Plants. Because of its tall walls, pay special attention


to the light levels requirements of plants, as well as to the placement of plants. Some corners may be in full shade and others may see full sun. Favour neat plants that do not shed seeds or even leaves if possible. Scale. The Japanese consider one principle to be of


paramount importance in their courtyards: miniatur- ization emphasizes the smallness of the space, so choose plants that are neither too big nor too small. Groundcovers. Decorative rocks, paving stones and


moss lend themselves to cover the ground surface of courtyards. Grass that requires mowing is not the way to go! Use moss or creeping plants groundcover where you want to feel warmth underfoot. Decor. Express your personality by with finishing touches such as a garden sculpture,


lighting, outdoor


mirrors and wall decor. What you decorate your court- yard with should reflect how you want to feel in it, wheth- er energized, calm, or happy! Maintenance. Careful maintenance is essential, because


untidiness in a closely observed small space is obvious and unappealing. .


www.localgardener.net


This courtyard is kept very low maintenance, using cedar hedging as a privacy wall and an interesting painted fence for personality. The dish fountain adds serenity to the space.


Summer 2014 • 25


An ultramodern courtyard uses low-maintenance plants and ground- covers. The trees which surround the outside of the fence create a true sense of enclosure and privacy.


This outdoor room is perfect for curling up with a book or for enjoying evening cocktails. The ivy softens the hard surfaces of the brick walls and concrete paving tiles.


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