9 Ways To Improve Your Patio

A paved patio area in your back garden provides the perfect space in which to enjoy your garden, indulge in al fresco dining, entertain guests, or simply relax with a good book. A patio is also easy to care for; paving stones can be swept to keep leaves and dirt at bay, and can be cleaned with a pressure washer to keep them looking their best. Having a paved patio area also reduces the amount of grass in your garden, thus cutting down on the time and energy that goes into keeping the grass in good condition. Whether you spruce up the look of your patio or give it a revamp, there are a variety of ways you can do so. Change up old paving. There are various paving options to choose from to meet the style requirements and the purpose of the paved area. From concrete patios and brick patios to tile patios, there are various choices available. Another popular choice for patios includes loose materials patios, such as gravel patios, stone patios and mulch patios. These are affordable alternatives that are easy to work with and allow water to soak into the ground, a great choice for areas experiencing drought. At Mainland Aggregates, we supply a large selection of high-quality aggregates that can be used to create beautiful patios for homes and commercial spaces. Decorative gravel, bark mulch and some decorative aggregates can be used to create patios. Add greenery. Brighten up your patio with an array of colourful plants, from potted plants to flowers planted all around your garden space. If you are looking to add a touch of greenery that could also be functional – why not opt for planting some vegetables or simply a herb garden? Use decorative stones. Decorative stones can be used to create a variety of landscaping projects, from creating plant borders to forming paths. If you are looking to create unique structures with garden stones, gabion stones and gabion baskets are a great choice. These can be used to create a variety of landscape elements, from retaining walls and garden fences to more creative projects, such as stone barbecues and stone benches. Bring the heat up. From fire pits to barbecues, make your outdoors feel cosier with a touch of warmth. Fire pits and other heating sources will be a great addition to your patio to ensure you and your guests can enjoy your garden space during summer evenings and even during the colder months. Create a relaxing corner. For many, a relaxing space is a quiet space away from view that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. A great way to achieve this is to plant different sized trees and plants to create a secluded area. Wildlife gardens are also a great way to create a relaxing space in your back garden – these include overgrown plants and flowers that attract wildlife, providing a variety of scents, textures and sounds to stimulate our senses. Some people may want to add a water feature for some background noise – water running is often a soothing sound that creates a calming feel. Water features also add an interesting element that enhances the look of outdoor spaces. Scottish pebbles and 50-80mm Scottish cobbles are a great choice if you want to incorporate decorative stones into water features. Get comfortable seating. Lightweight rattan chairs and matching tables are a great choice. These are easily moveable, can be stored away during the winter and are both waterproof and wipe-clean. Keep it covered. A pergola or awning will add shelter and shade to your patio, providing the perfect base for displaying hanging baskets and lamps as well as outlining special areas of the patio, such as an outdoor dining area. Don’t forget lighting. Adding some outdoor lighting to your patio, such as solar lamps and outdoor fairy lights, means you and your guests can use the area in the evenings with comfort.