Landscaping Around Decks, Patios and Porches

Once the weather warms and decks, patios and porches are back in use, queries begin coming in requesting assistance in landscaping these areas. So, I thought it would be a good idea to offer these suggestions to all of our readers.

The first task is to sit on your patio, porch or deck and actually look out (away from the exterior walls). What do you see? Do you see an open never ending lawn or, maybe it’s a small enclosed area? What could you see as a focal point in your view? How do you feel about your deck? Is it quiet and cozy or more of an open space where you would prefer more privacy?

The answers to these questions will dictate how you landscape around your outdoor living area.

Let’s discuss patios and low level decks and porches first. Your point of view from sitting in your chair should give you looking into (not onto) the lawn area. Basically, the lawn becomes an extension of that outdoor space. Low level sitting areas take more advantage of the opening. Colors and textures can be used effectively from the immediate areas on to the outlying regions. The view will be complete from the tree tops all the way down to groundcover. So, be sure to add in lots of colorful perennials and shrubs into the outlying landscape.

Now, in landscaping around the perimeter of your low level deck (patio or porch), you will want to select plants with that in mind. If your outside living space is large and extends out considerably from the house, consider placing ornamental trees or other decorative plants.
The following is a great listing of plants for this purpose.

• Japanese red maple
• Emerald green arborvitae
• Crape myrtle
• Kousa dogwood
• Kwanzan cherry
• Sourwood
• Red bud
• Sweetbay magnolia
• Clumping bamboo
• Nishiki willow

Remember to allow for stepping stones or other access to the outlying areas. In planting along the edges, select low growing plants so as to not block the outward view. Staying in the 3 ½ foot range and below should work quite well, especially with taller plants in that range that are airy at the tops such as ornamental grasses.
The following lists plants that make excellent borders.

• Coreopsis
• Astilbe
• Gaillardia
• Heucheras
• Dwarf Spiraea
• Hydrangeas (Cityline series)
• Hostas
• Nandina dwarf firepower
• Nandina dwarf harbor
• Saliva
• Russian sage little spire
• Weigela
• Liriope
• Grass, Acorus Ogon
• Grass, Sporobolus h. Prairie Dropseed
• Grass, pennisetum Karley Rose
• Grass, Pennisetum Hameln
• Verbena-low growing
• Rosemary
• Lavender
• Sage

The biggest tip on landscaping around high level decks and balconies is to remember that you will be looking down onto the plants immediately around the perimeter and only seeing portions of the plants in the outlying areas. High level areas truly take on a different view of the lawn than low level areas and should be landscaped accordingly. High level decks are considered to be (roughly) 5 and 6 feet and higher off the ground.

Plant for fragrance, long blooming periods, lots of texture and slightly away from the deck so you are fully able to enjoy the plants. I have a list of plants that can work nicely in such situations.

• White birch
• Dogwoods
• Serviceberry
• Magnolias
• Tulip poplar
• Lilacs
• Crape myrtles
• Oakleaf hydrangeas
• Red bud
• Flowering cherry
• Sourwood
• Rhododendrons
• Holly

I hope this information gives you some ideas to build on in landscaping around your patio, porch, high or low level deck. Buy plants online at Greenwood Nursery Mail Order Nursery.