Front Yard paver sitting area

by Sandy
(Schaumburg, IL)

We are putting in a paver sidewalk and want to add a sitting area as well.


Our house is a small ranch that faces west.
I have a garden area to the right side that will be on one side of the sidewalk. The left side has overgrown bushes that will be removed. That side of the house has solid brick facing. Two concerns:

1. Can you recommend size and shape for a sitting area, so as not to overpower our house, yet look cozy.
2. I am concerned that the solid brick will look too plain without bushes against it at all, especially in the winter when I won't have potted plants out. The landscaper doing the pavers thinks landscaping in front of the sitting area will be enough. Any ideas?

Comments for Front Yard paver sitting area

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Front Yard Patio
by: Susan

Hi Sandy,
A patio about 10' by 10' should be a good size. That would hold 3 occasional chairs and a small table or two. You might be able to go a bit smaller.

I don't know any of your house dimensions so this is a rough estimate.

I understand your concerns regarding the patio up against a brick wall. You might consider not bringing the patio directly up against the house. Instead, create a planting bed between the house and the patio. It could be anywhere from two to four feet deep so that you could put some evergreen shrubs and possibly some perennials there to soften the wall.

Depending how you feel about vines growing up the brick, you could also create a bed about eighteen inches deep and plant Climbing Hydrangea. You will need some shade for this plant. Another idea is to add a trellis and another type of vine.

Your contractor should make sure he addresses drainage if you do add the planting bed, but it is done all the time.

Hope this helps!
Susan

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