There are certainly an abundance of choices when it comes to patio design. Its size and shape, where it will be placed, the style and type of furniture, how to pave it, and whether to cover it are some of the choices made during the design stage of the project. The following ideas and tips will help you narrow down the choices and come up with an appropriate design for your situation.

Patio Styles

There are a few different styles to choose from when designing a patio, each serving a different purpose.

Bistro Patio: A bistro patio is ideal for smaller spaces, and typically houses a small table with two to four chairs. It is a nice spot to have breakfast or enjoy a glass of wine on a warm summer evening. To comfortably fit a small table and the chairs it is recommended to set aside a minimum of 36 square feet (6’ x 6’) of space.

Living Room Patio: For larger spaces, an outdoor living room is a wonderful choice, as it brings all of the amenities families enjoy indoors into their backyard. These spaces typically feature cushioned patio furniture, a large grill, and a shade feature for hot, sunny days. The space for a living room patio should be at least 16 feet by 16 feet to comfortably accommodate the chosen amenities.

Outdoor Dining Patio: An outdoor dining patio is a great option for medium to large spaces, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a nice meal outdoors. As it must be able to fit a dining table and chairs, this type of patio generally requires a 12 foot by 12 foot space. The size of the table and chairs should be determined by the number of people the homeowners expect to entertain. The patio should be situated so that it is close a kitchen to make delivering food as convenient as possible.

Sundeck Patio: Sundeck patios are generally smaller spaces located next to outdoor pools. They only have to be large enough to accommodate a chase lounge or two and a small end table for beverages.

Paving Materials

The functionality of a patio will determine the best paving materials to use for it. If it is next to a pool it will require a slip-free surface. If it is surrounded by a garden; rustic, earthy pavers are an ideal choice. Price is also a factor to consider, as options run the gamut from affordable to quite pricey.

Some of the most popular paving options include:

• Brick
• Concrete
• Pavers
• Tiles

Determining the Ideal Size for a Patio

There are several factors to consider when determining the ideal size for a patio. The first is the available space. A clear area of relatively flat ground is required to build a patio, so homeowners must assess the space they have and come up with a placement that makes sense. Another thing to consider is the intended use of the space. Will it be a small patio with a couple plants, or a larger outdoor space with furniture and amenities? How many people will be using it at once? Considering these factors will help homeowners determine the appropriate size for their patio.

Patio Placement Consideration

In most cases, the ideal spot is right outside the back door of the home. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it does make the most convenient placement. Some other things to consider include the view from the patio, how much sun and shade it gets, and the function the patio will serve. All of these factors must be carefully considered before work begins to ensure that it best serves its intended purpose.

Mistake 1: Squeezing features into spaces that don’t provide adequate square footage.
This mistake is commonly made with regard to patios and walkways. A patio should not only contain sufficient space for a table and chairs, but should also allow space for the chairs to be pulled out, and for people to walk around the table. A minimum of 100 square feet (10 x 10) is required to comfortably fit a table and chair set that is 5 feet in diameter.

Walkways must be wide enough to accommodate items like lawnmowers, garbage cans and wheelbarrows, so a minimum of four feet of width is recommended. This allows for easy passage with larger items.

Mistake 2: Creating too much contrast between indoor and outdoor décor.
When furnishing a patio that sits adjacent to an indoor space with a glass sliding door, it is import that there is some continuity between the décor in the two spaces. They do not have to be identical, of course, but the general aesthetic should make it so the eye travels easily from indoors to the outside and vice versa. Using similar colors, textures or patterns can accomplish this, and makes the outdoor space feel like an extension of the home rather than a totally separate space.

Mistake 3: Creating elements separately without considering the whole.
This is a common occurrence when a landscape project is done in phases. Rather than looking at elements as part of a larger whole, they are seen and designed individually, with the final result lacking flow and continuity. Even if a project is being done one piece at a time, it is important to have a cohesive design to work off of from the start. This ensures that the final result comes together harmoniously, and looks as if it is one cohesively designed space rather than a jumbled mix of disparate elements.

Mistake 4: The misuse of plants and bushes in the design.
Homeowners have a tendency to go overboard with plants, and often fail to consider how the design will look once the plants and bushes have fully matured. The result of this is overly crowded spaces that require a ton of maintenance. Plants are wonderful, but if you have too many, or the ones you have are too large, they infringe upon your space and litter it with dead leaves and debris. When selecting plants for a space, homeowners should consider how the full-grown plant will fit in to the area, and how much maintenance it will require. For patio areas, it is wise to choose plants that do not shed much to minimize the cleanup. Try to limit the patio to no more than 3 or 4 planters. This is also important around entryways, as overgrowth limits accessibility.

For these reasons, it is important for homeowners to be aware of the characteristics of any plants they choose to include in their landscapes. This allows them to choose the right plants for the right spaces, and to avoid the extra maintenance and inconvenience caused by overgrown or messy plants and bushes.
This also applies to the planting of trees, as larger breeds can easily overwhelm a space, and be difficult to cut back without detracting from their appearance. It is important for homeowners to plant trees that will fit comfortably into their space at full maturity. Also, trees planted in the vicinity of a pool or water feature should be chosen carefully to prevent a big mess in the fall when they lose their leaves.

Mistake 5: Failing to see the importance of a well thought out design.
Many ambitious do-it-yourself enthusiasts start on landscaping projects without any real idea of how the finished project will look. This usually results in disappointment, as the elements will not flow together correctly, and the space will look disjointed. It is much better to get things right the first time by working from a premade design than to have to redo elements of the space later due to poor planning. For larger, more complicated spaces, it really does pay to use a professional landscape designer. The expense is justified in the timely completion of the project and the superior results, and additional time and money will not have to be spent to correct mistakes.

Let us help you craft your dream landscape. Call us today at 905-655-9300 or send us an email using the contact page.

To help you learn some exciting and creative strategies that to add character and style to your property, we’ve compiled a list of handy container gardening tips & ideas.

Choosing a Planter
Containers come in a range of materials. In order to find one that perfectly fits a given space, it’s important to learn the properties of each type. Here’s a quick overview of the characteristics of each:

Types of Containers

Get ready to add a little style to your outdoor space. The following are the different types of planters. Be sure to choose ones that are most suitable for your climate, budget and personal preference.

• Cast Limestone containers are made from dry, pulverized limestone. This porous material provides a wonderful, antique look that becomes even more appealing the more it is aged by weathering. If you want a container that will stand the test of time, you’ll enjoy everything that cast limestone has to offer. Typically sold in natural hues, such as greys and light browns, this type of container costs more than those crafted from other materials. However, due to their substantial weight (as well as their ability to look great, year after year), they are quite often worth the financial investment. For an example of an attractive design, check out the beautiful Jubilee Urn.
• Cast Concrete containers are made from a wet combination of cement and aggregates. Available in a wide assortment of styles and sizes, these designs don’t do very well when left out in cold climates. The process of freezing and then thawing can cause cracks or other imperfections to form. Therefore, it’s important to consider climate before investing in concrete designs. Color may be added to concrete containers by staining them. Obviously, concrete planters are not lightweight. This option is great if you want strength and substance.
• Terracotta of high quality and authentic crafting is still created in the scenic Tuscany region of Italy. It is sometimes referred to as Impruneta Terracotta. If you want rustic style with a touch of European panache, you’ll find that terracotta provides the ultimate mixture of earthy beauty and refined elegance. Typically sold in a distinctive, red-orange hue, Terracotta adds smooth, earthy tones to outdoor environments. You may need to pay more for Terracotta designs, especially if they are of top quality craftsmanship. However, this popular perennial design will fit well in your garden’s design for years. Terracotta weighs less than concrete.
• Glazed Ceramic is a non-porous material that retains water. If a self-watering planter and is a practical choice for your landscape design. Placed either on the ground or as a hanging planter, glazed ceramic designs offer a healthy “home” for your plants. You may choose unglazed designs of this type if you prefer, and then finish them with painting, staining and/or glazing. However, it is easier to choose a glazed ceramic design that comes in your preferred color.

Now that you know more about the different types of containers, you’re ready to add elegance or a whimsical charm to your outdoor world through the addition of garden containers that mirror your personal sense of style. Whether you prefer antique design elements or more modern, streamlined effects, you’ll find that the variety of garden containers by Haddonstone we offer will allow you to create any look that you want, from traditional English garden to funky, fun patio.

Cast stone garden ornaments are elegant, refined choices for any type or style of exterior or interior space. The most impressive stone designs provide the ultimate in craftsmanship, by offering designers, landscapers and homeowners access to artistry that is virtually unparalleled. If you’re searching for lawn ornaments that are truly a cut above, you’ll find that Haddonstone has a range of signature designs and collections that include antique-inspired elements which evoke emotion and bring beauty to any form of outdoor design, from patios to backyards and courtyards.

Today, garden ornaments are available in a variety of styles, shapes, colors and materials. Stone garden accents remain the best and most traditional choice for bringing a sense of emotion and artistry to a landscape design. The best way to select these ornaments is by matching the available styles and materials with your personal style and current garden design. Whether you love a more contemporary look like the Bay Planter or classically-influenced styles that recall the beauty of the most applauded English gardens (see our statues), you’ll find a design that gives you the look and mood that you’re after.

History of Garden Ornaments

Garden ornaments were used in Ancient Rome, so they’ve been around for a very long time. In fact, some antique examples of these decorative works of stone were excavated from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. During the Italian Renaissance, they became central design elements in outdoor landscapes. Since that time period, preferences in lawn ornaments have evolved. Today, elements of kitsch (cutesy style) are quite common. However, high art influences are still very prevalent.

As you can see, for centuries, men and women have sought to make their outdoor worlds more pleasing to the eye, through the addition of sophisticated or playful decorations. These days, the old influences continue to provide inspiration for the most well-known designers of the modern age.

Asian countries were also home to stunning garden accents that are mimicked today. For example, classical Chinese gardens were often adorned with Chinese scholar’s rocks. Today, many home owners add beauty to their exterior environments by adding rock gardens into the mix.

Planters

When it comes to creating a focal point that draws the eye and pleases the senses, choosing a stylish cast stone planter and beautiful flowers to go with it is an excellent strategy. You may choose stone, glazed ceramics, fiberglass, terracotta or metal. All containers have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consider the properties of the type and material of each container before making a final decision about what is best for your situation.

Things to think about as you select the right planter include the weight of the piece, its price and whether or not the material is able to last your climate. Some planters come unfinished, while others, such as glazed ceramics, are very shiny, vibrant and colorful.

Fountains

If you love the look and sound of rushing water, you’re not alone. That’s why so many people choose to add centerpiece fountains to their outdoor spaces. These accents provide incredible drama, without being over the top. Like most ornaments, fountains come in sleek, modern styles or traditional, classically-inspired designs. Styles of garden fountains include self-circulating, wall and tiered. Water features of this type vary widely in price, and typically require professional installation.

Garden Statues

Garden statues feature depictions of people or animals and many designs are replicas of family sculptures from ancient times. If statues or men, women and animals don’t really suit your style, consider more modern and abstract designs that are crafted from stone or metal. You may find mass-produced statues for gardens, but cast stone ornaments are longer lasting and make a great investment as the more weathered and aged they are, the more they can be worth.

Enjoy Comfort and Style with the Right Garden Furniture

If you want to add seating arrangements to your courtyard, garden or other landscape, you will find that wrought-iron and cast stone designs fit the bill perfectly. There are many different types of garden furniture available including benches, garden tables and seats. Scale your requirements to your budget. If you don’t have a lot to spend, choose basic designs that don’t have a lot of embellishments. If you’re willing to pay more for top quality, then choose handcrafted designs that are produced by skilled artisans such as those made by Haddonstone.

Looking for quality garden ornaments in Toronto for an interior or exterior design project? Browse through our extensive collection of statues, planters, fountains and more and then get in touch with us to discuss you project’s requirements.

When a water fountain is added to a garden, it changes it’s entire look and feel. What was at first a very ordinary garden can be transformed into an outdoor oasis. The sound of flowing water has a relaxing effect and it can also attract birds and other wildlife, changing the atmosphere entirely. A fountain also becomes a focal point of any backyard or garden.

Garden fountains are available in varying sizes, materials, and styles. They can be wall-mounted, tiered, disappearing, or freestanding. They can be customized according to the space where they are to be installed, your budget, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to perform. Many fountains come completely prefabricated.

Landscapers generally follow a rule when installing fountains. They typically make use of two fountains, one big and one small. The bigger fountain is the focal point of the garden and the smaller one is the accent element. Another consideration is the type of garden where the fountain is to be installed. The professionals at Beyond The Veranda can provide you with tips and ideas for adding the right fountain to your garden. Call or email us today to get help with your landscape design or installation project.

Here are 5 different types of garden fountains:

Tiered Fountain

Tiered fountains are very popular and have been used in gardens for years. These tiered fountains are popular in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy. They are installed in the courtyards and plazas. The design of a tiered fountain can be simple or complex like carvings depicting people, animals, and others.

Tiered fountains look great in a traditional or classical landscape setting. The fountain should look as if it has been in place for years and the color of the fountain should blend with the paving.

Disappearing Fountain

This water feature is also known as a pondless fountain. The water reservoir in this type is hidden beneath the ground. This feature looks good when it is positioned close to a patio or path, as it adds an attractive appearance and sound to the area. Popular styles include millstones, ceramic urns, granite columns, and natural looking waterfalls, among others.

A disappearing fountain can be an ideal choice for your gardens for a number of reasons including:

• Since the water reservoir is underground and there is no open water pond or basin, there is no drowning risk. It is therefore safe for children.
• As the water body is underground, the water does not evaporate. Therefore, less water is used compared to traditional fountains.
• It requires very little maintenance. Dirt, debris and leaves cannot enter the reservoir and the sun cannot cause algae growth.
• It takes up a very little space and can be installed almost anywhere. It is most suitable for small patios and backyards.

Japanese Fountain

Every Japanese garden has a water fountain. It symbolizes spiritual and physical cleansing and therefore, they are located at the entrance of a Japanese temple or home. Japanese fountains typically have simple designs, with the focus on the water rather than the basin.

A water fountain with a bamboo spout can be installed. Water trickles from this bamboo spout into the basin of the fountain, which is usually made from stones. It should have jagged edges and should look old and weathered down by outdoor elements. This fountain typically appears to be in harmony with nature, hence, it is installed among rocks and surrounded by evergreen plants and ferns. In short, this fountain is more than just an ornament or décor.

Another idea is to install a stone fountain on a gravel bed, and surround it with live bamboo and rocks. With the passage of years, moss grows on the stone, and it begins to look more like part of the landscape.

People who have a plenty of open space can consider having a big water feature. They can create a meandering pond or stream and add fish to it (such as a koi pond).

It is not necessary to have water present in a Japanese fountain. Many Japanese gardens use sand, gravel, or stones that represent water. These gardens can also have flat stones from the river, which are laid together tightly, making it look like a moving stream of water.

Wall Fountain

A wall fountain looks perfect in a courtyard or a small patio as it gives the sense of relaxation. This fountain does not take up too much space and can be customized to fit on a particular wall. It requires a spout, water basin, internal tubing, and a pump. It can be either freestanding or mounted. Its styles include traditional, modern, antique or Asian.

A freestanding wall fountain, also known as floor fountain, is usually quite large. The basin of this fountain is placed on the ground.

A wall mounted fountain on the other hand, is integrated onto an existing wall or built into a new wall. This fountain adds a cohesive look, which makes it look like a part of the landscape instead of an added feature. This natural look is quite the work of art.

Self-Contained Fountain

Self-contained fountains are popular because they are affordable and can be installed quite easily. They contain all the working parts including the plumbing and pump required to function. “Self-contained” can also refer to fountains that have their own water reservoir and therefore don’t need to be placed in a pond or pool.

These fountains are great for decks and patios as installation is relatively quick and easy and they don’t require any major construction. This also makes it a simple task to move the fountain to another location.

To install the fountain, the landscaper will first ensure that the land where the fountain is to be placed is level. If the ground is uneven (which is often the case on a lawn or garden), then he will level and compact it. The fountain will then be placed, and the water will be added to it. Finally, it is connected to a power source such as a solar panel, batteries, or an electrical outlet.

A self contained fountain is very convenient as it does not require external piping, plumbing, or connection to a body of water. They can be placed anywhere in the garden, though they are often used as a centerpiece or focal point. They can be made from cast stone, metal, ceramic or fiberglass, among other materials.

Be sure to consult a landscaping professional if you need advice or help with getting the right look for your garden.

Your backyard patio needs a makeover. Fear not, you can pour your imaginative energy into a worthy landscaping project, creating an serene outdoor space. We are brimming with ideas for your landscape and have 5 tips to help you conduct a patio makeover.

Sketch Your Space

All designers begin with a sketch. (Yes, this means you.) Take a hour or so with an A4-size piece of graph paper, a ruler, and a pencil. Sketch out (to a rough scale) where you want what kind of furniture and garden ornaments. If you plan on eating al fresco all summer long, make sure that you measure out space for a sturdy dining table and chairs. If you want a space for a chaise lounge or two, in the shade, sketch it in. Before you head out to buy your fabulous furniture, tape out – stay with us – where everything will be positioned.

The flow of motion among your defined groups of furniture is key to building a comfortable space.This graph paper sketch and taping project are the foundation of your design, helping you to make sure that every piece you buy has a space and a purpose.

Design Using Textures and Depth

Bring in different textures and shapes that add liveliness and warmness. You put together an amazing dining room, right? A living room that rocks? Repeat those same principles here: traditional, modern or eclectic.

How about an obelisk? Perhaps made from cast stone or wrought iron? Or an understated planter? A piece of stone garden art that can withstand the outdoor elements will be the feature that wows your friends. Adding a patio awning is the ultimate in design unification, bringing your design together under a physical roof.

Celebrate Nature

Greenery. Stones. Herbs. A successful patio design does not look like you’ve moved an entire room outside. The idea is that you bring comfort and function to a space that celebrates the outdoors.

Design is all about repetition. Pick the colors for your furniture to compliment your flowers – the elegant Robin’s Egg blue in your country style chairs will shine next to Blue Daisies that sit among authentic stone. Functionality rules too! Planting a container herb garden close to your grilling area is clever and visually appealing.

Container gardening is an art. Free your imagination and choose containers that speak to your personal style and taste, whether they are over-sized terracotta pots around a vegetable garden or small and stylish vases on a classical English patio.

Unify your design

Your final step in bringing together the look you’ve created is to decorate; to artfully place some well-chosen accessories and ornaments. It is important not to overdo accessories, so that they don’t crowd your carefully planned look. That said, a well-placed wrought-iron side table, or a cast stone bird bath or two can consolidate your design. Remember, accessorizing is about adding elements, but also about taking elements away.

Get Elemental

Water. Fire. These basic elements in nature can be reflected in your patio space. Close your eyes and imagine the sound of trickling water from an elegant centerpiece: a stone fountain. A side garden featuring a small bird bath, or a koi pond can lend a new dimension to your space. Keeping in mind that a fire pit needs to be placed carefully to ensure safety, imagine sitting out on peaceful night, a slight chill in the air after the sun has gone down and being warmed by the flickering flames. Perfect.

Your patio should be a welcoming space. A space for reading your morning paper while you sip freshly brewed coffee. A space where you can grill steak and vegetables for your family. (Hey, you planted some dill in that herb garden, right?) A space where you can host a party and serve lip-smacking summer Sangria to your friends. A space where you can smoke a late night cigar and lose yourself in the night sky. Get outside and enjoy the good life outdoors with a beautiful new patio by following these makeover tips.

Half the fun of adding a new piece of art to a garden is in searching for the perfect addition. An antique lover may not even know what they are looking for until they come across it, and then suddenly they know that they have struck antique gold.

One of the best things about garden antiques is the sheer variety of them available. Artistic designs come in all shapes and sizes, so there is no limitations to what one can find once the “hunt” begins.

Here are some popular types that make great additions to any garden.

Garden Ornaments

Antique Statuary
Antique statuary looks as if it arrived here through a portal from another time, and adds an otherworldly quality to garden spaces and patios. Angels, Buddhas, and Egyptian statues are all popular styles.

Antique Olive Jars
These functional jars typically come from Italy and Spain where they were used to store and transport batches of olives. They add an old world sensibility to any space, and a bit of history to any garden.

Antique Sundials
The antique sundial is a traditional centerpiece that looks as fantastic in contemporary gardens as it does in a classic knot garden.

Check out our extensive collection of Haddonstone garden ornaments.

Garden Furniture

Antique Table & Chairs
No patio space is complete without a place to sit down and enjoy a meal or afternoon snack. Why go for mass produced patio furniture when a unique antique table and chairs set can be acquired that will truly set the space apart?

Antique Wood Bench
A weathered, welcoming wood bench is a great addition to a larger garden, as it creates a destination, and encourages visitors to sit down and enjoy the surroundings.

Stone Benches
Antique stone benches make a great fit in gardens and green spaces, and offer a nice place to take a load off and take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Lichens and moss will grow on this garden furniture, making them look even more natural and rustic.

Garden Structures

Old Greenhouse
This is not the average garden antique, as it takes up a lot of space, and will put a nice dent in the wallet as well. However, if it fits into the space and the budget it can turn an unused section of the yard into functional antique marvel. Who wouldn’t want to be able to grow flowers, herbs and vegetables all year round in a gorgeous antique greenhouse?

Cast Iron Gazebos
Adding an antique cast iron gazebo to the yard creates a visual focal point and a functional sheltered space. These pieces are extraordinarily ornate and very well constructed, so they will last a lifetime.

Antique Iron Gates
Antiques brighten up the present with a piece of the past, and that’s exactly what an antique iron gate can do for a backyard space. Some of the metal work on these pieces is just amazing, and they make a great pairing with brick or stone.

Fountains

Wall Fountain
Wall fountains add a little bit of magic to the garden, and make the perfect water element for a large section of wall that is in need of décor. Styles range from simple abstract designs to ornate green man sculptures with water flowing out from their mouths.

Multi-tiered Fountains
Multi-tiered fountains are traditional accompaniments to outdoor spaces, and add a visually interesting echo from the past to a garden or patio. Making a nice cast iron triple-tier fountain the centerpiece of a garden adds a traditional element to the space.

Centerpiece Fountains
These whimsical fountains have a magical quality to them, and add the soothing sound of trickling water to a space. They can be found in a variety of inspired designs.

Planters and Urns

Ornate Urns
Urns are typically used in pairs as a way to designate an entrance into another section of the space. Alternatively, one can place an urn on a pedestal to create a focal point or break up a space.

Old Stone Troughs
Old stone troughs make great planters, as they create a lot of visual appeal when flowers, ferns or vines are growing out over the edges. They can be placed on a patio or in the corner of the yard and filled it with whatever extra plants are lying around.

Antique Planter Boxes
Antique planter boxes are functional as well as ornate, and provide the perfect juxtaposition of man made and natural elements when flowers or herbs are planted in them. They come in numerous styles, sizes and finishes, so there are boxes out there to compliment any space. Planter boxes are particularly well suited for patio or deck spaces.

We are excited to share with you all of our great landscaping and maintenance tips, inspiring garden & landscape design ideas, amazing landscape transformation examples with before and after photos, answers to your questions, news from the world of landscape design and Haddonstone and more. All of these topics will be focused around our line of products and services, primarily Haddonstone fine garden ornaments.

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