To beautify a redesigned patio area, updating a surrounding landscape is a natural next step. Deciding what (and when) to plant can help to simplify maintenance and upkeep needs, while adding to the aesthetics of a club’s outdoor facilities.
When determining which plants will thrive best in a patio setting, consider low-maintenance choices that work well in a wide range of climates: boxwoods, dwarf hollies, small conifers and azaleas. Flowering plants recognized for their vivid color palettes include pansies, vinca, impatiens, zinnias, begonias and petunias.
“Follow the formality of your club when choosing plants,” offers Peggy Roberts, a landscape designer in Alpharetta, Ga. “Bright colors and less-formal plants would work best for clubs with a more casual, upbeat flair, where more formalized plantings and softer colors might work best for a more established, traditional club.”
To keep plantings looking fresh, Roberts recommends a combination of evergreens mixed in with annuals for seasonal color. “The evergreens provide form and function with a constant backdrop, while the annuals provide a pop of color that can be swapped out as needed if they get overgrown and beyond their prime,” she says.
Also, be sure to factor in the patio’s location in relation to where optimal sunlight hits—for example, zinnias and petunias require full sun, but hostas and impatiens benefit from shade. Check plants’ labels to determine the appropriate “hardiness” zone, and visit USDA.gov to determine the last frost date in your region.
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