As we go into spring, décor experts are talking about patio minimalism, which aims to create  a functional space that is tranquil and inviting.

It’s about decluttering,  opting for clean simple lines, soft earthy colours and connecting with nature through a carefully curated selection of plants.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Don’t over furnish. Decide on a function and make that your focus. For example, if it is dining, make sure the chairs are comfortable enough for relaxing as well. Larger patios can be divided up into different zones. Provide enough space so that no one feels crowded.
• Link the patio to the house by extending the home’s colour scheme to the patio. A consistent colour palette creates a feeling of harmony, making the patio an extension of the home and not an add-on.
• Use plants to connect the patio to the garden. Less is more. Two feature plants in elegant pots, or a grouping of plants, may be all that is needed. Incorporating living greenery adds to the feeling of wellbeing and serenity.
• Regularly declutter to keep the space airy, spacious and welcoming.

Stylish plants for  the patio

Patios without plants can feel a little sterile, but too many can make it feel crowded.  Choose plants that make a statement, adding colour, texture and form. If they add fragrance or attract butterflies it’s even better.

Areca (Bamboo) Palm

This palm tops the list for elegance and grace. It fills a space, but with a light touch. As a patio plant it needs bright shade as the leaves turn yellowish green in direct sunlight. It works well as a single feature plant or in groups with other tropical plants like delicious monster, ferns or other palms.

This easy to care for palm needs lightly moist soil in summer and a liquid fertiliser once a month. In autumn and winter let the soil  dry out slightly between watering. This palm doesn’t mind a tight container and this helps to limit its size. Repotting is only necessary every two or three years to renew the potting mix.

Sansevieria (Mother in law’s tongue)

For a sculptural plant you don’t need to look further than Sansevieria. It has upright, sword like leaves that can be banded or edged with yellow, grey or silver.  Its contemporary, modern feel fits in well with minimalist décor.

More than that,  this hardy plant is virtually indestructible. It needs very little care, minimal water and tolerates low light but grows best with  bright indirect light, It can tolerate some morning sun.

Ficus Benjamina

This slender tree, with arching stems and glossy green leaves is generally regarded as an indoor tree but it is also happy on a sheltered patio that receives bright indirect light.  It has a subtle presence that doesn’t dominate and is good for providing background height, and lushness. Try not to move it because it doesn’t like to be moved once it is in the right position.

It needs moderate watering, and liquid fertiliser once a month in summer. Spritz the leaves to keep them dust free. Plants that drop their leaves may be stressed by under or over watering or a change in temperature. Fertilise plants with light green leaves.

Hibiscus

Frame your patio with summer-long flowering hibiscus and enjoy the nectar sipping birds and butterflies that are attracted by its brilliantly coloured trumpet-like flowers.

Hibiscus in patio pots can receive morning sun and afternoon shade or bright indirect light throughout the day.  During very hot summer days pots may need to be watered daily.. Feed monthly during summer with a fertiliser for flowering plants. Cut back by a third after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second flush. Prune once a year to prevent the plant becoming leggy and woody.

Trailing plants

For patios with limited space, the answer is to go upwards! Hanging baskets or wall planters can provide greenery or colour at eye level, which is often a ‘dead’ space. Trailing foliage plants, in particular, add character without cluttering the space. Because the plants are growing in minimal amounts of soil, they need to be watered every day in summer and fed once a month with a liquid fertiliser.

Vining Philodendron scandens, also known as the sweetheart plant for its heart-shaped leaves, is a vigorous grower that can be left to cascade freely or kept to a manageable size by regular trimming.  It tolerates all light conditions, from shady to bright light, but does best in medium light. Keep the soil consistently moist although the surface soil can dry out slightly before watering again.

The trailing succulent, String of Bananas ( as well as String of Beads) looks spectacular when it trails out of a container, as it hangs down like a green curtain. Be careful of over-watering, ideally once a week watering in summer and once a month in winter. Plants do best with very bright indirect light and minimal sun as this can burn the plant.

Pilea depressa has a trailing fern-like habit that makes it suitable for a hanging basket or wall planter. Its small, glossy round green leaves are carried on trailing stems that cascade over the edge of the container. It likes bright light but not direct sun so be careful where you place it. It is easy to care for, likes moist but not soggy soil and can be  trimmed to keep it in shape.

Content by www.lvgplant.co.za

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