Making a decision on the style and look you want for your space is the first step of your garden design. What style or theme do you see? Are you leaning towards a formal or informal style? Country or Japanese? There are a lot of possibilities but don’t forget that you can also mix elements from each if they are what you want. When you finally determine what style you want, always keep that style and theme in the forefront so that the overall effect does not become confusing. For example, combining bronze garden sculptures of saints or cherubs with rustic wooden wagon wheels just doesn’t have a good flow.

Determine what the primary function of your patio area will be, in other words what will the space be used for most often? Do you plan to entertain a lot of outdoor dinner guests? If so, be sure your patio space has plenty of room for the largest number of people right from the beginning. Will your patio be more of a private, reflective retreat for enjoying the sun, reading a book, or gazing up at the stars?

From all of the ideas you have gathered, select the ones you believe to be the best and incorporate them into your design and before you know it you will have a design that will satisfy your needs.

In your plan, create paths or walkways that wind their way from one area to the next. Paths can be very soothing and if planned carefully they can be very helpful when gardening. You can construct your paths from stone, brick, flagstone, gravel, or just mown turf, although be aware that grass paths do require a bit more care. Locate benches along the pathway to create some wonderful seating areas from which to enjoy your garden or a piece of beautiful garden art.

Some people believe that the secret to a successful garden and patio design is to include some hard structures like gazebos or pergolas. Garden structures help create forms and lines, which can give your patio design definition and dimension. This definition will always be present even during the winter months when most plants are free of foliage. By including one or two structures you can make a garden design that will be appealing all year round.

Select garden and landscaping elements that are built to withstand the weather but still look good. You can include wood patio furniture made from treated pine, cedar, teak, or eucalyptus; metal patio furniture made from wrought iron or aluminum; a trellis, an arbor, or some decorative fencing. Another element to consider is a water feature, which offers incredible beauty and atmosphere to any garden design. History proves that entire garden designs have been planned around fountains and ponds. Finally, add to the natural beauty of your yard decor with garden accents made from stone, glass, copper, or bronze.

There are so many choices and so many directions you can take your garden in, but first you have to make that initial choice as to the style or theme in order to be consistent. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring or monotonous, just maintain an underlying theme and remember an asymmetrical balance is still a balance.