Courtyards can be inviting entries into a house or secluded private places that are attractive from the street side. They are popular in places like New Orleans, Charleston and many areas of California. However, they are not allowed in many cities and residential areas with regulations about setbacks on a lot or permitted front yard construction. Courtyards usually are enclosed with a wall, fence or landscape screening, and often have an ornamental entry gate. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Create a private front courtyard with a decorative wall or fence and landscape planting. Brick or stone are ideal masonry options for a courtyard wall. Build it right at the outside property line or slightly set back from the street. Bricks can be laid solid or in an open pattern to provide privacy but allow air flow. Decorative wood fencing is another option. Avoid standard cedar privacy fence pickets in favor of 1-by-6 boards on alternate sides of the rails or slender slats with open space between. Another option is tall wrought iron fencing covered with vines or backed with tall plants.
2. Divide the courtyard into planting and seating areas. Put a curved brick walkway from the courtyard entry to the main house, with large planting beds on either side and an open seating area in the center. Another option is to build a center patio surrounded by planting beds, with stepping stone walkways. If the courtyard is large, put a small gazebo in one corner or add a decorative swing set -- for adults, not children.
3. Vary your plantings but make sure they are attractive from the street. Plant a few trees for shade; choose varieties that will not grow tall and overwhelm the courtyard. Trees with branches that form canopies are ideal. Plant plenty of spring bulbs, especially street side, and include some aromatic varieties. In California or Florida, plant lemon trees with blooms that are not only sweet-smelling but will produce edible fruit.
4. Add a water feature and an outdoor fireplace if the climate is suitable for year round courtyard use. A recirculating fountain will add pleasant sound and attract colorful birds. An outdoor fireplace is an increasingly popular option in many locales. These can be masonry -- brick or rock -- or metal cookers built into a masonry covering. If courtyard cooking is not an option, a chiminea or basic small fireplace will be useful on cool evenings.
Tags: from street, Another option, attractive from, attractive from street, fence landscape, outdoor fireplace
