Concrete Courtyards (lawns, growing, grass, tree)

[dizzybint]

been reading about these and saw some photos and they are stunning... Ive a small backyard where grass doesnt take well at all so now its mainly slabs , mulch and a big tree... and garden shed... now I want the tree cut down as far too big and roots are going under the house... Ive seen this concrete done in some front lawns and it looks so nice with just planter sitting here and there. so much easier , are there drawbacks to having this done...

[Pitt Chick]

Drawbacks to a concrete patio?
None that I know of, unless it directs water where you don't need it.

[Cattknap]

Concrete slabs can crack if they are not installed and scored properly (and the land underneath graded properly). Get someone who really knows what they are doing or you will be sorry.

[luvmycat]

Originally Posted by Cattknap

Concrete slabs can crack if they are not installed and scored properly (and the land underneath graded properly). Get someone who really knows what they are doing or you will be sorry.

I second that...whoever laid the concrete in my yard did a terrible job, it's cracking everywhere and looks ugly. I plan to get rid of it and put in something different...not sure yet, but I'm thinking of flat stones with a low-growing groundcover (probably elfin or creeping thyme) between them. I actually like a more natural, wild feel than standard concrete...but there are some very attractive techniques I've seen where the concrete is etched into and then stained to look like stone, which is nice if you're wanting a defined and solid spot to create a grilling area, etc. Good luck, whatever you decide to go with!

[kinkytoes]

I liked the tiled courtyards I saw in Mexico. But I think they're better in conjunction with the high walls. I also personally enjoy seeing plants instead of hardscaping by itself. I would suggest tiling the patio w/ stone if you live in a Northern area, and/or leaving space for plantings at the sides. Be careful to ensure the drainage is optimum. I don't know much about that, though, but drainage/grading is important.

As far as decor and "gardening" goes, I would also suggest getting a few really big (maybe 4 footers) planters to decorate the patio with. If you live in the North, it gets depressing to see only concrete all year, IMO...

Ideas?
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/p...m/12680627.jpg
AT Offline: James Stephenson at Urban Garden Design Meetup - 6.5.08 | Apartment Therapy
http://www.hogartotal.com/sites/www....el%20patio.jpg
http://www.penick.net/digging/images...rden_patio.JPG
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/...arden600.1.jpg
http://casarurallaesperanza.blogspot.es/img/patio.jpg

[FW transplant]

I think flagstone or tile over concrete would look nicer than plain concrete.

[Cattknap]

Originally Posted by luvmycat

I second that...whoever laid the concrete in my yard did a terrible job, it's cracking everywhere and looks ugly. I plan to get rid of it and put in something different...not sure yet, but I'm thinking of flat stones with a low-growing groundcover (probably elfin or creeping thyme) between them. I actually like a more natural, wild feel than standard concrete...but there are some very attractive techniques I've seen where the concrete is etched into and then stained to look like stone, which is nice if you're wanting a defined and solid spot to create a grilling area, etc. Good luck, whatever you decide to go with!

This is the look I prefer too - sounds lovely and smells good when you walk on the thyme!

[luvmycat]

Originally Posted by Cattknap

This is the look I prefer too - sounds lovely and smells good when you walk on the thyme!

Thyme is wonderful...I love that it grows so easily and can withstand extreme heat. I planted some elfin thyme in the center of an area I'm creating for my little dogs, and it's growing in nicely even though it's been SUPER hot and we've had hardly any rain. I don't even have to water it daily, it still just keeps on going strong...love that ! Once it cools off, I plan to broadcast seeds of different types of thyme, with the taller varieties on the outside edges, so it will look like concentric circles going outward and getting taller as they go. I'm hoping this groundcover plan will make their little feet smell like herbs instead of corn chips, LOL !

[kinkytoes]

Originally Posted by luvmycat

thyme is wonderful...i love that it grows so easily and can withstand extreme heat. I planted some elfin thyme in the center of an area i'm creating for my little dogs, and it's growing in nicely even though it's been super hot and we've had hardly any rain. I don't even have to water it daily, it still just keeps on going strong...love that ! Once it cools off, i plan to broadcast seeds of different types of thyme, with the taller varieties on the outside edges, so it will look like concentric circles going outward and getting taller as they go. i'm hoping this groundcover plan will make their little feet smell like herbs instead of corn chips, lol :d!

lol

[Cattknap]

Originally Posted by luvmycat

I'm hoping this groundcover plan will make their little feet smell like herbs instead of corn chips, LOL !

So cute.