Short story–the previous owners removed the middle of the historic patio and installed a cement firepit surrounded by rocks. Sounds fun and all (and kind of was even though it was wayyyyyyyy too close to the house) but they failed to include a foundation so crumbled. We had it removed and I have done nothing in part due to a bananas summer and the other due to indecision–also, I don't want to spend a bunch of money here as we have more pressing things to do with the house budget. The options are: 1) removing the stones and adding a birdbath surrounded by salvia and interesting flower whatnots in the center of the patio (or some other flower situation?). 2) Replacing the brick with matching brick. 3) Something else I have not thought of and so hive-minding Reddit.
Appreciate your willingness to think on this project that is driving me batshit! Please excuse current garden conditions, I have not been able to my garden the attention I deserve this summer.
by GhostofLolaMontez
20 Comments
Your patio is lovely. I’d go with the bird bath and flowers idea, or another water feature just to have a focal point. But your yard really doesn’t need it, so replacing the brick would give you more space. Can’t go wrong!
Lovely yard you have! I’m a fan of a birdbath …
I would do the birdbath with a bunch of native flowers/ plants, maybe a birdhouse and (or) feeder, to welcome the local wildlife!
They also make solar powered fountains you can put in the bird bath to give them a little running water and it looks appealing too!
Raised garden beds for veggies and herbs
Build a fountain
Small pond with plants surrounded by flowers
I’d go with a fountain ⛲ the birds can use it and it can be soothing to listen to.
I think the fireplace idea is great, just poorly executed. I’d probably clear that hole out, grade it, then pull bricks from the edge in to fill it. Then do a proper fire pit on the edge of the bricks further away from the house and in the yard. Best part is that you can reuse existing material in the build too. Alternatively the cheap route would be to just get a bird bath for that spot and call it a day.
Looks like a lovely space for entertaining in the summer. If you want to explore the firepit route, keep us in mind! [www.kelrayfirepits.com](http://www.kelrayfirepits.com)
Call the dude from Insane Pools and give him a ton of money to put in something majestic.
If you like the fire pit idea, could always get one of the smaller ones that has legs.
A good sized bird bath is the first thing I thought of.
Thread leaf Japanese Maple would look killer. Just dig out some of the poor soil and replace with good stuff.
A really nice fountain for sure.
Depends on if you’re a wildlife person, or a people person.
If you like people, make it a fire pit.
If you like plants and animals, make a pond or a birdbath
Personally I’d have to put a raised bed with wall block throw something bigger and bushy in the center and surround with annual flowers
Kitchen garden? Plant a tree?
Plant a small tree?
Would if you moved the grill in the background of pic#1 next to the grill in the foreground and added a side table for you grilling area: remove the fireplace rubble and rep,ace with standard pavers and move your patio table there. That would be relatively budget friendly until your ready for something more serious. Also power wash the entire patio to freshen up.
Fire pit