A Bright Fix for a Shady Patio

A cracked old concrete patio in a shady position can still be made bright and colourful without too much work. Some second-hand timber furniture painted white or a punchy pastel would look great. Painted designs like stripes or circles or even a big daisy painted on a table-top can work wonders to rejuvenate an old and worn area. Distressed paintwork with an array of bright exterior cushions is very eye-catching, too.

Even a non-gardener can install some colourful pots of shade-loving plants, such as lobelias, impatiens or begonias. These low-maintenance plants produce plenty of blooms, and can make the most dreary area look bright and cheerful. An outdoor carpet rug in an eye-catching colour and shape can be attractive, as long as it is easily pulled up and laid down. A fully laid carpet is often not permitted on apartment balconies, as the carpet mildews when wet and causes the underlying concrete to degenerate. However, carpet tiles laid 5/8ths of an inch off the floor surface are a solution to this problem, if your apartment rules allow them, or interlocking wood and porcelain tiles can also be a good choice.

Source: Gazette