Planting a Deck
A deck can be a perfect location for plants -- on and around it. The advantages of deckscaping include softening the edges, adding colorful accents, organizing space, providing privacy, reducing glare, and adding shade.
Plants with a Purpose
Whether the plants are on the deck or planted adjacent to it, the introduction of a little green will help the deck blend into the garden and not appear as an object. Here are a few ways to add beauty and utility to your deck.
- If your deck is high off the ground, you might consider planting some small, ornamental trees around the base so that the canopy of the plants is at eye level. This softens the edge, can add privacy, and may even cast some shade.
- When choosing a tree, consider flower color and fall color. If the plant has fragrance, try to place it on the upwind side of the deck.
- Planted in containers or built-in structures, plants add color and accent to the deck. They can tie the structure to the garden, break up large expanses of open areas, highlight an entryway, or enliven a seating area.
- Plants can define different areas of a deck. Use four containers of evergreen shrubs to establish the corners of an outdoor dining area. Line them up side by side to screen an area for sunbathing.
- Make use of the walls of the house and train a vine or espalier a tree or shrub to soften the wall. Take advantage of the view from the deck and create patterns of planting in the garden beyond it.
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janetscafidi wrote:
I also liked the idea of small ornamental trees at the base of the deck rather than the Indian Hawthorne plants that I presently have. It takes them too long to fill in the gaps.
6/27/2007 6:46 PM CDT
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wadowning wrote:
I use the space under my deck for storing snow shovels and rakes, and extra plant pots during the summer and during the winter I store deck chairs and tables under the deck. I keep all plant pots in totes and built a small platform so nothing is laying on the ground. For winter I cover the chairs and tables with tarps to protect them. My deck is also only about 3 feet off the ground. We took one section of the lattice work off and hinged it for access.
3/22/2007 2:59 AM CDT
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snowydreams15 wrote:
you can also add some trellis work to deck rails and plant climbing flowering vines in containers to add color and privacy
3/19/2007 8:12 AM CDT
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deborah slovesko wrote:
My patio is about 3 feet off the ground also so last year I added a few big pots with big plants, one tree, a flowering hibiscus, and a green leafy plant. I have to take them indoors over the winter, however, as I don't have a greenhouse. I cluster smaller pots around the base of each big plant and overall it provides some privacy.
3/8/2007 10:06 AM CST
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jamaicawi@sbcglobal.net wrote:
My deck is also about 3' off the ground. Above deck is a tropical oasis. However, I'm struggling with how to use the unused space below deck.
3/7/2007 11:24 PM CST
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