A plan for a stone paver patio by the garden...

Last year, we had a neighbor that (not the hateful one, lol) decided to move out of state, they're since going to move back, but prior to leaving, they gave me their iron and glass top patio table.  These are so nice to have, to sit out with a glass of lemonade or wine and just enjoy the outdoors.  We already have one of the tall glass top bar height tables on the back deck, so it got me thinking.  Right now, we have it sitting at the side of the house.  I think there's a new plan a-brewing in my head.  It will require some leveling of some grassy land (not much), putting a hedge-fence up in front of the compost bin (needs to be done anyway), and laying some pavers down, filling in the pace w/some sand...and viola!  a patio at the edge of the garden will be born!  right next to my rose hedge (divine!!), and YES, by bestie got me a fire pit for Christmas, so that will be the PERfect spot for it!!  I'll be drawing up the new plans for it in the coming weeks and will post it for all to see...by having it in those types of plans, somehow it makes it seem like it's more likely to come to fruition, ya know what I mean? 

You can find the below photos at Houzz.com

Isn't THESE garden patios be lovely?  I could SO pull this off if I had a pergola...which I could SO pull THAT off, as well, lol

eclectic patio design

traditional patio design by media and blogs Aiken House & Gardens

If you're in the mood to check out some garden, patio, pathway, and more designs and ideas, check some out here.  Their projects are super easy to follow and understand.  Get inspired and DO something to your yard this year.  If you don't have a yard, redecorate your entry way or balcony...do SOMEthing new this year!!

See how easy it is to transform a simple balcony?  Do it the thrifty way and start shopping now at thrift stores and Goodwills and such, you could SO do it on the cheap.  Plus, do it with stuff you already have!

traditional patio design by new york architect DiGuiseppe Architect

eclectic patio design by london interior designer Celia James

What about your screened-in porch, patio, carport, etc.?  If you don't have a patio, but one of those instead, try something new with that, as well.

traditional patio design by other metros Witt Construction

the KEY is to make the space YOURs...because that's what it is!!

traditional patio design by portland landscape architect Micah Dennis

and then don't forget about YOUR garden!!!
We have a hillside in our far backyard that is ALways wet and soggy in the summer...it makes it very difficult for the hubs to maneuver his yard tractor.  The grass that gets cut comes up in huge soggy clumps...so I had the bright idea a few years ago of a dry (not-so-much) creek bed to run down the hill.  We've yet to do it, but the pic below would be wonderful to have.

traditional landscape design by seattle landscape architect Exteriorscapes llc

eclectic exterior design by los angeles media and blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

LOOOK at this WONderful veggie and herb garden!! it's BEAUtiful!!!

contemporary landscape design by portland landscape architect Micah Dennis

No yard?  no optimal growing conditions?  no time to take care of a garden?  whatever the reason, how about trying a ROCK garden!

landscape design by new york general contractor Design To Live LLC

(can you tell I'm totally addicted to Houzz.com's photo galleries, lol)