Faking a Courtyard Garden

Most of us in the States do not have courtyard gardens. At least in the suburbs, we are more apt to have backyards that are fairly rectangular and open… the bigger, the better. But we can fake a courtyard garden by adding the right plantings in the right manner. With a few structural elements and carefully chosen perennials, it’s an easy fake, and you’ll likely find that your “courtyard” becomes the place you spend most mornings and evenings.

Courtyard gardens are those nooks, typically small and cozy, which seem hidden from other spaces thanks to their being somewhat walled off. They are the spaces in which to sip coffee, write a note to a friend, or read the paper. 

Cozy courtyards typically rely on buildings on either side, meaning they are open to the sky but bound by at least a couple of walls. In my mind, I see the stone or stucco walls which might characterize buildings in French or Italian villages, but you may have a different vision. No problem with that; you likely have an equally beautiful type of courtyard in mind. But, there IS a problem. The problem: We who have the large rectangular yards don’t typically have walls surrounding those spaces. And the spaces are likely considered “big” rather than “cozy”. So how do we do the faking? What can we do to make parts of our yard private destination spots?

For this, the ubiquitous privacy fence comes into play. Many of us have fenced-in yards. Using the right perennials, annual container plants, climbing vines, and garden furniture, we can rely on the fence to fake two “walls”, if we sit in the corner where two fence panels come together at an angle. In such an area, it helps to dig up any perennials you might already have and start fresh. Along one “wall” (span of fencing), choose perennials that grow up on the vertical plane. Climbing Roses, Wisteria, Honeysuckle Vine, Clematis, Ivy… you get the idea, but I would suggest focusing on what will stay evergreen. Planted nearest the fence, one or more of these climbers will do the job of drawing our eyes up, and decorating and partially enclosing an area with greenery.

Now, I said, “dig up… [and] start fresh”, but of course you should not do this if you already have a gorgeous Clematis vine climbing up your fence, or if there’s an established bit of Virginia Creeper that enchants you, especially in autumn when its colors change. But you understand.

Once one “wall” has some decoration, add perennials in different tiers—the typical tall back border, medium mid-way area, and compact front border. Think of these tiers only loosely, and get creative with placements and plant heights. In the corner where two fence lengths meet, consider adding something with good height, such as a tall pedestal planter in which something rather wild and airy can spray out. This could perhaps be a large Fern or one of the Catmints. While it is uncommon to plant such perennials in containers, they will do well, providing something of great visual interest when you sit in the “courtyard”. And given containers that can handle all sorts of weather without cracking, perennials work best in this case so you won’t have to refill and refresh each and every year.

For sitting, a café table and chairs, placed in the corner, is charming. Lanterns and battery operated tea lights are necessities for evening, unless you can monitor real candlelight, which is surely even nicer. Flowering perennials along the other wall (perhaps even a large and wispy Perovskia) and a suspended piece of found art (something you can tap into your fencing with a nail or two, such as an old and empty picture frame or a securely hung old window) can add more charm, though these things are not vital and can quickly turn a faux courtyard garden into a junk heap. Put simply, don’t overdo it: One well-placed, well-worn piece here, and another old treasure there, will be more than enough.

To add to the effect, purchasing a pre-made arbor (they’re reasonably priced if you look in the right places, and many appear to be expensive wrought iron when they are really just a powder-coated base metal) can direct the visitor (or you, the homeowner) into this cozy corner. The arbor should perhaps be placed on an angle and with container plants on both sides, with climbing/vining perennials planted within, to create just one visible entrance to the private sanctuary. This sanctuary will not be completely surrounded by “walls”, but it will nonetheless have a private feel to it if you test out some different placements of the arbor and of your plant pots—pots that are, ideally, quite large. 

Finally, because you are closing off this area to the lawn mower, you may either decide to add some crushed stone beneath the café table and chairs, or to go with a Moss-and-brick or Moss-and-flagstone sort of approach. But don’t bother with challenging installations. Just set up the plantings first, position the arbor or something similar, and see what else is needed later on. You can add to or edit this area over time. To start out though, Mosses, herbs such as Lavender and Catmint, Roses, Ornamental Grasses which are big enough to make a statement but small enough not to crowd you out… these sorts of perennials will help you with your creation.

Fake it ’til you make it. (And, forgive me for this, but… faux it and you won’t have to mow it… though “not mowing” isn’t the goal here.) The goal, of course, is creating a special little haven, with hard lines that are softened by greenery and flower color, partially hidden and inviting—a space that is perfect for escaping from the stress of the day. 

So the steps to keep in mind: 1) Start small and add visual interest on the vertical plane, then in border beds below it. 2) Include a sitting spot so you can enjoy this area and stay awhile. Older furniture, especially dark and with an iron look, adds great style. 3) Create an enclosure where there was not one before, utilizing an arbor or something similar, along with some large plant containers. 4) Add and adjust as time goes on. In the present time, enjoy!

Faux courtyard garden… well worth the making.