Terraces, courtyards, patios and small bohemian balconies are the new stars of summer! This very colourful "boho" trend that has invaded our interiors and wardrobes also appears in our summer green retreats. It matches the sunny cheerfulness of a season when we spend a lot of time outdoors.
Let’s take inspiration from the gypsy world to prepare bright alcoves on balconies, terraces and inner courtyards from the first fine days, with planting ideas and decorative elements. We explore this Boho Patio in three scenes easy to recreate at home!
Boho Patio codes
The bohemian atmosphere dresses itself in vivid, deep and variegated colours that answer one another, but also in associations of warm tones in the blooms: intense reds, deep violets, Indian pinks and spicy oranges, not forgetting bicoloured flowers. Bluish, golden or purplish foliage helps to reinforce this playful mood, bringing red or variegated splashes.
This mixed-up planting borrows from gypsy culture a festive, hybrid universe that laughs at convention and pairs a whole spectrum of colours, provided they are warm and bright.
This style is also based on improvisation, like manouche music, and on bold accents. This temperament appears in the garden in temporary scenes created especially for the summer months, and in the accumulation of mismatched small objects (side tables, stools, small cushions, etc.).
On the décor side, important for dining and relaxation areas, have fun with mismatched pairings: rustic furniture repainted turquoise or green, rattan chairs, fabric pouffes, Provençal floral and ethnic patterns juxtaposed with strong colours: turquoise, pink, orange and bright yellow. The advantage of this bohemian décor is that you can mix disparate objects and accessories, using what you already have at home or stored in the attic, to give them a second life: bring out granny’s lace and embroidery for the summer, macramé and trimmings, old rattan armchairs, baskets and fruit crates, airy curtains. In a joyful mix of materials, the décor is done!
On a sun-drenched terrace
Terrace or balcony are often west- or south-facing. They can be radically transformed into an ultra-cheerful cocoon with sun-tolerant plants that do well in pots. Explore a plant colour palette ranging from saffron yellow to violet for a truly bohemian vibe.
Alstroemerias 'Indian Summer', orange and yellow contrasting against bronze foliage, will look stunning alongside Coreopsis 'Cosmic Eye', a bright yellow spotted with purple, or the pretty all-yellow 'Full Moon Madness'. Add other long-flowering plants such as a common Rose mallow 'Pink Passion' with giant flowers and dark purple foliage, and provide more foliage interest with a pomegranate that can be grown in a pot, such as Punica granatum 'Nana', whose brilliant flowers will pair beautifully with the other perennials. For snacking at aperitif time, invite, for example, the surprising cherry tomatoes 'Akoya', whose fruits turn almost black.
In a semi-shaded urban patio
Small city courtyards benefit from focusing on colour and variegated or golden foliage to lift them out of the shade. In a semi-shaded patio receiving enough light and warmth in summer, opt for sunny flowers and a few "indestructibles":
Hosta 'The King', Hakonechloa macra and an Aucuba japonica 'Crotonifolia' for their golden and variegated foliage (Aucuba will reward you with pretty red berries a little earlier) together with the bold flowers of Hibiscus syriacus 'Hibisa rosada', and the Peruvian lily 'Duc d'Anjou'.
The bohemian spirit will also be present in accessories, essential in less bright areas and in smaller spaces.
Beyond plants, bring colour without fearing the boldest mixes. Dare genre-mixing: antique rug + Italian ceramics + small disparate or oversized objects and a cosy bench, etc. Here, the evening atmosphere will be especially worked on: lanterns, paper lanterns and candles, and don’t forget a crochet throw in these patios that are often cooler at night.
Garden refuge as an improvised alcove
This bohemian trend can also be expressed in a corner of the garden used as an improvised summer retreat.
In front of a shed, garden shelter or at the foot of a fine tree from which a rattan chair is hung, set up a summer hideaway using bohemian codes. A temporary terrace, improvised with clip-together wooden decking tiles readily available from DIY stores, is easy to install. In summer it becomes a true green cocoon perfect for relaxing on a garden sofa made of a few stacked pallets or large pouffes, in a fairground style.
Here, a few colourful annuals join the party: multicoloured zinnias and orange calendulas (marigolds) sown in pots in spring, or beds of African marigold 'Mango Tango' around the area, as well as sun-loving perennials such as the charming Delosperma 'Ocean Sunset Orange Glow'. Count on two striking pots of dahlias with evocative names, the fiery 'Bohemian Spartacus' and the more restrained compact 'Melody Gipsy', for a long and remarkable display. Sunflowers 'Mongolian Giant' will bring pep and height, while a pot of basil 'Everleaf Emerald Tower' will be handy for salads at barbecues or sunny lunches.
Gather your most colourful pots, bring in lace, hangings, vintage crockery and cushions: job done!
Discover other plants ideal for composing this bohemian green décor on a terrace in our "Boho Patio" selection online and in our trend booklet!
Feeling the bohemian spirit? Find our advice on creating a bohemian garden, and our inspirational sequences: Catalane and Peach Raspberry.
This Boho Patio trend also draws on recycling second‑hand objects. Explore our topics to let your creativity run free: Decor idea: plants in unusual containers; How to make a planter from a pallet?; Recycling in the garden and How to use and properly integrate terracotta pots in the garden?
Terraces, courtyards, patios and small bohemian balconies are the new stars of summer! This very colourful “boho” trend that has invaded our interiors and wardrobes also appears in our summer green retreats. It matches the sunny cheerfulness of a season when we spend a lot of time outdoors. Let’s take inspiration from the gypsy world […]
Whether it is shared or belongs to your neighbour, the effect of a wall in the garden is largely the same. It imposes itself forcefully, highlights the potential crampedness of the space, and often presents a rather gloomy face. And if it is built from unsightly concrete blocks and blocks the sun, the urge to grab a heavy sledgehammer is not far off. This ultimate solution should be forgotten (unless the wall is yours), so here are some ideas to work with, dress up, or take advantage of a wall in the garden.
If, like me, you are always on the lookout for the latest trends, I am sure you are already thinking of “green walls”. They create stunning displays and are an excellent option if you have the right budget. Indeed, vertical gardening is not something you can improvise: it requires quite advanced techniques. I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but it is expensive, and even more so if the installation is poorly managed, as you will have to replace the plants, which may perish from either lack or excess of water or fertiliser.
Green wall - Source: Pinterest
So I suggest we focus on simple, realistic, and easy-to-implement solutions.
Planting a bed in front of the wall
The first solution to break the massive effect of a wall is to use it as a backdrop. If it is rather attractive (the charm of old stones…), its presence will soon be balanced by the plants. Shrubs and perennials are classic choices. You just need to choose them well according to the exposure. If the wall blocks the sun, you can opt for heather soil shrubs, Hostas, ferns, Epimediums… If it is south-facing, it will retain heat, allowing you to plant some tender varieties. Unfortunately, this option is only feasible in larger gardens...
Climbing plants: champions of ascent
Climbing plants are a natural choice when it comes to greening a wall. They should be the first option that comes to mind, especially since they occupy minimal ground space.
Whether they climb the structure on their own using their climbing roots (Virginia creeper, ivy…) or need a little assistance, anything is possible. Honeysuckles, clematis, climbing hydrangeas, Akebia... the choices are vast. Don’t hesitate to combine them to create a lush tapestry that will bloom with flowers throughout the seasons.
Greening a wall: Honeysuckle, Akebia quinata rosea, Schizophragma, Clematis 'Etoile Rose', climbing hydrangea
Regarding installation, I have given up on commercial trellises (too expensive or unattractive) in favour of metal cables (from the Gripple brand). I can do whatever I want with them; they are discreet and incredibly sturdy. If you are a bit handy and creative, go ahead and invent your own supports!
Focus on wood and create the illusion
To disguise an unsightly wall, wood is a material of choice. Its natural appearance pairs well with plants and gives a touch of countryside charm to even the most urban gardens. It is relatively easy to implement and not too costly if you opt for a species like Douglas fir.
To counter the feeling of enclosure, one solution is to create the illusion of openings. Cleverly placed and integrated into the vegetation, garden mirrors can be truly stunning.
A beautiful effect of openness thanks to a mirror (Source: Pinterest)
In the category of trompe-l'œil, simulating the presence of a shed, as done by Isabelle Olikier or Hugues Peuvergne, will also have a lovely effect. Some wood, a reclaimed door and window… a few weekends of work and you’re done!
Two examples of trompe l'œil: the shed by Isabelle Olikier and the shelter by Hugues Peuvergne (Photo Pinterest)
Bring in some colour!
Solid colours are very energising in a small garden or terrace. They set the tone without hesitation and complement modern-style gardens well. Bright orange, deep red, Klein blue, sunny yellow, or Indian pink… anything is possible as long as you remain consistent with the overall atmosphere of the garden and choose your furniture wisely.
Two examples of colourful walls - Source: Pinterest
Black often puts people off. I love it. It adds a very chic and contemporary touch and truly highlights the foliage: don’t banish it from your palette, even in the shade!
White is very versatile: paired with blue and Mediterranean perennials, it transports you to Mykonos. With hydrangeas, you find yourself in Brittany! Paired with a hint of beige, it also suits white gardens. However, avoid it in less sunny regions, as you may find it looking pale for nine months of the year.
But perhaps you have a good artistic flair: why not animate the wall with a lovely drawing? If not, consider reaching out to people like Claire Delahaye, a landscape designer (Slowgarden), who masters the art of murals:
Mural - Photo: Slow garden
Finally, if you, like me, have a practical mindset, know that a south-facing wall is ideal for supporting a pergola, a lovely summer kitchen, or a greenhouse… the latter will benefit from the thermal mass of the stone to maintain a gentle warmth.
Most of these images were sourced from Pinterest… It is a true treasure trove of ideas. Don’t hesitate to sign up and follow our boards!
Whether it is shared or belongs to your neighbour, the effect of a wall in the garden is largely the same. It imposes itself forcefully, highlights the potential crampedness of the space, and often presents a rather gloomy face. And if it is built from unsightly concrete blocks and blocks the sun, the urge to […]
