You probably want some distinction between your patio and garden. However, cohesion between the two spaces increases your enjoyment of both. If the lines between outdoor living space and garden are blurred, it's almost as if you're extending the living space into the garden. Creating cohesion between your patio and garden not only blends the two spaces, the plants add beauty and privacy.

Include Built-in Planters

As you plan your patio design, include planters built right in. Space them around the patio, and plant them with perennials. Don't limit yourself to little slices of vertical planters installed here and there. Instead, experiment with beds of low plants tucked into corners or even groundcover peeking up between pavers.

Plant up Walls

If your patio cozies up to a wall, Better Homes and Gardens suggests the art of espalier, or training a shrub to grow up a surface. Start with a decorative shrub, such as a rose, in a permanent planter against the wall. Set nails in the wall in the desired pattern, and hang wires from these. Keeping only two shoots on each branch, use soft ties to attach them to the wall.

Add an Arbor

An excellent way to add shade and beauty is with an arbor. Choose a corner that you want to make more private, and have the arbor installed. Train trailing plants such as honeysuckle, ivy or the classic grape to grow up and over the structure. Include container plants around the area to further the feeling of a retreat.

Install a Water Feature

If you're creating a private retreat on your patio, have a water feature installed. The water feature can be a fountain, pool or even waterfall. Place the feature near the arbor or espalier fence, and the water sounds create an oasis for you to relax in.

Surround the Patio

Plant your garden right up to the edge of the patio. Include a selection of colors and textures in your planting pattern. Add pots around the perimeter in a similar material to the flooring, and include plants in complementary colors. This blurs the edge between the two spaces.

Design Your Garden

When you're designing your garden, include low-maintenance shrubs and perennials in free-form beds. Look for plants in a variety of heights and textures. Start with tall plants such as weigela, Russian sage and juniper nearest the patio. Add decorative grasses such as little bluestem and blue lyme grass. Include groundcover plants such as thyme and Irish moss. Finish the garden by dotting it with interest plants such as Ivory jade winter creeper, hydrangea and any variety of sedum.

Turn your backyard into an oasis by blurring the edges between the patio and the garden. Surround your patio with a beautiful garden, include plants on the patio, and add a water feature for tranquility. Contact professionals, such as those from Master Landscape, to see how they can help best fulfill your needs.