Enjoying Outdoor Spaces
by Anna Ribbeck
Students of architecture tell us that courtyards date back to 3,000 B.C. In olden days, these areas enclosed by buildings and left open to the sky may have been shared by many and used for meeting, sleeping, cooking, gardening and even tending animals. The surrounding buildings offered protection. Our southshore ancestors—mostly European—brought this architecture to New Orleans. The temperate climate was perfect for outdoor gatherings, especially prior to the days of air conditioning. Many of the oldest homes in New Orleans exhibit the central courtyard surrounded by the living areas. Carriage houses received the horses and carriages and opened onto this courtyard, as well. French doors could be opened wide to make this outdoor space an extension of the living space within.
Courtyards can be grassy or they can be rock or gravel filled. Sometimes, in the simplest of situations, courtyards have merely dirt floors. Luckily, many of our ancestors from Europe knew the pleasure of patio architecture, and their courtyards reflected that. “Patio” is a Spanish word that means back garden. Traditionally, the patio was an outside space, paved and used for dining and playing. It may have taken up part of the courtyard, or the whole courtyard, but it was always attached to the main dwelling. In earlier days, much or all of the cooking was done outdoors; in nice weather it just made sense to have a space outdoors to partake of the cuisine. The patio was created on a firm foundation, leveled with stone chips or sand and then paved with large stones or tiles. This created an area that was relatively stable to hold a table and chairs. It also provided a cleaner and dryer surface than grass or mud.
Today, courtyards and patios are the bare bones of what is an essential part of every home. We all have some sort of outdoor space dedicated to relaxation and entertaining. Like our ancestors, we spend lots of time and money making these spaces comfortable, practical and beautiful. Summer is the perfect time to turn our attention to these spaces, but on the northshore, fall is the best time to enjoy them!
Whether you have a large courtyard—perhaps with a pool—or just an 8 x 10 patio made of poured concrete, nothing makes an outdoor space more beautiful than the addition of plants and flowers. There are many ways to do this, but the simplest is always the use of containers. Pots, whiskey barrels, old tubs or whatever suits your fancy all make a great impact when filled with living things. Interacting with nature through design can soothe the soul and help replenish our zest for living. The more senses we can bring into play, the more pleasing the outdoor experience will be. Textured plants like coleus, impatiens, rabbit ears, dusty miller and philodendron make excellent choices for container gardens. They also tempt one to feel and explore. Raised gardens filled with herbs are also a wonderful choice for bordering a patio or deck. Herbs need lots of sun to do their best and prefer their soil to be a bit on the dry side. Fragrant plants like eucalyptus, scented geraniums, sweet alyssum and lavender are also great patio or deck accompaniment. Placing these near a garden window or door is also a way to let the scent in on cooler days.
Another way to enhance the patio or deck is to use a fountain. Hearing the trickle of running water is a relaxing treat. It’s also nice to surround the fountain with tropical beauties like banana trees, birds of paradise, ferns and, of course, palms. If you are lucky enough to have space for a pond, the addition of water lilies, water cypress, grasses, goldfish and koi will enhance a place to relax and entertain in. Create a cozy corner on your patio or deck by adding a trellis that allows for colorful climbers such as wisteria, clematis or jessamine.
Imagine the satisfaction you will have from preparing a salad with herbs and vegetables you have grown right outside your kitchen door. On a cool fall evening, lighting up the grill and serving grilled lamb chops sprinkled with your own fresh rosemary is truly a delight. Dressing the outdoor table should be an adventure as well. Candles and greenery always work wonders and make the space magical. Forget using scented candles outdoors; let the living plants provide that for you.
Outdoor living and gardening can be a great treat for the whole family. While we can thank our ancestors for their architectural ideas, we should thank ourselves for good planning and allowing ourselves to find time and space to relax and enjoy all the treats Mother Nature has for us. Enjoy your outdoor space, knowing that by doing so you are creating your own history and architecture all in one. Happy gardening!
