One of the most often asked-for features when a landscape design is being created is a patio and it is easy to understand why. By adding a patio to your landscaped garden you benefit in the following ways.

• You have added space for entertaining guests
• It extends outdoor living space
• It requires very little maintenance
• They can be used in all seasons
• They add value to your property

We are sure you will agree all of these would be most welcome to any homeowner who is planning to have new landscaping and is looking to maximise the benefits that the completed project will bring them and their family. That final point about adding value to a property has an associated benefit which is a home is more likely to be purchased by a prospective buyer if it has a patio within its garden versus another property that does not.

Another point to consider when adding a patio is whether you wish to have it covered, and if so, how are you going to do so? Given that many of you reading this will live in an area where most days are dry and sunny rather than rainy, a cover might not seem a priority. However, given that they can provide excellent shade from the sun’s rays, we suggest you consider a patio covering for that reason.

As for what types of covers are most suited to being added to a landscape design that includes a patio, we have outlined the most popular patio coverings below. Note that even if you already have an existing patio rather than about to have a new patio created as part of a landscape design, all of these covers will still be suitable for adding to it.

Patio Cover #1 – Gazebo

If you wish to retain the 360° view from your patio then a gazebo is one way this can be achieved. With support on each corner and a roof above, a gazebo within a landscape design can either be freestanding and thus portable and collapsible, or it can be a solid structure. Either way, they protect from the sun, and the rain should the weather turn foul. Gazeboes also provide scope for decor and lighting within them.

Privacy plays a massive part in how much time you spend in your own backyard. Still, without the best landscaping, it’s not always that easy to get. How are you supposed to feel relaxed and free to be yourself when neighbouring properties are staring in? It’s easier to achieve than you think.

1. Tall Fencing

The most obvious solution to achieve privacy is tall fencing. If your current perimeter fencing is looking a little worse for wear, then consider your options surrounding an upgrade. Changing your fences may rely on your neighbours to agree to it, but it can benefit both properties once it’s complete.

2. Privacy Screens

Sometimes, it’s not the entire yard you want to keep private, but your entertaining area instead. There’s something quite invasive about spending time with friends and family, only to be able to see your neighbour hanging their washing on the line.

Fortunately, privacy screens are something that are effortless to incorporate into your landscape design. You can buy all manner of permanent and temporary ones and screen off the area you intend to keep private.

Whether you’re in WA, QLD, NT, or another hot state in Australia, you’ll likely struggle to achieve the landscaping you desire. After all, many plants need water to thrive, and the hot summer sun combined with temperatures over 30 degrees-Celsius gives you limited options.

But while options for what plants you can have are limited, they aren’t lacking. Read on to learn what are some of the best landscape plants for dry climates in Australia.

Amber Velvet

Amber velvet is a mid-sized kangaroo paw plant that grows up to 40cm high and 50cm wide. You can plant it in the ground, in pots, and low maintenance gardens and landscapes. It’s clear to see that amber velvet is as versatile as they come.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil in full sun and has a beautifully vibrant flower that can add a much-needed attitude to any garden. The best part is, it thrives in some of the hotter states in Australia like WA, QLD, VIC, and NSW.