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....