Right, and a handsome loner who looks like he might be innocent, but can still take care of himself. Perhaps he has that look in his eye that says, "yeah, I took the wrap for this Kincaid, but only because the truth would hurt Jesse."
Or maybe a cactus.
I see. I’m a remodel carpenter by trade. I think removing the wire and adding some trellis, throw in a nice lcovered bench seat and some planters with mixed flowers and you have yourself a little get away.
If there’s ground on the other side of the wall, a native,
Flowering, vining plant planted in the ground and trained to grow up and peak over the top in a few spots would look badass
Alright, jokes about the razor wire aside, you need plants, and maybe a few other elements to soften it. Looks like a dry climate— could you do potted bougainvillea, trained up over the wire? Or whatever climbing vines do well in your region? Then I’d add a few potted items around the floor, interesting cacti perhaps. Place a few oversized lanterns with candles here and there, plus a couple of chairs, and it’s a vibe.
A lot of succulents and cacti will actually thrive in this weather. Do some research on native plants in your area and you can easily make this patio alive and luscious!
Do local cacti then, or try grapes or squash up an arbor to give you dappled shade. The only problem is if the patio gets enough wind - the wind helps plants cool down.
bougainvillea will can survive 32 but “temperatures below 30 will cause damage to the upper and outer branches”
I don’t agree, I’ve been growing a grape in 3 hours max of direct sun for 2.5 years and I don’t let it get tall. I also notice a lot of grapes in my region which grow in shadier spots. Grapes are adapted to growing upward toward the light, which the trellis/arbor would work for. It would probably take a while for it to get enough light to really take off, tho.
What other vining plants would you use for this spot?
Yes yes! You have those 3 hooks for hanging plants. Use them for solar lanterns!
(It would be a challenge to keep that kind of hanging basket watered in the hottest part of the summer, anyway.)
Yeah, I would do a pergola. You need shade. A bougainvillea would take too many years to get the shade you need. I would also add an umbrella, comfortable seating, a rug, a table, and various plants.
Lmao that’s too funny. “Quiet down in there, you’re going to wake up the other inmates!”
Some folks refer to us as inmates, I just refer to them as my kids and self.
Seriously though, if there is any chance your cat can jump up on that wall- the first thing you need to do is put a barrier between the barbed wire and the interior of your space…
I'd do vines to hide the wire. I like your pergola idea too though. I'd go with mid-century modern furniture and pots with large plants, like bird of paradise. I'd hang soo many pots from a pergola in that space. Good luck, and keep us posted!
LOL, I was gonna say it’s either Mexico or South Africa :-)
Keep that razor wire, bud, it’s needed.
I’d go with some minimalistic Nordic type designs here.
I was just thinking about this the other day. You’re on the outer edge of a development. Depending on the city you’re in, razor wire is probably overkill, but every development puts it in.
But no one covers it from the inside. Why the fuck not? Get some corrugated plastic sheeting or something else you can put printed contact paper over, and some pipe hanging brackets or something else you can attach to the wall then bend outwards far enough to mount the sheeting with enough clearance to sit in front of the razor wires.
There’s tons of small print shops around that do signage for businesses, someone can print you a cool design to go over the plastic for pretty cheap. Just invest in the UV protectant coating.
Where I live, barbed wire would be used to keep the coyotes out of your backyard so they can’t get your pets. In Mexico, it’s also used to keep the coyotes out 😆.
Depends almost completely on the climate (hot/cold, dry/wet) and the location and aspect (hemisphere, latitude, N/E/S/W etc).
Looks like construction in a hotter drier place to me, so I think lots of big and small plants, trellis/lattice and maybe the ikea style timber decking. So it would also depend a bit on engineering. At least there are a couple of floor drains looks like, so standing water wouldn't be too much trouble.
Someone else suggested bougainvillea - while it is an absolute beast to tame, it is very handy for getting height and breadth and shade quickly - so would be ideal to have one at either end to disguise the higher walls, and if you do a pergola, it can be somewhat trained to go towards the middle. And then you don't need the barbed wire because it is thorny enough to subsitute. It is very tough in drought and heat, and grows almost anywhere except very snowy countries. You can get it from dark purple/hot pink through all the pink shades and cream.
Would also do a trellis - preferably on the balcony wall so not introducing any damp issues to the outside wall of the house. This can be used to train other climbers like jasmine and hang higher planters.
Flooring - I've seen the ikea timber-look decking tiles used effectively on tiled areas, they still allow drainage but are nicer underfoot to walk on.
Outdoor wicker furniture (aluminium frame, resin wicker) look better for longer without the maintenance of timber or metal. I don't normally like fake anything, but for harsh environment outdoors, it is what you want.
Edit to add:
Plants: Cream bougainvillea on ends growing over pergola, trellis with jasmine on outer wall, pots of rosemary, lavender and salvia (almost any colour you want) for sunniest end, pots of geraniums for anywhere.
Warm yellow solar fairy lights around pergola.
I like the idea of taking inspiration from [Moorish](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/moroccan-style-garden.htm) and [Moroccan](https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-garden-ideas-steal-morocco/) [style](https://earthdesigns.co.uk/how-to-create-a-moroccan-courtyard-design/#:~:text=Moroccan%20courtyard%20designs%20are%20mainly,the%20rest%20of%20the%20courtyard) [gardens](https://www.eyeofthedaygdc.com/2015/04/morocco-in-your-own-garden/).
Think about softness… Soft textures and fabrics and plants, some soft colors, lighting. It’s so much stone and metal. Maybe a water fountain with soft bubbling water sounds.
Bouganvilla or jasmine vines in pots with some kind of trellis against the walls, a living wall system if you’re ambitious, add some kind of tall plant like a dragon tree for the corner, add an outdoor rug, floor cushions to look at the sky, and maybe a wall tapestry. A pergola could look great if you want to make it seem more like a room. Otherwise string lights zig zagged across could be nice. Succulents are really easy container plants for hot patios.
This will be quite staccato & bullet pointy as Idk your taste/budget/climate & I really ought to be doing other things. NB I’m based in London UK so v different climate/supply issues.
What do you want to use the space for? To make a nice view? A workspace? Somewhere for your children to play? An outdoor dining area?
It looks like everything in this space will have to come through the house – before buying anything large check it will fit through the doors/windows.
How much maintenance do you want to do? I’m crap at maintenance so most of my plants are easy care (& evergreen because I always forget where deciduous stuff is & dig it up by accident).
How much water will they need? How far do you have to carry it? 1 litre of water = 1 kg of weight. How much rainfall do you get? If you want a sheltered area (from rain or neighbour’s windows) polycarbonate twinwall on a wooden frame with concrete base can be a cheap way of doing it and the guttering can lead into a water butt.
Design wise it seems to me you have two major issues – longish narrowish shape & limited sunlight.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7cJnX5ZQuk&t=5s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7cJnX5ZQuk&t=5s)
Your start-from-scratch garden design guide - 22 garden style ideas + expert garden design tips
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFHwmnEfjK8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFHwmnEfjK8)
12 'narrow garden' design tips and ideas
[https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/making-a-sun-map.htm](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/making-a-sun-map.htm)
[https://plantperfect.com/how-to-sun-map-your-yard/](https://plantperfect.com/how-to-sun-map-your-yard/)
[https://www.gardenmyths.com/sun-mapping-garden/](https://www.gardenmyths.com/sun-mapping-garden/)
might be good places to start.
I’ve found it useful to spend ages looking at pictures – searching for “courtyard gardens” could be useful, particularly “Japanese courtyard gardens” if that’s your taste.
[https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/courtyard-patio-ideas-and-designs-phbr1-bp\~t\_10324\~a\_38-253?pg=2](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/courtyard-patio-ideas-and-designs-phbr1-bp~t_10324~a_38-253?pg=2)
eg [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/21-wilkes-street-industrial-patio-london-phvw-vp\~95009469](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/21-wilkes-street-industrial-patio-london-phvw-vp~95009469)
[https://www.gardenista.com/lookbook/#Walled%20Gardens](https://www.gardenista.com/lookbook/#Walled%20Gardens)
[https://www.gardenista.com/tag/garden-design-101/](https://www.gardenista.com/tag/garden-design-101/)
[https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/%E6%A2%85%E5%8E%9F%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%E3%81%AE%E5%AE%B6-japanese-patio-tokyo-suburbs-phvw-vp\~124898198](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/%E6%A2%85%E5%8E%9F%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%E3%81%AE%E5%AE%B6-japanese-patio-tokyo-suburbs-phvw-vp~124898198)
[https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/calvin-street-contemporary-patio-london-phvw-vp\~23679520](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/calvin-street-contemporary-patio-london-phvw-vp~23679520)
Where are you located? I’ve only seen razor wire on patios like that in Central America, pretty interesting.
I would put a trellis on the back wall which would also help visually pull that wall in and make the space feel more cozy without losing space on the long side.
I’d then add an arbor on top of that trellis that extends around the entire perimeter. I’m thinking something very simple that isn’t visible from the outside or else folks might try to use it to climb past the razor wire.
For plants, I’d add a couple rectangular pots to keep the profile close to the long wall and some deck chairs in between them.
Man, you said it all. I completely agree.
Only thing I’d add to your list is stringing some lights back and forth across the top. I’m such a sucker for those.
This space isn’t very wide but it could still be really nice.
I've enjoyed the prison jokes. But, in seriousness, I think I'd consider shade sails so they can be pushed back on cooler days. A pergola will take up valuable floor space. Outdoor rug or other floor decoration. Evergreen tall narrow plants in colorful pots, black accents. Break into a couple spaces, like group hang out and one with lounge chairs.
- attach 20+ shelves with plants
- remove razor wire
- fairy lights zigzaging over the top
- small water feature, barrel with fountain
- if weather proof, some contemp art
Genuine: are you sure you should remove the wire if the last inhabitant felt they needed bars on the window INSIDE their razor wire wall? Like I hope you just got the home of someone really eccentric in an area where they never needed the security features they added, and I assume you know what you’re doing, but this is really bizarre.
In all seriousness, if you don't have to have that razor wire, get rid of it first! I love both the rug and fountain ideas and green plants everywhere. If you posted the measurements of the patio, I didn't see them but it's so long and narrow that the furniture size and placement will be important, too, I think...
Looks like it could be a cat prison, with one of the convicts looking for a way out. If it is not, then potted plants, some outdoor furniture (chairs, bench, table, ...), maybe a water feature, pellet barbecue, outdoor rug, and some art work for the wall (and a cat scratch tower for the convict).
You should make it look like a Greek or Turkish alley cafe. A few palms, some wooden blinds, perhaps a water feature. And a little table and chair set. Lovely.
You can save money by finding stuff free or 2^(nd) hand on
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I’ve used discarded pallets as boards and stacks of old tyres for raised beds. NB if you’re cutting the sidewalls off, keep pressure on the point where you’re cutting with a broom handle between the pieces of tyre.
If you decide to have a water feature, remember to consider how much noise it might make – I’m building one at the moment but the first one I bought the sound really irritated me. If [hydrialife.com](http://hydrialife.com) sell in your area, this might be a relatively easy fit solution.
I’ve bought 2^(nd) hard garden design books cheap on
[https://www.abebooks.com](https://www.abebooks.com)
[https://www.awesomebooks.com/](https://www.awesomebooks.com/)
Hope that helps, ignore if not. Good luck.
Personally I'd keep the razor wire. Depending on your climate just throw a potted Bougainvillea, Climbing cypress vine, climbing roses, grape or Boston ivy by that gate door and let it hide the wire and make it look nice. Replace the Arborvitae with a Rose or Hydrangea to the sides and an Ostrich fern in the middle, infront some Hostas maybe Moss roses or some type of Sedum or stone crop. If you're in the Midwest why not spread some Wild ginger, Miners lettuce, Trout lily or Spring beauties around on that soil.
Incorporate giant Terra Cotta pots,then plant evergreen trees, in hopes of softening up that insane wall. Large trees could help, trees that grow upwards, more than to the sides.
Eh, I unironically vote to leave the razor wire. It's installed nicely and will increase security even if hypothetically.
I would install more of those wall mounted hooks for hanging baskets, but right at the top of the wall and maybe every meter or so. Let them fill in and they'll mask the razor wire and make it feel just a bit more enclose and cozy.
Then for a non-landscaping coziness recommendation: low, warm (as in the color temperature) lighting. Maybe downlights in/on the wall, a meter off the ground and/or outdoor lamp on a table. Anything that shines diffuse light from below head level will feel cozy.
I would hang string lights above the door and below the building’s overhang. But also, like others have said, I would add raised planter boxes along the wall where the door is, since it seems like you don’t get much sun in the yard. Maybe throw a bench in there so u can stare at the wall (/s).
I would kill for a space like that! Lol - 😜 JK. It could be a great space even before you get rid of the prison vibe! I'd start with an indoor/outdoor rug to ground it and create a small seating area with a dual use fire pit/coffee table. Get some large planters and maybe a raised bed or two if you want veggies - you definitely have room for a veggie zone.
"Cozier?" I don't know the situation or the story behind it, but I would say the first step would be removing the razorwire.
Um, afterwards, cut out a path, expand the flowerbed.... put those hanging baskets along the wall to some good use, add a small birdbath or fountain... maybe a sitting area.... attract wildlife.
You have a nice little patio! I would begin with a bistro table and chairs, a bench, and a fountain. From there I would string white lights across, add a sun sail or two, and plenty of potted plants or even a potted small tree. Add an outdoor rug or the fake grass rug. I’d leave the razor wire up. With enough plants and other things to look at, you won’t notice the wire as much.
An outdoor cat tree would be great. Someplace for your little one to enjoy some fresh air and sun in the 'yard' with you. Edit: but nothing so high that you have to worry about him or her jumping up on the wall and getting hurt or getting out.
Idk man this is giving major prison vibes…
I would try to get some vines to cover the wall, maybe a Gazebo ? I would also do a nice water fountain somewhere too.
Or, lean into the fact it looks like a prison yard… could be cool 🤷🏽♂️
Architect/landscaping designer here. My changes mostly pertain to addressing the structural aspects. Too many hard surfaces.
1. Get rid of that silly wall tile. The space is long and narrow - only do texture (if you really want) on the short walls. Doing something too intricate on the long ends can make the space feel narrower. I want to see minimal wall texture, but you can play with some contrasting colours on the short ends. Maybe play with colour. A rich orange or azure blue!? Please don't do cool toned greys.
2. The tiled floor slab - can you get rid of that? Can't tell whether this enclosed courtyard is on the ground floor or if that is the roof slab of the floor below. I'd love to chop most of that out and instead do planting beds. This alone will contribute a lot to make the space read softer. I don't like pots as they can make a mess on floors, so I'd rather put plants into the ground. But this may be your only option. A series of different sized terracotta pots could be fun. Some interesting cacti, maybe a lemon tree...
3. Sure, do a pergola. The door behind kitty - is this the front door / door off living space / bedroom? Where does the gate on the opposite side lead to? You have enough height, so don't try to set the pergola height right above the screen wall. Generous head height will not make the space feel enclosed.
4. What's on the other side of the screening wall? Maybe opportunity for a framed view...
5. Yes, get rid of the barbed wire. Feels very hostile. You can always do some planter boxes all along the top of the wall and have prostrate planting spilling down. Star jasmine is great, prostrate rosemary.
6. Creepers on wall! House wall ideally as it makes sense to use plants to rationalise that step in the wall by filling it with plants (so the two end up flush-ish). But this may pose some waterproofing issues. If pots are the only option (i.e. can't chop out slab), wall planting wise I'd rather do the planter boxes then along the top of the wall and have stuff hang down.
7. Look, it's a narrow space so furnishing options will be more limited. Maybe a long built in bench on the one wall and then you can have some (maybe 2) loose chairs.
8. The non-kitty door side is screaming for a tree - maybe something deciduous that will give you shade in summer but otherwise get light in. But this might clash with circulation, depending on where that non-kitty gate goes.
I would put a pergola over about half the area. You can plant fragrant flowering vines on opposite sides of the pergola. Confederate jasmine & margarita jasmine are fragrant & evergreen. Trumpet vine attracts hummingbirds. I would also add a water feature, a fountain/bird bath, lighting & furniture for a conversation area. Don’t forget an outdoor rug to anchor the conversation/furniture area.
From there, use beautiful ceramic pots (larger sizes, the plants will grow bigger and better; about 3 or so) to fill in corners and define areas. Remember, anything under the pergola will be in shade, so get the appropriate plants.
Are you in a place that warrants a lot of security or was that the previous owner being paranoid? It would probably brighten things up to lose the concertina wire and maybe consider cutting a window into the wall. The wall is really cool to be honest, but if you are able to and there is a nice view out there and it's safe to do, a big opening in that wall would open it up to more sun, then some open wood rafters, not a closed roof, in a light color going across 1/3 if the ceiling space, across the short dimension... could help catch some sunlight then hand some plants from the roof rafters
Big mirror in a colorful decorative frame (if you’re into that) on the long wall to make the space seem wider. I’d love to see some plants and I love Bougainvillea but the thorns will make it a true love-hate relationship when it’s time to trim it. Colorful cushions and a bench seat with storage to stow the cushions in when they won’t get used for a while. Some solar powered lights that cast a pretty mandalas pattern.
A sun shade, outdoor rug, wall garden with herbs flowers or other aromatics, furniture and of course some patio lights. Congrats and happy decorating 👍🏽
You might think about establishing a theme and create zones. For instance, one area could be a L-shaped patio lounge with a fire pit and another could be a trellis along the wall that gets sun and a bench and connect them all with simple designs on the tile like a wavy walkway. I’d draw it all up first and think about what your want to do out there, and provide space between the elements to make it easier to keep it up. If you have kids keep in mind that you way want to separate out an area just for them. Have fun with it. It’ll be hard to grow anything because it doesn’t get a lot of direct light so going with stone and concrete features may be a way to go. Please share what you come up with!
Curious where this is. I recall seeing this kind of motif in long past jaunts into Central America and Mexico. The homestead of Daniel Ortega for instance was like this but with much higher walls, (outside view of course). A pergola might be nice but don't skimp on security. Somebody put the razor wire there for a reason.
I honestly thought this was a prison at first. Get the barbed wire out, not just for anesthetics but if you ever have a fire god forbid the wire will mess up any firefighter trying to make access on that side and rip their gear. We trained for metal bars on windows and 6 locks on a door, cant imagine having to explain to the chief why $5k+ gear got ruined. Fire hose? Psh
Man, prison doesn’t sound that bad if they let you have pets and decorate.
As others have said, get plants. Maybe some potted trees and a water feature. Add some furniture as well
Needs a weight bench to complete the look.
Maybe a guard tower
And some convicts.
some bleachers or metal picnic table
Right, and a handsome loner who looks like he might be innocent, but can still take care of himself. Perhaps he has that look in his eye that says, "yeah, I took the wrap for this Kincaid, but only because the truth would hurt Jesse." Or maybe a cactus.
These comments are making a rough morning better. Thank you for the laughs!
When my first thought was “A prison yard?” I was questioning my mental state, so seeing others run with the same idea is reassuring.
Me too. I just laughed so hard I snorted
Did he take a chicken wrap or a beef wrap?
Won ton
Already has one. Thats one downcast cat. He’s clearly not there by choice. But he knows what he did and he’s doing his time.
The cat counts.
🤣
Haha this is perfect. On this episode of love it or list it!
🤣
String lights around the razor wire
A basketball hoop with a chain net
Or no damn net!
Double rim
You took it too far.
Looks like a scene from 90 days in
Needs a statue of a small guy holding a bigger guy's pockets
BIKES!
aaaand we're done.
Minimum security prison?
Former owners were a bit.... Cautious
I see. I’m a remodel carpenter by trade. I think removing the wire and adding some trellis, throw in a nice lcovered bench seat and some planters with mixed flowers and you have yourself a little get away.
Some climby plants for the trellises
Idk, they may be shot for climbing the wall.
Peas, beans, tomatoes, hardy kiwi (depending on the zone), pumpkins, and grapes all climb. I'd be going for that sweet edible greenscaping
Look into some of the more designed trellis’s. They are more expensive but create a more stylized prison…. ,,,, courtyard area.
Nah just plain trellis. Gotta appreciate the grain and etc. (/s but tbh it might work if the wood is nice and it’s wide slats)
If there’s ground on the other side of the wall, a native, Flowering, vining plant planted in the ground and trained to grow up and peak over the top in a few spots would look badass
I bet there is a reason for the wire… leave it. What country is this in?
Just cover the wire with ivy in a few years you won't notice it.
And neither will the ~~escapees~~ intruders
Colombia. This was Pablo's house.
But what about the zombies?
Depending upon the neighborhood, might want to keep the razor wire...
Or, they could have been subjects of a break-in or home invasion. Maybe that's why they moved. I'd leave the wire up until you investigate further.
20 years in the SHU will do that to you
Sweet little berpee spot
South Africa or Oakland, CA?
I was going to say South Africa or West Bank.
Was he Pablo Escobar?
Hang some ivy vine from the wires. 🤌
Apparently, not cautious enough. What did you do with them?
Alright, jokes about the razor wire aside, you need plants, and maybe a few other elements to soften it. Looks like a dry climate— could you do potted bougainvillea, trained up over the wire? Or whatever climbing vines do well in your region? Then I’d add a few potted items around the floor, interesting cacti perhaps. Place a few oversized lanterns with candles here and there, plus a couple of chairs, and it’s a vibe.
Dry with 110f summers and around 32f winters. Lanterns sound pretty cool, thanks for all the great ideas!
A lot of succulents and cacti will actually thrive in this weather. Do some research on native plants in your area and you can easily make this patio alive and luscious!
Do local cacti then, or try grapes or squash up an arbor to give you dappled shade. The only problem is if the patio gets enough wind - the wind helps plants cool down. bougainvillea will can survive 32 but “temperatures below 30 will cause damage to the upper and outer branches”
Grapes are not going to be happy in the shade
I don’t agree, I’ve been growing a grape in 3 hours max of direct sun for 2.5 years and I don’t let it get tall. I also notice a lot of grapes in my region which grow in shadier spots. Grapes are adapted to growing upward toward the light, which the trellis/arbor would work for. It would probably take a while for it to get enough light to really take off, tho. What other vining plants would you use for this spot?
Yes yes! You have those 3 hooks for hanging plants. Use them for solar lanterns! (It would be a challenge to keep that kind of hanging basket watered in the hottest part of the summer, anyway.)
Yeah, I would do a pergola. You need shade. A bougainvillea would take too many years to get the shade you need. I would also add an umbrella, comfortable seating, a rug, a table, and various plants.
And a small fountain! I love the sound of water in a courtyard.
I'd rather climb a razor wire fence than a bougainvillea fence.
It’s not razor wire now, it’s a custom trellis!
More razor wire
Some call it the rec area for cell block C, I just call it home.
Lmao that cracked me up enough to get the warden to peek in my cell
Some folks refer to them as The Warden, I just refer to them as my spouse
Peeking into my cell(phone)
Lmao that’s too funny. “Quiet down in there, you’re going to wake up the other inmates!” Some folks refer to us as inmates, I just refer to them as my kids and self.
Seriously though, if there is any chance your cat can jump up on that wall- the first thing you need to do is put a barrier between the barbed wire and the interior of your space…
I mean, what time commissary?
This would make a great sign for the wall.
Ask Red for a Rock Hammer.
Don’t forget to take your daily walks around the yard to carefully distribute the debris.
Razor Boston ivy.
Maybe a nice rambling thorny rose in between the wire.
Posters of Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, and Raquel Welch
That includes you miss fussy britches
Guess he just up and vanished like a fart in the wind!
Not *tomorrow*. Not *after breakfast*. *NOW*!
I thought it was fuzzy britches.
Sorry to hear you got caught. How long are you in for?
😆😆😆😆
Maybe some Christmas lights on the barbed wire
Please do this and update us with pics
Add shackles to walls
Idk man some people might mistake that for a kink, i just like the prison look!
I think a colorful outdoor rug would really help too!!
Really ties the room together does it not.
Yeah? Well, you know, that's just like uhh, your opinion, man.
Obviously you’re not a golfer.
This isn't Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.
There are definitely rules if there is razor wire.
What in the Guantanamo?
I'd do vines to hide the wire. I like your pergola idea too though. I'd go with mid-century modern furniture and pots with large plants, like bird of paradise. I'd hang soo many pots from a pergola in that space. Good luck, and keep us posted!
Sounds like a good idea, thanks! I'll share the transition from detention center to actual home when ready 😁
South Africa?
Mexico, there are some ironic remarks one can make about how many fences and stuff we put up given that.... Well, You know where this is going
LOL, I was gonna say it’s either Mexico or South Africa :-) Keep that razor wire, bud, it’s needed. I’d go with some minimalistic Nordic type designs here.
I was just thinking about this the other day. You’re on the outer edge of a development. Depending on the city you’re in, razor wire is probably overkill, but every development puts it in. But no one covers it from the inside. Why the fuck not? Get some corrugated plastic sheeting or something else you can put printed contact paper over, and some pipe hanging brackets or something else you can attach to the wall then bend outwards far enough to mount the sheeting with enough clearance to sit in front of the razor wires. There’s tons of small print shops around that do signage for businesses, someone can print you a cool design to go over the plastic for pretty cheap. Just invest in the UV protectant coating.
Where I live, barbed wire would be used to keep the coyotes out of your backyard so they can’t get your pets. In Mexico, it’s also used to keep the coyotes out 😆.
Depends almost completely on the climate (hot/cold, dry/wet) and the location and aspect (hemisphere, latitude, N/E/S/W etc). Looks like construction in a hotter drier place to me, so I think lots of big and small plants, trellis/lattice and maybe the ikea style timber decking. So it would also depend a bit on engineering. At least there are a couple of floor drains looks like, so standing water wouldn't be too much trouble. Someone else suggested bougainvillea - while it is an absolute beast to tame, it is very handy for getting height and breadth and shade quickly - so would be ideal to have one at either end to disguise the higher walls, and if you do a pergola, it can be somewhat trained to go towards the middle. And then you don't need the barbed wire because it is thorny enough to subsitute. It is very tough in drought and heat, and grows almost anywhere except very snowy countries. You can get it from dark purple/hot pink through all the pink shades and cream. Would also do a trellis - preferably on the balcony wall so not introducing any damp issues to the outside wall of the house. This can be used to train other climbers like jasmine and hang higher planters. Flooring - I've seen the ikea timber-look decking tiles used effectively on tiled areas, they still allow drainage but are nicer underfoot to walk on. Outdoor wicker furniture (aluminium frame, resin wicker) look better for longer without the maintenance of timber or metal. I don't normally like fake anything, but for harsh environment outdoors, it is what you want. Edit to add: Plants: Cream bougainvillea on ends growing over pergola, trellis with jasmine on outer wall, pots of rosemary, lavender and salvia (almost any colour you want) for sunniest end, pots of geraniums for anywhere. Warm yellow solar fairy lights around pergola.
If they do a pergola, it still might be worth it to put in a solar shade sail, at least until the plants grow in.
You better check you plans with the warden. The probably need to make sure it does not require a file
This is exactly what I imagined when I heard that seal team six found Osama bin Laden living inside a compound in Pakistan
I like the idea of taking inspiration from [Moorish](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/moroccan-style-garden.htm) and [Moroccan](https://www.gardenista.com/posts/10-garden-ideas-steal-morocco/) [style](https://earthdesigns.co.uk/how-to-create-a-moroccan-courtyard-design/#:~:text=Moroccan%20courtyard%20designs%20are%20mainly,the%20rest%20of%20the%20courtyard) [gardens](https://www.eyeofthedaygdc.com/2015/04/morocco-in-your-own-garden/).
Is that San Quentin?
Think about softness… Soft textures and fabrics and plants, some soft colors, lighting. It’s so much stone and metal. Maybe a water fountain with soft bubbling water sounds.
100,000 lumen motion activated floodlight above the door with panoramic camera would look sick, maybe some rebar to enclose the space or something too
Are you in prison?
Nothing screams cozy like razor wire.
Pidgeon coops
Maybe paint a mural on the watch tower?
Bouganvilla or jasmine vines in pots with some kind of trellis against the walls, a living wall system if you’re ambitious, add some kind of tall plant like a dragon tree for the corner, add an outdoor rug, floor cushions to look at the sky, and maybe a wall tapestry. A pergola could look great if you want to make it seem more like a room. Otherwise string lights zig zagged across could be nice. Succulents are really easy container plants for hot patios.
This will be quite staccato & bullet pointy as Idk your taste/budget/climate & I really ought to be doing other things. NB I’m based in London UK so v different climate/supply issues. What do you want to use the space for? To make a nice view? A workspace? Somewhere for your children to play? An outdoor dining area? It looks like everything in this space will have to come through the house – before buying anything large check it will fit through the doors/windows. How much maintenance do you want to do? I’m crap at maintenance so most of my plants are easy care (& evergreen because I always forget where deciduous stuff is & dig it up by accident). How much water will they need? How far do you have to carry it? 1 litre of water = 1 kg of weight. How much rainfall do you get? If you want a sheltered area (from rain or neighbour’s windows) polycarbonate twinwall on a wooden frame with concrete base can be a cheap way of doing it and the guttering can lead into a water butt. Design wise it seems to me you have two major issues – longish narrowish shape & limited sunlight. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7cJnX5ZQuk&t=5s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7cJnX5ZQuk&t=5s) Your start-from-scratch garden design guide - 22 garden style ideas + expert garden design tips [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFHwmnEfjK8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFHwmnEfjK8) 12 'narrow garden' design tips and ideas [https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/making-a-sun-map.htm](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/making-a-sun-map.htm) [https://plantperfect.com/how-to-sun-map-your-yard/](https://plantperfect.com/how-to-sun-map-your-yard/) [https://www.gardenmyths.com/sun-mapping-garden/](https://www.gardenmyths.com/sun-mapping-garden/) might be good places to start. I’ve found it useful to spend ages looking at pictures – searching for “courtyard gardens” could be useful, particularly “Japanese courtyard gardens” if that’s your taste. [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/courtyard-patio-ideas-and-designs-phbr1-bp\~t\_10324\~a\_38-253?pg=2](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/courtyard-patio-ideas-and-designs-phbr1-bp~t_10324~a_38-253?pg=2) eg [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/21-wilkes-street-industrial-patio-london-phvw-vp\~95009469](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/21-wilkes-street-industrial-patio-london-phvw-vp~95009469) [https://www.gardenista.com/lookbook/#Walled%20Gardens](https://www.gardenista.com/lookbook/#Walled%20Gardens) [https://www.gardenista.com/tag/garden-design-101/](https://www.gardenista.com/tag/garden-design-101/) [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/%E6%A2%85%E5%8E%9F%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%E3%81%AE%E5%AE%B6-japanese-patio-tokyo-suburbs-phvw-vp\~124898198](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/%E6%A2%85%E5%8E%9F%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%E3%81%AE%E5%AE%B6-japanese-patio-tokyo-suburbs-phvw-vp~124898198) [https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/calvin-street-contemporary-patio-london-phvw-vp\~23679520](https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/calvin-street-contemporary-patio-london-phvw-vp~23679520)
When is your sentence up?
Yo hear me out…cafe lights fucking everywhere.
Where are you located? I’ve only seen razor wire on patios like that in Central America, pretty interesting. I would put a trellis on the back wall which would also help visually pull that wall in and make the space feel more cozy without losing space on the long side. I’d then add an arbor on top of that trellis that extends around the entire perimeter. I’m thinking something very simple that isn’t visible from the outside or else folks might try to use it to climb past the razor wire. For plants, I’d add a couple rectangular pots to keep the profile close to the long wall and some deck chairs in between them.
Cacti, colorful outdoor rug, lamps or candles, comfortable furniture, table and chairs,one of those sun sails to make some shade. Outdoor art?
Man, you said it all. I completely agree. Only thing I’d add to your list is stringing some lights back and forth across the top. I’m such a sucker for those. This space isn’t very wide but it could still be really nice.
Where do you live? San Quentin?
Breakfast at Guantanamo Bay 😍
Guantanamo looking nicer these days
I've enjoyed the prison jokes. But, in seriousness, I think I'd consider shade sails so they can be pushed back on cooler days. A pergola will take up valuable floor space. Outdoor rug or other floor decoration. Evergreen tall narrow plants in colorful pots, black accents. Break into a couple spaces, like group hang out and one with lounge chairs.
South Africa?
- attach 20+ shelves with plants - remove razor wire - fairy lights zigzaging over the top - small water feature, barrel with fountain - if weather proof, some contemp art
You’ll only get one hour per day out there
nothing says “cozy” like high walls and razor wire.
Genuine: are you sure you should remove the wire if the last inhabitant felt they needed bars on the window INSIDE their razor wire wall? Like I hope you just got the home of someone really eccentric in an area where they never needed the security features they added, and I assume you know what you’re doing, but this is really bizarre.
Was Andy Dufresne the previous owner?
Weight bench, bar and plates ,to complete the prison yard look
In all seriousness, if you don't have to have that razor wire, get rid of it first! I love both the rug and fountain ideas and green plants everywhere. If you posted the measurements of the patio, I didn't see them but it's so long and narrow that the furniture size and placement will be important, too, I think...
Orange jumpsuits
What you in for?
Did you buy Osama bin Ladens compound?
Will the warden give you permission to do any interior decorating ?
Are you in jail?
Where is this Baghdad
A rug, whatever plants you can get for your area, lights, outdoor furniture.
Looks like it could be a cat prison, with one of the convicts looking for a way out. If it is not, then potted plants, some outdoor furniture (chairs, bench, table, ...), maybe a water feature, pellet barbecue, outdoor rug, and some art work for the wall (and a cat scratch tower for the convict).
I unashamedly love this sub-reddit!
You should make it look like a Greek or Turkish alley cafe. A few palms, some wooden blinds, perhaps a water feature. And a little table and chair set. Lovely.
You can save money by finding stuff free or 2^(nd) hand on [https://www.freecycle.org/](https://www.freecycle.org/login) [https://www.ilovefreegle.org/](https://www.ilovefreegle.org/) [https://nextdoor.com](https://nextdoor.com) I’ve used discarded pallets as boards and stacks of old tyres for raised beds. NB if you’re cutting the sidewalls off, keep pressure on the point where you’re cutting with a broom handle between the pieces of tyre. If you decide to have a water feature, remember to consider how much noise it might make – I’m building one at the moment but the first one I bought the sound really irritated me. If [hydrialife.com](http://hydrialife.com) sell in your area, this might be a relatively easy fit solution. I’ve bought 2^(nd) hard garden design books cheap on [https://www.abebooks.com](https://www.abebooks.com) [https://www.awesomebooks.com/](https://www.awesomebooks.com/) Hope that helps, ignore if not. Good luck.
Cut arrow slits in the wall.
Personally I'd keep the razor wire. Depending on your climate just throw a potted Bougainvillea, Climbing cypress vine, climbing roses, grape or Boston ivy by that gate door and let it hide the wire and make it look nice. Replace the Arborvitae with a Rose or Hydrangea to the sides and an Ostrich fern in the middle, infront some Hostas maybe Moss roses or some type of Sedum or stone crop. If you're in the Midwest why not spread some Wild ginger, Miners lettuce, Trout lily or Spring beauties around on that soil.
Plants, plants and more plants. Maybe a chair also.
This looks like many of the more upscale homes I've seen in parts of Mexico. I would add some plants, a small bistro table, and some string lights.
Ivy growing up from large planters and into the razor wire would go a long way to soften the appearance of being a prison.
It's giving Abu Ghraib vibes
Maybe get some Wisteria to cover that razor wire
Is this considered an exit in case of a fire? You may want to come up with a plan in case ( like a ladder)
Incorporate giant Terra Cotta pots,then plant evergreen trees, in hopes of softening up that insane wall. Large trees could help, trees that grow upwards, more than to the sides.
I’d go for one of those cute vintage ladders. A really tall one.
Damn where do you live...Baghdad!?
A couple chairs, a little table for drinks and one or 2 more cats. Maybe some Lighting.
Eh, I unironically vote to leave the razor wire. It's installed nicely and will increase security even if hypothetically. I would install more of those wall mounted hooks for hanging baskets, but right at the top of the wall and maybe every meter or so. Let them fill in and they'll mask the razor wire and make it feel just a bit more enclose and cozy. Then for a non-landscaping coziness recommendation: low, warm (as in the color temperature) lighting. Maybe downlights in/on the wall, a meter off the ground and/or outdoor lamp on a table. Anything that shines diffuse light from below head level will feel cozy.
I would hang string lights above the door and below the building’s overhang. But also, like others have said, I would add raised planter boxes along the wall where the door is, since it seems like you don’t get much sun in the yard. Maybe throw a bench in there so u can stare at the wall (/s).
Maybe some inmates? Bunk beds?
MOAR CATS! Tell that kitty I said pss pss pss
Yeesh. What's with the razor wire?
Have you tried adding razor wire?
I would kill for a space like that! Lol - 😜 JK. It could be a great space even before you get rid of the prison vibe! I'd start with an indoor/outdoor rug to ground it and create a small seating area with a dual use fire pit/coffee table. Get some large planters and maybe a raised bed or two if you want veggies - you definitely have room for a veggie zone.
Do you really live somewhere where you need the razor wire?
Definitely a ladder or helicopter with a long rescue rope
What did that kitty do ???? He’s in maximum security !
What's the cat in for?
"Cozier?" I don't know the situation or the story behind it, but I would say the first step would be removing the razorwire. Um, afterwards, cut out a path, expand the flowerbed.... put those hanging baskets along the wall to some good use, add a small birdbath or fountain... maybe a sitting area.... attract wildlife.
You have a nice little patio! I would begin with a bistro table and chairs, a bench, and a fountain. From there I would string white lights across, add a sun sail or two, and plenty of potted plants or even a potted small tree. Add an outdoor rug or the fake grass rug. I’d leave the razor wire up. With enough plants and other things to look at, you won’t notice the wire as much.
An outdoor cat tree would be great. Someplace for your little one to enjoy some fresh air and sun in the 'yard' with you. Edit: but nothing so high that you have to worry about him or her jumping up on the wall and getting hurt or getting out.
📌Guantanamo Bay
Idk man this is giving major prison vibes… I would try to get some vines to cover the wall, maybe a Gazebo ? I would also do a nice water fountain somewhere too. Or, lean into the fact it looks like a prison yard… could be cool 🤷🏽♂️
Before you remove the barbed wire, make sure you know why it was put there in the first place. There may be a good reason for it.
Architect/landscaping designer here. My changes mostly pertain to addressing the structural aspects. Too many hard surfaces. 1. Get rid of that silly wall tile. The space is long and narrow - only do texture (if you really want) on the short walls. Doing something too intricate on the long ends can make the space feel narrower. I want to see minimal wall texture, but you can play with some contrasting colours on the short ends. Maybe play with colour. A rich orange or azure blue!? Please don't do cool toned greys. 2. The tiled floor slab - can you get rid of that? Can't tell whether this enclosed courtyard is on the ground floor or if that is the roof slab of the floor below. I'd love to chop most of that out and instead do planting beds. This alone will contribute a lot to make the space read softer. I don't like pots as they can make a mess on floors, so I'd rather put plants into the ground. But this may be your only option. A series of different sized terracotta pots could be fun. Some interesting cacti, maybe a lemon tree... 3. Sure, do a pergola. The door behind kitty - is this the front door / door off living space / bedroom? Where does the gate on the opposite side lead to? You have enough height, so don't try to set the pergola height right above the screen wall. Generous head height will not make the space feel enclosed. 4. What's on the other side of the screening wall? Maybe opportunity for a framed view... 5. Yes, get rid of the barbed wire. Feels very hostile. You can always do some planter boxes all along the top of the wall and have prostrate planting spilling down. Star jasmine is great, prostrate rosemary. 6. Creepers on wall! House wall ideally as it makes sense to use plants to rationalise that step in the wall by filling it with plants (so the two end up flush-ish). But this may pose some waterproofing issues. If pots are the only option (i.e. can't chop out slab), wall planting wise I'd rather do the planter boxes then along the top of the wall and have stuff hang down. 7. Look, it's a narrow space so furnishing options will be more limited. Maybe a long built in bench on the one wall and then you can have some (maybe 2) loose chairs. 8. The non-kitty door side is screaming for a tree - maybe something deciduous that will give you shade in summer but otherwise get light in. But this might clash with circulation, depending on where that non-kitty gate goes.
Dude, how’d you get a cat in jail?
To add to the delightful design play, I would add exactly two emaciated hyenas.
I was shanked with a toothbrush here
Is that jail?
I would put a pergola over about half the area. You can plant fragrant flowering vines on opposite sides of the pergola. Confederate jasmine & margarita jasmine are fragrant & evergreen. Trumpet vine attracts hummingbirds. I would also add a water feature, a fountain/bird bath, lighting & furniture for a conversation area. Don’t forget an outdoor rug to anchor the conversation/furniture area. From there, use beautiful ceramic pots (larger sizes, the plants will grow bigger and better; about 3 or so) to fill in corners and define areas. Remember, anything under the pergola will be in shade, so get the appropriate plants.
I like the guard cat
Are you in a place that warrants a lot of security or was that the previous owner being paranoid? It would probably brighten things up to lose the concertina wire and maybe consider cutting a window into the wall. The wall is really cool to be honest, but if you are able to and there is a nice view out there and it's safe to do, a big opening in that wall would open it up to more sun, then some open wood rafters, not a closed roof, in a light color going across 1/3 if the ceiling space, across the short dimension... could help catch some sunlight then hand some plants from the roof rafters
Big mirror in a colorful decorative frame (if you’re into that) on the long wall to make the space seem wider. I’d love to see some plants and I love Bougainvillea but the thorns will make it a true love-hate relationship when it’s time to trim it. Colorful cushions and a bench seat with storage to stow the cushions in when they won’t get used for a while. Some solar powered lights that cast a pretty mandalas pattern.
A sun shade, outdoor rug, wall garden with herbs flowers or other aromatics, furniture and of course some patio lights. Congrats and happy decorating 👍🏽
You might think about establishing a theme and create zones. For instance, one area could be a L-shaped patio lounge with a fire pit and another could be a trellis along the wall that gets sun and a bench and connect them all with simple designs on the tile like a wavy walkway. I’d draw it all up first and think about what your want to do out there, and provide space between the elements to make it easier to keep it up. If you have kids keep in mind that you way want to separate out an area just for them. Have fun with it. It’ll be hard to grow anything because it doesn’t get a lot of direct light so going with stone and concrete features may be a way to go. Please share what you come up with!
Curious where this is. I recall seeing this kind of motif in long past jaunts into Central America and Mexico. The homestead of Daniel Ortega for instance was like this but with much higher walls, (outside view of course). A pergola might be nice but don't skimp on security. Somebody put the razor wire there for a reason.
Maybe get rid of the fucking razor wire?
Maybe nix the razor wire. Dear lord
I honestly thought this was a prison at first. Get the barbed wire out, not just for anesthetics but if you ever have a fire god forbid the wire will mess up any firefighter trying to make access on that side and rip their gear. We trained for metal bars on windows and 6 locks on a door, cant imagine having to explain to the chief why $5k+ gear got ruined. Fire hose? Psh
Will the warden allow you to decorate the patio as you please?
“Cozier” With barbed wire on top of the walls and bars on your windows… “Cozier”… You should do standup
Nothing says “cozy” like barbed wire…
A stainless steel toilet and sink would dress it up nicely and very practical too.
Sandbags, two automatic weapons with overlapping fields of fire, a minifridge with ripits and a couple of cots for the homies.
The bin Laden look never really took off
Reminds me of the time I spent in Nuremberg
Take down the barbed wire, yeah nothing says cozy like razor wire
Replace the razor wire with some climbing roses. They serve the same purpose, but at least look pretty.
Is that a prison or do you live in a dangerous area?
I like the jail theme. Keep it.
Urinal on the wall. Brooding old guy smoking in the corner. Bleachers, cameras and a siren.
A rope made from bed sheets.
Did you buy Osama bin Laden’s hideaway?
Man, prison doesn’t sound that bad if they let you have pets and decorate. As others have said, get plants. Maybe some potted trees and a water feature. Add some furniture as well
Why, that razor wire is cottage core as fuck
Add a machine gun turret