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Travertine Tile Patio

Learn how to build an elegant travertine tile patio and cedar screen.

From "Grounds for Improvement"
episode DGFI-301

(Continued from page 2)

Adding the Finishing Touches

After the new travertine patio and cedar screen/gate are completed, it's time to add some finishing touches to the planting beds.

Materials
1 wall fountain
3 bales pine straw
3 bags cocoa hulls
3 bags potting soil
9 (1 gallon) Green Gem boxwood
5 (1 gallon) Pink Muhly grass
2 (1 gallon) pink variegated Eureka Lemon
6 (1 gallon) Shenandoah switch grass
5 (1 gallon) Glowing Embers hydrangea
1 (1 gallon) patio tree Ligustrum
3 (1 gallon) horsetail reed

Pine straw is used as mulch for these planter beds because it's indigenous to the area. Grasses, shrubs and hydrangea are planted in beds around the patio to add color and texture (figure A).

An ornate wall fountain is installed on an ivy-covered brick wall next to the patio to serve as a focal point (figure B). The classic lion fountain complements the style of the historic Charleston home and yard.

Figure A

Figure B

The completed project includes an elegant travertine tile patio with outdoor dining table and chairs (Figure C). A travertine tile pathway connects the patio with a covered veranda (figure D). A nearby cedar screen hides the unsightly air conditioning units and trash cans. And new planting beds and a decorative wall fountain round out the backyard retreat.

Figure C

Figure D

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