THE COASTAL GARDENER:

More than ever, people today view their garden as an extension of their house. In coastal Orange County, the phenomenon of people extending the comfort and luxury of their homes into their gardens has grown dramatically. Homeowners everywhere are seeing the outdoors as extra space; not just garden space, but space for living. The phrase “outdoor rooms” has become part of our language.

A homes living space, once confined to family rooms, bedrooms and living rooms now often includes an outdoor room. A home’s space can now be extended both physically and visually.

Creating an outdoor room is a great home improvement project. First think about what you are trying to achieve. A well-executed outdoor room will be a place that you will want to spend time. It will include many of the amenities and comforts that you associate with the inside of your home, but adds nature, fresh air and the serenity that only an outdoor location can provide.

Step one: Find a spot in your garden that might provide privacy, a view or seclusion, depending upon your lifestyle. This could be against a wall at the edge of the property or directly outside a patio door. If space is at a premium, removing a few shrubs may be a solution.

Step Two: In order to transform the space into a “room” and not just patio space, you will need to provide some structure in the form of walls or other enclosures. Before you reach for a hammer or call a contractor, this doesn’t necessarily mean construction. Walls can be created from a row of living plants, existing fences and walls, a wood panel or just outdoor fabric. These walls do not need to be solid structures. Just the illusion of a wall is often enough.

Step Three: Add a floor and ceiling. Floors in your outdoor room can consist of anything from gravel or coarse decomposed granite to decking, concrete or tile. Just like a room inside the house, throw rugs make perfect sense and many are now available that hold up to an onslaught of sun and water. As for ceilings, mature trees with low canopies can work. An overhead structure, either solid or partially open, helps create the feeling of a “room.” You can hang light fixtures from beams or hooks. Look for old chandeliers at garage sales that you can strip and transform to hold candles.

Step Four: Now furnish the space. Remember, this is living space. Will you need a table for dining? Will it just only be a private retreat for one or two, or will you be entertaining guests here? Deep seating cushion groups with fade, water and dirt resistant fabric are especially appropriate. Don’t forget lighting; possibly electric, solar or low voltage.

Step Five: Have fun accessorizing! There is no reason to treat your outdoor room much different from an indoor one, except for a few allowances for weather. Benches and seats need fluffy pillows. Candles are ideal, as are colorful tablecloths and some outdoor art. Have fun accessorizing; often this is what makes the outdoor room feel like an extension of the house.

Creating an outdoor room not only provides more living space for the home, it offers a place to relax after a busy day at work. A place to “live,” enjoy nature and breathe in the fresh air.

Question: When is the best time to find a good selection of alstroemeria in bloom? I am specifically looking for a yellow that is not dwarf.

Donald

Newport Beach

Answer: Great question. Standard size alstroemeria in yellow are usually difficult to find. The best, I believe, is one called “Inca Exotica.” It is currently in stock and more can be ordered, but will not be in bloom for about another month. Given the difficulty in finding this color and size, I don’t think I would wait.

ASK RON your toughest gardening questions, and the expert nursery staff at Roger’s Gardens will come up with an answer. Please include your name, phone number and city, and limit queries to 30 words or fewer. E-mail stumpthegardener@rogersgardens.com, or write to Plant Talk at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, CA 92625.

RON VANDERHOFF is the Nursery Manager at Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar.