The Atrium
These are the “before” pictures of our atrium. This weird little outside room seems to be a common thing in a neighborhood like this where the houses are five feet apart. This way we can have some big windows and a slider that let in some light, but don’t let in the neighbors. The red rock was provided, and I found the stepping stones in the back yard. I’ve got one plant and two pots, now what? I’m especially curious what my landscaper brother thinks would work well here. I need plants that are low maintenance, work well in pots and don’t need a lot of light. What else should there be? Seating, water feature? What are your ideas? I’ve got a low budget for this, so be creative!
I have to say I would be so lost and I have no ideas for such a fun space. How cool to have an atrium! And I had to laugh at your comment about Emma getting pushed away by Hannah and Hunter being so likable. For a long time Gracen refused to bless Dylan in her prayers, and we still have no idea why. (She has since begun to bless him) But she LOVES Ciel. Don’t get me wrong, she likes Dylan, but Ciel wins in Gracen’s little eyes. It’s so funy isn’t it. How do Hannah and Sabrina get along? Gracen is Haven’s personal doll and dress up companion, and the two of them play together all of the time, even with a 4 year age difference. I never would have guessed.
I meant to ask what an Atirum is for. Are you looking for a space for decorating or another space for outdoor time for the kids in a contained area, or a nice space for quiet time for everyone? Just wondering. Like I said I would be lost with that kind of space and have no idea what to do with it.
At first I thought it would be a fun play area, but since they put in the rock, that doesn’t seem to be a great idea. “Ok kids, go out and play in the rocks…” Even if they thought thought it was fun, the rocks leave this red dust all over the carpet afterwards. So, I guess I’m going for more of a decorative container garden thing. A place that looks pretty, and makes me feel like I have more of a yard.
I could give suggestions but your house might explode. I am so lost when it comes to keeping plants alive. Sorry. 🙂
I would maybe put a little table and chairs out there…I think it would have to be really little…like a cafe style set…It is late and I can’t think of the word that I am looking for. Anyway, something to add some dimension to the space. Does that make sense? As far as plant types…uh….no idea….Chris? Are you there?
Here’s some links:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=LawnGarden/fountain.htmllike
http://landscaping.about.com/od/plantsforshadyareas/a/dry_shade_plant.htm
I think mint grows well in pots and in the shade (if you dont mind the mint scent).
But I think a bench would be nice, maybe you can find one on craigslist.com for a good price. I think new ones at lowes and home depot are like 60.00. But you could do a few diffrent pots, and put them at diffrent levels. Like turn one pot upside down and then put one on top of that with a plant in it. Good luck.
One more idea…you could always sunbathe there…you know in the privacy of your own home…HA!
This could look so cute! Is it open at the top or covered? If it is covered you could do lots more. Is it big enough to put your futon out there? you could make a fun cover for the mattress. How about a plant stand. They have them for 10 dollars at Lowes with your outdoor lamp on it. You can bury the extension cord in the rock along the edge. I’ll keep thinking. Think they’d let you paint the walls? We could go crazy!
How about a fountain?