Breezy Summer Patio Tour. Take a quick tour around a patio, set in a little backyard oasis. You’ll see how tall hedges create the perfect backdrop for al fresco dining and privacy around the pool.
The Summer Outdoor Tour
Welcome to Thistle Key Lane, as I join my sweet friends and host Cindy of County Road 407 for a outdoor summer tour. After springtime sprucing up of our patios, decks and porches, it is time to see what everyone is sharing. I hope you are ready to be inspired!
If you are popping over from my friend Wendy of WM Design House, I’m so happy you are here. Speaking of being inspired I’m loving all of Wendy’s fabulous porch decorations.
Breezy Summer Patio Tour
During the summer we spend as many of our late afternoons and evenings on the patio as we can. We take advantage of the pool, which is the coolest spot on hot days, or we dine al fresco on the patio when weather permits. We also grow blueberries in large containers for easy picking. Today I’m sharing a variety of photos from different angles so you can get an idea of what our backyard patio looks like.
Patio Features
Over the last 20 plus years of living here we have enjoyed watching the trees and holly hedge mature. I have to say the hollies are one of the best features in the backyard. We love the privacy and sound barrier the hollies provide, plus the hedge makes a beautiful backdrop behind the patio.
The holly hedge also provides plenty of hiding places for birds to nest, therefore we keep the bird feeders full year round. In early spring migratory birds clean out all the red holly berries on their way south. For several weeks we will have hundreds of birds attacking the berries, and believe me it is quite the feast.
The sandstone wall is also one of my favorite features, because it adds a bit character to the patio surround. I like having a few flowering pots on the wall, and this year we have a fairy house too. To see my post on how to make a flower pot fairy house click here.
Summer Patio Al Fresco Dining
On calmer evenings we love to eat outdoors. Sometimes it’s just the two of us or we have the kids over to swim with the grand littles. That’s when the pool becomes super popular, and the Mister works his magic on the grill. These are our favorite dinners, and we look forward to those every weekend.
This summertime centerpiece is a arrangement using a basket tray, a pot of white Pinta flowers and candles. We’ve learned that shatterproof place settings, and tumblers are the way to go on the patio, especially with little kiddos. Don’t you just love these muted green and blue plates and napkins? These are truly my colors!
To see my 4th of July patio tablescape from last summer, be sure to click on my post here.
Growing Blueberries
Are you wondering what these unruly bushes are in the large containers? Well they are blueberry bushes. They have grown so much, and have tripled in size since last year. I suspect the Mister will give them good trimming after the blueberry season is over.
It is so wonderful to just walk out the back door and pick blueberries. We have another bumper crop this year, and we should be picking them well into July. I store them in the freezer by the bags full to use later in the year.
Of course when the grand littles come over, they pick and eat them as fast as they can. Gotta love that, and I can’t think of a healthier snack. I must add that our dog Moose has also discovered the tasty blueberries ugh! Oh well there could be worse things for him to eat. 😉
Here are a few of my blueberry recipes you can try.
- Blueberry Cobbler Recipe
- Blueberry Orange Bread Recipe
- Mini Blueberry Galette Recipe
- Blueberry Lemon Sorbet Recipe
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!
Now I”m going to send you over to visit The Ponds Farmhouse, where my friend Rachel shares wonderful ideas for al fresco dining.
Thank you so much for stopping by for our little breezy summer patio tour. Be sure to click through the links below for more outdoor decorating ideas.
Cheers!
More Outdoor Summer Tours…
Your outdoor space is beautiful and looks like the perfect spot to relax.
Thanks so much for the tour.
Michelle,
Your pool and patio area are just stunning. A perfect spot for summer enjoyment. Great tour.
Thank you so much Rachel! We will be enjoying it this weekend!
Michelle, after sharing so many indoor tours with you, I really enjoyed seeing your outdoor space which is absolutely lovely! I love the pretty table setting and container plants and how wonderful that your Grands can pick blueberries from your garden! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you so much Cecilia! We have so many blueberries, it’s hard to get them picked everyday as they ripen. 😊
Your outdoor dining space is picture perfect! Love all of the green foliage you have to surround your pool. I can only imagine the feast the birds have with the holly berries. How nice to have birds year round.
Thanks Wendy! Enjoying the birds year round is one of the advantages of living here in Texas.
Wowza, I had no idea your bushes/hedges grew so tall! They look amazing and the privacy has got to be fabulous. And my jaw dropped at the two pots in front of the window! You might be surprised to hear this but I’ve never thought to get giant pots and plant something that would grow so large. They are magnificent. And blueberries?! Seriously?! That’s genius. I know y’all really enjoy having the grands over. Happy summer! Everything (love that stone wall) looks gorgeous! pinned
Thank you so much Cindy! I give all the credit to the Mister, and his love of working in the yard! Happy Summer and thanks again for hosting our tours!
Oh, what a wonderful space to enjoy! I could get used to having a pool in my backyard:) Love the rock wall; it adds so much character to the space. I’ve never seen such huge blueberries in a container! I should plant some in my garden. Thanks so much for the lovely tour!
Thanks Lora! We have had such great luck growing blueberries, even though the bushes do look kind of wild!
Michelle, your outdoor space is glorious! Such beautiful bones for the landscaping to showcase all the charming details. We have a couple of sweet berry trees, so we also enjoy watching the birds go crazy when the berries come in. Thanks for a great tour! Pinned!
Michelle,
Wow! Your outdoor space is stunning! I am so jealous of your pool area. We’ve been in our home for 20 years as well. We’ve been trying to convince my husband to do a pool all these years. I love how secluded the space feels, as well as the stonework and all the plants. Enjoy the summer months!
Thank you Christy! It’s heating up down here in Texas so I’m happy we have a pool for a cool distraction!