Oh, how I would love a small courtyard backyard for my NYC home. Granted, when I say small, ideally, I'd like something equivalent to about 20x20. Various combinations of lengths and widths of a relatively similar square footage, but preferably no side less than 7 feet. Since this is a fantasy I'm vanquishing, I'm going to be a little indulgent and say it's 20x20.
A tall cedar fence wraps it. When it rains, it soaks up the water, and when the sun bakes it dry, the aroma settles around the inhabitants like a balm. Cedar lattice crawling with night blooming jasmine (shh, it's a fantasy) gives the impression of thick stripes on the fence. About 2-3 feet wide each, they are spaced around 5 feet apart. At their base are curvy mounds of soil topped with cedar mulch and cradling a variety of perennials that burst into bloom every spring. Some of the plants are simple greenery to create a thick and lush appeal. Others are flowering in many shades of reds, blues, purples, and oranges - more vibrant and deep than opaque and pastel. Fragrant flowers like Hyacinthe and lilacs lure the inhabitants to breathe deeply and exhale slowly, enhancing the relaxing atmosphere. At the corners and between a couple of the lattices are shading trees. Whether potted or deeply rooted, these leafy trees (ranging from 7-15 feet tall) splatter this garden oasis with pretty shadows during the day. Their boughs host strings of white lights to cozy up the place at night.
The center of the courtyard is paved with uneven, mix-matched stones (greys and tans) that are mostly level, but attractively buckling in a couple random spots. They are well worn and spotted with moss on the corners of some of the stones, giving the inhabitants the impression that life persists here, that nature rules over all despite how every much hard-work we put into to taming it. A family size (3x6) ornate (curvy lattice or scroll patterns) table of distressed wrought iron (or similar) centers this paved section. Six matching chairs with wide and deep seats, backs and arm rests, surround the table. A large dark green retractable sunshade opens over top, aiding the illusion of a canopy of leaves. Though they look heavy, they are not terribly difficult to shift to a side when the paved area is needed for other activities. A two-seater table set of similar but more lightweight design rests in the corner nearest the door to inside for quick coffee breaks or a few quiet breakfast moments. A weatherproof cabinet flanks the other side of the door. A large bag of salt rests inside so that the paved area is nicely accessible on wintry weekends.
To help those wintry weekends have more appeal for the outdoors, both far corners of the paved area have domed stone fire pits. A removable grate allows for grilling quick, light snacks like fruits or marshmallows or perhaps even small-chunked shish-kabobs. A wrought-iron sliding front allows for crafty pottery baking. Not too hard to cozy up around those with a warm blanket, hot chocolate or tea, and my cuddly husband.
And speaking of husband and foods... A small grill (as low tech as I can convince him of having) will fill one of the spaces between the lattices along the side. An outdoor water spout (hose coiled on a spinner in easy reach of it) is accessible on one side of the grill. On the other side is a low table for the to-be-grilled and a small chair for watchfulness. Burgers, summer squash, pineapple and chicken on the grill... Foil wrapped potatoes, yams, and corn-on-the-cob in the coals...
Sipping iced tea and lemonade...
Reading a good book...
Sun tanning my lotioned limbs...
I banish thee, you demonic lures from productivity! Be gone, I command you! Get!
~_~ooo
I welcome any suggestions of tactics or strategies to better vanquish this particular dastardly daydream demon. Please reply to this post with your ideas.
I thank you in advance for your assistance in this venture. And as always...
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