After getting back from a fantastic weekend in Austin, my dad and I picked out and purchased many plants to finish up the patio re-do. During that time, he explained to me that I want to plant evergreens to last all year long, multi-years, and add in some annuals for color each season. I picked out a few multi colored or variegated plants, some grassy plants, and a couple purple clovers.
My roommate and I spent under 1 1/2 hours out there after sunset, and look at the finished product! We topped it off with some reddish mulch. Mulch costs just barely $4 a bag and helps fight weeds and drying out. My area (the length of all the edging measured at 33') required 3 full bags of mulch.
Now we're working on finding some good Adirondack chairs and a small table for cocktails...as well as an excuse to have friends over!!
Cute! It turned out great. The patio/porch is one of my favorite places in a house.