4 Easy Outdoor Living Ideas

Karyn R. Millet

Make paths permeable

Materials such as gravel permit water to percolate into the soil instead of running off into the street. Wide pathways of decomposed granite in this backyard easily allow rainwater through to the roots of the New Zealand flax, grasses, and colorful perennials growing nearby.

The "fountain" is filled with cool blue senecio.

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Karyn R. Millet

Use recycled furniture

Someone else's castoffs can be freshened and given new life as garden decor.

A recycled mirror and a cafe chair create an intimate spot on the terrace.

Karyn R. Millet

Choose unthirsty plants

The Mediterranean plants in this garden aren't just modest in their water demands, they also stand up to the alkaline soil, low humidity, and hot, dry winds.

Echeveria and New Zealand flax fill a pot.

Karyn R. Millet

Make use of natural cooling

When the house gets too warm in summer, Gelbart and Rhoadzhagen simply move outdoors to one of the several small open-air rooms they've created to expand their living space.

This alfresco dining area is just outside the kitchen; lit by the sun and cooled by the breeze, it consumes zero energy.

4 ways to green your outdoor living space

Make paths permeable

Use recycled furniture

Choose unthirsty plants

Make use of natural cooling