A Santa Fe courtyard is tailor-made for outdoor dining. Here are 5 design ideas that make it work
Sharon Cohoon
1 /6Steven A. Gunther
Comfortable courtyard
Shade trees, flagstone furnishings, and Santa Fe style give this courtyard its easy charm. Click through to get a closer look at all the details.
2 /6Steven A. Gunther
Shade trees
Lacy-leafed locusts (Robinia x ambigua 'Purple Robe'), underplanted with dwarf plumbago, provide welcome shade during outdoor-party season, then drop their leaves in winter to let in sunlight.
3 /6Steven A. Gunther
Rustic trellis
A grid of unpeeled Gambell oak prunings, mounted against the wall, supports climbing roses that bear coral blooms. Its rough-hewn look complements the weathered-wood front door.
4 /6Steven A. Gunther
One-color hardscape
The brick paving and stucco walls that provide privacy are the same soft salmon color as the flagstone.
5 /6Steven A. Gunther
Flagstone Furnishings
This custom-built dining table is right at home in this Southwestern courtyard. The table is made from the same flagstone as the slender serving counter tucked against the wall.
6 /6Steven A. Gunther
Stone pots
Planted with curly parsley, the pots have a creamy color and rough texture that enhance the courtyard's Santa Fe style.
Design Richard Wilder, Wilder Landscaping, Santa Fe (505/989-8524)