Problem: Heat
Many courtyards are heat traps. Small courtyards with solid brick walls and lots of paving are especially prone to overheating.
Solutions
• Create shade:
- plant a small shade tree
- install a shade wing
- build a pergola and cover it with shade cloth or a climber
• Let the wind through:
- cut holes in the fence or wall
- install a wrought iron, slatted timber or mesh gate
• Add water:
- fountain, waterfall, misting irrigation system
• Remove hot surfaces:
- replace paving with cool grass
- grow a plant over a brick wall
Problem: Access
Courtyards (particularly those in older homes and terrace houses) can be small and difficult to get to.
Solutions
• Widen pathways/gateways
• Use archways to give the illusion of space if access is narrow
• Replace steps with ramps or with a gentler gradient; if space is a problem, build a platform and corner in the staircase
• Put a step from the house into the courtyard
• Install a side gate
Problem: Dry soil
Buildings and trees can block rainfall, resulting in dry garden beds and lawns inside the courtyard. Dry soils may also be a result of soil compaction from construction work, pedestrians, etc.
Solutions
• Improve the soil, eg. add water crystals or soil wetters; use mulch and dig in organic matter; aerate the soil with a garden fork.
• Install drip irrigation, and connect it to an automatic timer so that the lawns and beds are watered regularly.
• In paved courtyards, plant small herbs between pavers to allow water through to the soil.
• Direct pedestrians and vehicles using paths and pavers. This will limit soil compaction.
• Plant drought tolerant plants such as succulents.
Problem: Shade
Excessive shade from nearby buildings and trees can make the soil stay wet and paving may become slippery.
Solution
• Choose shade-loving plants, eg. Impatiens and ferns.
• Avoid lawn or use shade-tolerant species, eg. Fescues or Dichondra.
• Prune overhanging branches (but first get permission from neighbours or the council if the tree isn’t growing on your property).
• Improve drainage.
• Add a raised timber platform if the ground is waterlogged (treat the foundations to prevent rot).
Problem: Rubbish
Papers, leaves and other debris can get blow in from outside and trapped in the courtyard.
Solution
• Place fine wire mesh or shadecloth over the top.
• Keep the gate closed.
• Build a fence or solid wall.
• Talk to neighbours about where the rubbish is coming from.
Problem: Builder’s rubbish
Plaster, concrete, nails, old tins etc may be buried in the soil during the house construction. As well as being a physical obstruction to plant root growth, dumped rubbish can leach toxic chemicals into the soil.
Solutions
• Remove any visible builder’s rubbish.
• Dig over garden beds and remove any waste.
• Address the soil problems by adding fertiliser or organic matter.
• Raise the garden beds.
• Buy plants that are adapted to that kind of soil, eg.lavender prefers lime soil.
Problem: Intense Smells
Strong-smelling plants (eg. Jasmine, Gardenia) have a more intense fragrance in enclosed spaces.
Solution
• Think before you plant; and plant fewer scented plants.
• Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Keep scented plants away from windows and doorways.
Problem: Glare
In sunny weather light inside the courtyard can be very bright. (Light colours and glass increase glare.)
Solution
• Render walls a darker colour.
• Avoid still water features (they reflect more light).
• Plant around the perimeter of the garden.
• Plant a small shade tree.
• Plant a ground cover to absorb light.
• Install blinds on windows overlooking the courtyard.
Problem:
Plants overgrow the courtyard.
Courtyards have limited space and many shrubs, climbers, and even trees can grow outwards, encroaching on that limited space, leaving you with less useable room or space to move about.
Solutions
• Use upright, non spreading plants (eg. pencil pines).
• Use plants that have a well defined and predictable architectural shape (eg. Cordyline, Yucca, Agave).
• Use smaller, less vigorous plants.
• Prune frequently to stop spreading.
• Train plants (eg. Topiary, espaliers).
• Avoid plants that are more of a problem if brushed (eg. anything with thorns or that may cause an allergic reaction).
