A beautiful patio is just what you need when you come home after a busy day at the office. Step outside into the garden and catch the last of the sunshine before dinner. Curl up with a good book on a day off. Your own sanctuary right outside!

Now your garden may have many purposes – and having an area where you can relax may be just one of them but you can still carve out a space where you can relax when you’re alone in even the smallest garden.

1. Patio Furniture to Suit Your Needs

To relax you just need a reclining chair with a soft patio cushion and a small table where you can place your book and a drink. It should not take up a lot of space and can be put away if necessary when not in use. If you are looking for a larger patio set for a bigger garden make sure that at least one of the chairs reclines – it’s not very relaxing sitting upright.

2. Quick Access

If possible, don’t put your chair away even if you need to store your cushion indoors. It can be off-putting if you only have a few minutes to spend outdoors but you have to spend it getting your chair out and setting it up each time. If you have to but it away make sure that it is easy to get to and not at the back of the shed or garage.

3. Some Shade

A tree is great for casting a little dappled shade over your patio and reclining chair for those hot summer days when you really don’t want to lie out frazzling in the sun for too long. If you don’t have the benefit of trees treat yourself to a garden parasol to provide that much needed shade.

4. Plants and Flowers

Enhance your patio area with flowers and plants. If possible organize the flower beds around your patio so that there are always interesting evergreen leaf shapes and colors on display and always something in bloom. If you are not able to do that because of lack of space add some color with plants and flowers in pots which you can change with the seasons.

5. Add Sound

You are probably looking for peace and quiet on your patio but a little gentle sound will help you relax. Hang some wind chimes from a nearby tree or use a shepherd’s hook stuck into the ground for your chimes.