10 Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space Into an Oasis

This rooftop retreat, created by Topiarius, an urban landscape firm, sits atop the owner's garage. To conform to city codes, installers anchored the pergola in containers, rather than drilling into the structure. A long planter filled with Arborvitaes was clad with Azek, a material that resembles wood. "It's a great finishing material for outdoors," says Topiarius Co-Owner and Vice-President Sara Jenkins-Sutton, who adds that it's available to DIY-ers. "It has a nice, smooth surface for painting." The arborvitaes eventually died, she said, but "Junipers would do well for the same conical look. Container planting on a rooftop is a different beast than how plants behave in the ground. Chicago's freeze and thaw cycle is really tough on plants."

To shade a hot-spot, consider a retractable shade like the one on this pergola. It's made from Sunbrella, an outdoor fabric that helps shield against sun and sprinkles of rain. The designers at Topiarius cut huge Colocasia leaves and placed them in water to add a burst of bright green to the setting. The outdoor furniture is resin wicker.

Some homeowners need privacy from neighbors, or want to screen an unwelcome view. In this case, Topiarius designers created an outdoor entertainment and lounging area, and used horizontal slats, made from oiled Ipe, to block the sight of a back alley. Solid, white Plexiglas panels were also installed; Jenkins-Sutton says they were less expensive and easier to cut than glass. The painted cedar pergola has hidden heaters to provide warmth on chilly days. This space uses pedestal porcelain Evo pavers and features a red Ore fire pit attached to a gas line.

When these homeowners wanted to make separate living spaces in their backyard, Topiarius designers recycled bricks found on the property. The bricks were placed in a metal structure to create a gabion wall, which divides the outdoor rooms and helps anchor a post (which is also set in concrete) holding a shade sail. Ivy and other plants can be allowed to grow up the metal structure to form a green, living wall.