Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: My project has been the entire patio itself. I rent a tiny apartment, but the patio is huge and was screaming to be customized. I like to sit outside at the bistro table with tea or scotch (depends on how the day went), or sit on the chaise and read. I hung electric string lights along the wall last year, but I decided to go solar this year. I'm still waiting for them to arrive.

How did you create it?:
It's come together over time. I originally just had a few planters with combinations, and some succulents. Then I started adding edibles; I have cucumbers, two types of bell peppers, eggplants, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, and even a banana tree that will produce edible fruit. I have always been shooting for a tropical theme, but also trying to use some drought tolerant plants.

Recommended store, site, product or resource?
Most of the plants came from Summerwinds Nursery, or parkseed.com. The foldable bistro chairs came from Bed Bath and Beyond, and the table came from Orchard Supply Hardware. Most of the solar lights came from Target.