Hiding the block wall is a lath arcade of hanging plants

Lath seemed the answer, as Sandy and Larry Davidson of Huntington Beach, California, critically eyed the unattractive cinder-block wall behind their 4- by 60-foot planting bed.

During an extensive remodel, Martino decided to make the patio more hospitable for outdoor living. He removed the offending awning, decked over the entire concrete slab, and added a planter.The new redwood deck forms a distinctive platform that seems to float over the lawn. To tie indoors and outdoors together, the deck surface--8 inches above the slab--was set at the same level as the floor of the house.The vine you see climbing over the lath structure is kangaroo treebine (Cissus antarctica), which can be planted in mild-winter coastal areas. For a hardier alternative, plant Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens). The baskets and other hanging planters hold fuchsias, begonias, and seasonal annuals.Container plants are watered by drip tubing concealed in a 3/4-inch PVC pipe that runs across the roof of the arbor (the PVC also protects the tubing from the sun).

Container plants are watered by drip tubing concealed in a 3/4-inch PVC pipe that runs across the roof of the arbor (the PVC also protects the tubing from the sun).