Compact garden ideas
30 space-savvy ways to max a tiny garden |
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
Small garden ideas have lots of advantages – the main one being they're wonderfully low-maintenance.
Small gardens, city terraces, balconies and even unloved corners can all make enticing outdoor spaces with a little care and attention. Visual tricks, good lighting, interesting planting and comfortable seating will play to the strengths of the most awkward or compact of gardens.
Whether you're looking for garden ideas to create an impressive balcony garden, want to introduce some garden furniture to your patio or love to be surrounded by greenery, you'll find lots of inspiration for your small outdoor space below.
Small garden ideas – 30 compact spaces big on style
Even the smallest outdoor space can become a beautifully designed garden. The key is to keep things simple and fuss-free.
Limit landscaping materials, such as paving and decking, to no more than a couple of styles and select a pared-down color palette. Use the concept of the ‘slow reveal’, too. If you can’t see all your garden at once, it creates a sense of space as you’re not sure what lies around a corner. A secluded seating spot behind a large shrub, for example, gives the sense of a ‘journey’ through the garden. This works in even the smallest of spaces.
Choose the right plant for the right place, so check how sunny or shady your garden is first. Then take advantage of vertical growing options to make more space for plants. A combination of structural evergreens and seasonal planting works well.
Below we share our favorite small garden ideas, as chosen by the experts.
1. Plan the layout to perfection
(Image credit: garden Club London / Joanna Kossak)
'Plan the location of seating and lounging areas before landscaping a small garden,' advises Rachel Crow, Homes & Gardens' Gardens Editor. 'Set these back so that they are not protruding on to walkways and terraces.
'Understand, too, the movement of the sun and shade in your small garden and position seating accordingly.
'
2. Pick a one-color scheme
(Image credit: Sue Townsend)
'Though it's wonderful to plant a wide range of flowers in a small garden, a one-color planting scheme can work wonders at making a tiny space feel sleekly designed, less chaotic and calmer,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief of Homes & Gardens.
'Just as we tend to keep small rooms inside our homes minimally furnished and to a limited color scheme if we want them to feel larger, we can apply this to our small garden ideas to enhance them.'
3. Use repetition to your advantage
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Repetition is used in interior design to make rooms feel well-designed, balanced and cohesive, and this is a trick that can be used, just like the one-color scheme, to enhance small gardens.
'Why does repetition work in design?' asks Jennifer Ebert Homes & Gardens' Digital Editor. 'It's pleasing to the eye and therefore a wonderful way to create a smart-looking space that in no way jars.
Repetition in small gardens can be created with flower colors, plant varieties or simply the choice of furniture.'
4. Devote attention to an outdoor living space
(Image credit: Sandtex)
More than in a large garden, attention should be given to outdoor living room ideas. It may be that you have little room for both planting and seating, so seating, surrounded by space-savvy container planting or borders is a real must. Plus, since your small garden is going to be very visible from indoors, unlike a large garden, which can rely on long-reaching views, it really is vital to get this space just right.
'Choose simple, low-lying furniture that fits with the lines and style of the landscaping,' advises Rachel Crow. 'Dress with cushions that complement the surrounding flowers and greenery.'
5. Steal elements of cottage garden style
(Image credit: Clive Nichols)
Cottage garden ideas were designed for small gardens, with cottage garden plants characterized by their bright exuberance and the juxtaposition of vegetables, fruit and flowers in borders.
'Flower bed ideas in cottage garden style will bring plenty of interest to small gardens,' says Melanie Griffiths, Editor of Period Living magazine, and one of Homes & Gardens' gardening experts. 'But you can steal other cottage garden tropes, such as arbors, to bring vertical interest. This is a great way to make small gardens pack a punch.'
6. Turn a small garden into a leisure zone
(Image credit: Kate Anne Designs / Jeffrey Brian Riemer)
What is the most important element that you can design into your small garden? Unsurprisingly the answer is that it depends what you want to get from your garden and how you will use it.
So, if pool ideas have seemed out of reach for your tiny space, have a rethink about how you could create the perfect pool area, or seating area or dining area (or all three) while still making your space feel green. Here, it is achieved by privacy hedges, which provide evergreen color, planting between pavers and container gardening ideas.
7. Use trellis to help you borrow a view
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
Trellis ideas are wonderful for small gardens because they allow you to put up a barrier without it feeling solid, looming or limited. Not only do they let you see a beautiful view beyond your small garden, they also can be used to disguise unsightly features, such as a compost heap, without making the garden feel smaller.
8. Divide a small garden into rooms
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Dividing even a small garden into defined 'rooms' can make it feel larger. The key to doing this isn't with obviously visible barriers – different flooring materials from space to space or overhead treatments can create zones. You can create the latter with draped climbers or look to attractive pergola ideas that can create neat-looking shade and privacy solutions, too.
'Use living walls and decorative filigree screens to create shelter and enhance privacy,' says Homes & Gardens' Gardens Expert Rachel Crow.
1. Zone a small garden with decking
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future Publishing Ltd)
Decking does more than provide a space for sitting, drinking and dining — it can also help divide up a small garden into zones, helping the space feel curated, functional and possibly even a little bit bigger.
In the small garden with decking above, the decking weaves a path through plant bedding, creating multiple terraces within a compact space.
2. Add color with pretty paintwork
(Image credit: Tim Young/Future Publishing Ltd)
If you’re looking for an aesthetic shake up that doesn’t break the bank, grab yourself a pot of outdoor paint. Giving unloved woodwork a few coats is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a big impact within your small backyard ideas, turning that all-too-close back fence or shed into a feature backdrop.
Lighter colors can make a pokey garden feel lighter and brighter, while going bold will make a serious statement.
3. Make space for a rock garden
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny/Future Publishing Ltd)
Rockeries aren’t the most contemporary of water feature ideas, but their scalability makes them among the easiest to squeeze into smaller spaces.
A small rock garden idea – particularly if partially hidden among whimsical planting – can add a sense of wonder to the garden, as well as the relaxing ambient soundtrack of rippling water.
4. Dedicate a flower bed to edibles
(Image credit: Annaick Guitteny Photography)
Keen cooks, get yourself a vegetable patch. You don’t need a rolling kitchen garden to grow your own food, just an area of bedding dedicated to edible delights.
Great small vegetable garden ideas include chillies, runner beans and tomatoes because they all offer high yields in a small space. If you’re really short on square footage, potted herbs can be stacked up on outdoor shelving.
And if you encounter problems with plant growth, it may be worth knowing how to add calcium to soil, as this simple method (often involving cracked eggs) can ensure your small garden ideas continue to grow healthy and strong.
Calcium encourages strong cell walls that ensure the plant grows upright while making your plants less prone to diseases and pests. And this is particularly important in terms of small vegetable gardens and flower beds.
5. No grass, no problem
(Image credit: Brent Darby/Future Publishing Ltd)
Swapping turf for a patio doesn’t mean you need to ditch green for grey. Making your garden patio-first is a low maintenance life-saver, meaning you can focus on bringing a wider array of greenery into the space.
Here, easily cared-for paving slabs are lifted with raised bedding and climbers weaving across a trellis.
6. Keep it simple in a small garden
(Image credit: Future / Spike Powell)
Don’t get too carried away when planning a small garden. A carefully chosen palette of materials and plants is often the most satisfying.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t be adventurous and experimental, just be mindful that trying to squeeze everything into a compact space will make it cluttered and decrease usability.
7. Plant smart in tiny spaces
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
The choice of planting is essential in smaller gardens. Use plants that won’t overcrowd the space.
However, you also need to ensure you are not always looking at fencing or boundary walls as somewhere to plant. A really useful plant is the evergreen climber Trachelospermum Jasminoides, commonly known as star jasmine. It will offer year-round interest with an abundance of white flower from mid to late summer.
8. Pot up in a small garden
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
Try large pots and planters in a compact garden. The bigger they are, the better their impact will be as this will give your plants room to thrive and you’ll have less watering to do. Big statement pots give you a real focal point and that sense of lush greenery en masse. Use matching materials for the containers, or at least materials and colours that complement each other.
Using plants in pots provides additional flexibility in smaller gardens.
They come into their own in balcony gardens or if looking for courtyard garden ideas where there is no earth to plant beds in.
You are able to position the pots around your dining terrace and relocate them easily whenever you need to, as well as vary the planting from season to season.
9. Consistency is key
(Image credit: Future / Emme Lee)
Continuity of approach from the inside out will help make the garden feel part of your home.
This can range from paint colors and materials to simply using plants whose flower color complements the interior.
Be mindful that although some paving materials can be used both internally and externally, the stone outside will tend to weather over time.
10. Create interest with a water feature
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
Introduce focal points, which can include sculpture or water features, specimen trees and even an outdoor fireplace.
Correct positioning is important.
Some will be most successful as the design centrepiece while others are better tucked away within planting so that you aren’t fully aware of them until you enter the garden.
11. Light right
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
Dan Bowyer from Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer explains how clever outdoor lighting ideas can transform small spaces: 'Lighting specific areas and focal points will create interest and provide a backdrop to the house all year round, even at times when you are not in the garden.'
'It is important to not light the whole space, areas of darkness are essential to the success of a garden lighting scheme,' he advises.
12. Create a shady corner
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )
Think about a shaded spot as a multisensory experience of sight, sound and scent.
Trees provide excellent coverage without blocking too much sun, and can be trimmed back to suit your needs.
The best trees for a small garden include bay trees (Laurus nobilis), Euonymus Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) and the Magnolia Christmas Berry (Photinia ‘Little Red Robin’).
13. Go underground
(Image credit: Future / Darren Chung)
Transform an overlooked or exposed garden space. Sunken gardens make great retreats and are especially useful in urban plots where boundary fences may cast unwanted shade.
Lowering a terrace by just 45cm makes it easier to create a greater sense of privacy with planting or awnings; if you want to go lower, ask a landscape architect to check the water table level and advise on drainage. In a sloping garden, carve out terraces and create an outdoor room on the lowest level.
14. Instil good housekeeping
(Image credit: Future / Lizzie Orme)
It may not sound the most exciting, but getting on top of tasks such as the cleaning and tidying of pots, sheds and greenhouses is the perfect way to ensure that your small garden is clutter-free.
Not only will this allow you to make the most of even the smallest of areas but a tidy space can also make a small garden look bigger.
If space allows, why not invest in a potting shed? Take a look at these shed ideas for more advice.
15. Use vertical space in a small garden
(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)
If floor space is at a premium, plant vertically instead. One of the most sought after looks this year – living walls are taking planting to a whole new level.
To create these vertical gardens, plants are rooted into a structure which is then attached to an interior, exterior or freestanding wall. Systems can range from something as simple as plant pots hung on a vertical wall, or highly sophisticated modular, hydroponic panels where all the water and nutrient requirements of the plants are precision delivered and monitored electronically.
16. Opt for low-level furniture
(Image credit: Future / Jan Baldwin)
It is hugely important to get the scale just right in a compact area. Look out how your furniture pieces relate to each other and the surrounding space.
A neat garden sofa and armless – or single arm – chairs are good options for a small garden or courtyard where space is limited.
17. Build an office at the end of your small garden
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
What better way is there to start your working day than a relaxed walk to the end of your garden? You don't need to have a large garden to build one of these, as in the picture above, but if you're looking for long garden ideas then this could be a great addition to the bottom of your garden - as it will be a nice distance away from the main house.
You can hire a builder to create a simple studio, much like the one shown above, for as little as $7,000-$10,000.
Building an extra room with a view of the garden is now a growing trend. With the current vogue for open-plan, multi-purpose family rooms that combine a mix of kitchen, dining and living spaces, garden rooms and orangeries fit the bill perfectly.
18. Enjoy small-scale topiary
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
Often used on a grand and formal scale, try topiary forms in short-on-space areas to dramatic effect.
In this tiny garden, topiary box has been cut into balls –in close proximity – to create a chess board feel.
19. Play with scale in a petite garden
(Image credit: Greencube)
Play with scale by using large plants in a small space, choosing green plants that create harmony and texture rather than a riot of color. Try acers and tree ferns as well as perennials and ornamental grasses. This garden was designed by Greencube.
20. Plant around pavers
(Image credit: Alice Ferguson)
Planting around and within the paving and decking in this narrow space, designed by Alice Ferguson, softens the hard landscaping. Strong vertical features, including climbers, draw the eye up.
21. Let your planting sing out
(Image credit: The Florence Nightingale Gardens / RHS / Neil Hepworth)
‘Every garden, no matter how small, can be turned into an asset,’ says John Wyer of Bowles & Wyer, who constructed the medal-winning Florence Nightingale Garden for Chelsea 2021.
‘In a smaller space, every millimetre counts. The garden needs to be practical in terms of how you want to use it, but also think about how it will look from adjacent windows as well as from within the garden itself.’
He also advises against trying to squeeze in too many ideas. Instead, take bold decisions using a ‘less is more’ approach. ‘Decide on a color scheme and stick to it and you’ll naturally have a more cohesive and impactful garden design,’ he says.
Here, small trees, a simple color palette and soft textured planting in The Florence Nightingale Garden, Chelsea 2021, designed by Bowles & Wyer take center stage.
22. Consider a view
(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)
Either exploit a borrowed view beyond the garden boundary or create a strong vista within the space,’ says Artisan Landscapes’ Alice Ferguson. ‘In courtyards, terraces and balconies, such as this one by Bowles & Wyer , the garden and house work more than ever as one entity.
Create a view from the house to the garden that’s inviting and evokes curiosity. Layers of planting with height can transform a small space into a green haven,’ says Alice.
How can I get the most out of my small garden?
In smaller or enclosed spaces, it’s important to draw the eye through simple, enticing design.
Many courtyard or urban gardens can be overlooked. Try obscuring any unwelcome views with considered planting that adds some height but not too much depth so as to avoid eating into a compact square footage.
Long lasting plants such as Verbena Bonariensis add height and can be contained in small areas with flowers lasting from May through to the winter. Often a combination of hard landscaping, such as stone and brick, with bold, architectural planting, works best.
A terrace planted with a pair of large olive trees and a vibrant herb bed for example, will make more impact than a mass of overplanting. If your garden looks out onto a side return, consider painting the wall white to reflect the light and increase a sense of space.
Another trick is to mix hard materials. Stone paving interspersed with narrow pebbled strips can look effective, as can juxtaposing angles, such as contrasting sleek decking with paved travertine.
Length will draw the eye, so try to site a standout plant, sculpture or small water feature towards the end of your space. Consider incorporating fixed seating, such as a banquette seating running along an external wall, to instantly increase the useable space, making sure the spot receives sunshine.
How do you make a small garden look nice?
Use planting to soften hard features. In smaller spaces, a sculpted, streamlined look can work best, such as stone paved terraces, or other materials, whether brick or paint, that that reference the property, combining inside with outside. But counteracting these hard materials with a mixture of clipped and more whimsical planting will soften the edges and add texture and interest. Make sure you know where the sun rises and sets in your garden so that you can plant accordingly.
Balconies and roof gardens can benefit from simple planting, too. Prioritise space for sitting or dining and avoid overcrowding with too many varying pot shapes and sizes – aim instead for one or two statement pieces, such as a pair of bay trees or a sumptuous window box of favorite blooms, be they geraniums, hydrangeas, or overflowing campanulas. Finally, invest in some simple but effective lighting for small spaces to enhance appeal and increase the sense of space.
'Small gardens look great with just a few key elements that link the whole space together,' says ,' says Sean Butler, Cube 1994 Ltd . 'This may be through the use of repeating an accent color or a plant. Sometimes I choose a cushion fabric and then repeat its color through the planting. Clipped box can be used as an all year structural plant, while Zantedeschia thrive in city gardens in small amounts of shade and add a lush feel to the garden.'
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens.
Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
With contributions from
- Ailis BrennanContributing Editor
52 Best Small Garden Ideas
Rosmarie WirzGetty Images
While outfitting a small outdoor space can be challenging, it's certainly achievable. With a little creativity and a few clever design tricks to maximize space, there are so many small garden ideas to be inspired by. Double-duty patio furniture, vertical gardens and unique planters are just some of the simple and budget-friendly ways to make the most of your small garden.
If you're not sure where to begin before the warm weather arrives in your area, you'll appreciate this selection of inspirational landscaping tips and hacks that are too good not to try. Bonus: We've included an impressive range of DIY small garden projects from some of our favorite lifestyle bloggers. This list is full of genius ideas for balconies, tiny backyards, petite patios — you name it! In short, you don't have to call Versailles home to design a stunning outdoor space: Even with a small patch of green, the plants, flowers and landscaping ideas here will make your small garden fit for a queen.
A Beautiful Mess
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Vertical Herb Garden
Whether you have a small yard or lack outdoor space altogether, a vertical garden can be a charming addition. You can create one on your own with landscape fabric and copper pipe.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Bless'er House
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Repurposed Shelf Garden Box
If you're partial to vintage-inspired decor and happen to have an old shelf that's been collecting dust in your home, consider turning it into a garden box.
It's the perfect spot for herbs like mint, thyme and parsley.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »
Scared Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
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DIY Bubble Fountain
With just a few supplies, including a submersible pump, a waterproof pot and decorative river rocks, you can make your garden more zen with an eye-catching DIY bubble fountain.
Get the tutorial at Scared Thoughts of a Crafty Mom »
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Mistana
Rolf 2-Piece Galvanized Iron Wall Planter Set
Now 44% off
$30 AT WAYFAIR
If you've been longing to give vertical gardening a try, now's your chance. Go for one or two planters, depending on just how green your thumb is.
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H&M
Large Metal Candle Lantern
$30 AT H&M
Lighting is important for an outdoor space, especially if it's on the small side. Illuminate yours with this stylish metal lantern that fits one large pillar candle.
A Beautiful Mess
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Herb Garden
There's something special about an orderly display of potted plants, especially when they're in vibrant colors that showcase the beauty of the season.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Sugar & Cloth
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Faux Grass Stepping Stones
You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of grass — even if it's faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
Crafts by Amanda
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Mason Jar Planters
Add a country-chic touch to your garden with these mason jar planters (pint or quart size), which are perfect for herbs of all kinds.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
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Safavieh
Stella Glazed Ceramic Decorative Garden Stool
Now 62% off
$83 AT AMAZON $110 AT HOME DEPOT $111 AT BED BATH AND BEYOND
You can't go wrong with a versatile piece of decor like this garden stool that works for resting drinks, reading material or even a plant or two.
Plus, it's designed to withstand the elements, which means you'll be able to use it season after season.
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Terrain
Canvas Carry-All Garden Stool
$48 AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
Small gardens call for double-duty essentials. The perfect example? This nifty tool bag that doubles as a foldable chair.
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Lattice Green Wall
Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.
Lisa Romerein
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Fold-Out Shelf
Brian Woodcock
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Patterned Hanging Planters
andreusKGetty Images
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Hammock
Play up your garden's cozy factor with a stylish hammock, designed for an afternoon nap or getting lost in a good book.
Alex LevineGetty Images
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Globe String Lights
Any outdoor gathering would be so much more fun if classic string lights are in the mix, whether you choose to hang them on a fence or under a pergola.
Courtesy of manufacturer
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Fence Planters
Window boxes can be used in so many creative ways. Fill one with vibrant blooms—a great match for a white picket fence.
GAP Photos/Clive Nichols
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Vibrant Chairs
Outfitting a small space doesn't mean you have to settle for drab furniture. The brighter, the better is the way to go to bring your space to life.
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Sol 72 Outdoor
Aanya Hardwood Dark Red Meranti Potting Bench
Now 57% off
$107 AT WAYFAIR
With a roomy shelf underneath, this wood piece doubles as a mini garden "shed" for storage.
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Society6
Floral Still Life Sling Chair
Now 25% off
$131 AT SOCIETY6
When it comes to an impromptu yard game, consider folding furniture, like this floral style, to easily free up space in an instant.
ArterraGetty Images
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Square Foot Gardening
This highly efficient method divides raised beds into a grid.
Vegetables then get planted in one or more squares at a density based on plant size (e.g., you’d plant about 16 radish seeds per square, but only one tomato plant).
RELATED: The Pros and Cons of Square Foot Gardening
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Buy Ecopots Hanging Pot
$35 AT BLOOMSCAPE
Ditch those unsightly plastic hanging pots for a sleek bowl like this waterproof design that's available in four colors: charcoal, stone, clay and slate.
Mike Garten
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Flower-Filled Planters
Instantly boost your home’s curb appeal with bright blooms on each side of your front door. Expecting guests? Steal these tricks
from our home team: Add stems from a supermarket bouquet for extra fullness and mint for a fragrant burst.
Buff Strickland
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Container Gardening
SHOP POTS
Green up your patio or deck with oversized terracotta or plastic planters overflowing with anything from tomatoes to wildflowers.
(The lush lineup here creates a pretty privacy wall!)
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Container Gardening
RazaRaGetty Images
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Potted Fruit Trees
SHOP ORANGE TREES
If you've got a tiny patio or balcony, you can grow a fruit tree. Calamondin orange or fig trees especially do well in pots at least 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot deep. Just watch out: Choose a variety that can survive at least two zones colder than where you live, because planters will freeze faster than the ground.
RELATED: 8 Fruit Trees You Can Grow Right on Your Porch
nicolas_Getty Images
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Companion Planting
Placing flowers and veggies together in the same beds doesn't just save space. It'll help boost your yields and keep plants happy by attracting more pollinators.
Mike Garten
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Fairy Garden
Think small — really small — with this adorable project. Outfitted with a mini birdhouse, rustic stones, and teeny-tiny accessories, this planter is the perfect thing to make with kids.
Get the tutorial »
.
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The Backyard Homestead
$19 AT GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
If you have ¼ acre of land (or even less!), you can produce your own vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, and more — this book shares garden plans, landscaping tips, planting tricks, chicken coop ideas, and more.
Craig McCauslandGetty Images
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Dwarf Trees
Averaging about 15 feet tall and wide, many ornamental or dwarf tree varieties can handle tiny spaces. Crowd-pleasers like dogwoods, camellias, crepe myrtle, and crabapples offer both flowers and foliage too.
RELATED: The 9 Best Trees for Small Yards
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AMAZON BEST SELLER
Mkono
Mid Century Plant Stands
Now 14% off
$25 AT AMAZON
Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this cute wooden plant stand that can fit just about anywhere. Consider your yard officially Instagrammable. (Note: The plant and pot is not included.
)
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Habit + Form Rectangle Trough
$48 AT TERRAIN
If your outdoor dining spot could use a little green, try adding one of these long planters to the table. The cold-rolled steel can stand up to the elements, and succulents will adapt to even the shallowest containers.
33 Small Lot Ideas
Small lots, tiny decks and small patios may seem difficult to design and furnish, but even the tiniest lot can be turned into an elegant outdoor retreat.
Small areas have many advantages, the main one being that they do not require much maintenance.
Whether you're looking to create an impressive balcony garden, cram garden furniture into your patio, or fill your yard with greenery, there are plenty of ideas below to inspire you. And if you're working on a tight budget, we'll show you how to get what you want without spending a fortune. nine0003
- Zoning space
This site consists of three parts, each of which has a clear individual purpose.
On the upper level, there is a cabin and a patio bathed in the morning sun. The central seating area is designed for communication. Next is the reservoir. Due to the versatility, the space seems larger.
- Adding color
Using bright color on walls and fences helps add depth to a space. nine0003
This allows the plants to stand out, creating the illusion of space. Not to mention the positive emotions that a splash of color evokes.
- Create a sense of height with different plants
A smart and simple idea for decorating a small area is to play with height to add a sense of space and depth. Use plant pots of different heights and scales to make the most of the space. This is the perfect solution for small patios and balconies. nine0003
- Add levels
Add charm to a small garden with levels. It can be a recessed terrace or a raised lawn.
Overhangs and steps will help you make better use of the space by adding extra space for plant pots or garden furniture.
- We equip the wall with hanging shelves and a table
Even in a tiny garden you can enjoy drinks thanks to the compact folding bar counter. Create your own outdoor entertainment space with a clever hanging rail made from wooden pallets and a long chain. nine0003
- Consider vertical gardening
Use the vertical wall space to place plant containers. This allows even the smallest garden plots to flourish. The simple yet thoughtful addition of horizontal surfaces can transform an unaesthetic barn wall into a decorative hedge.
- Add a smart outdoor kitchen
Don't let a small garden get in the way of your summer kitchen dream. Increase the capacity of your kitchen with narrow tables placed along a wall or fence.
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- Make a ground cover with different materials
Fill a small garden space with different areas. A good way is to choose different materials for the floor. Just as indoors different floors signify a change of room, outdoors it can help subconsciously enlarge a space by defining different zones.
- Use color and mirrors on the walls to expand the space
In a small garden it is useful to mask the walls as much as possible. Painting exposed walls green helps to harmonize them with the surrounding greenery. Add a decorative garden mirror to enhance the illusion of space.
- Get creative with your shelves and hooks
Shelves and hooks aren't just for indoors. Create an extra precious surface for pots and accessories by placing some hanging shelves. nine0003
Old scaffolding supported by metal brackets, which you can buy at your local store, is a budget solution.
Wall shelves will free up space on the floor from lanterns and plant pots. The support rail can also be an ideal place to install outdoor lighting.
- Expand your indoor space
Make your small garden bigger by making it an extension of your indoor space. Combining outdoor and indoor space will make it more valuable, no matter how small it may be. nine0003
Decorate your small garden space with furniture and decorative lamps to spend more time in it. Potted plants will add charm. Since garden furniture can be moved from time to time, you get a sense of freedom from a change of scenery.
- Squeeze in a small dining table.
Don't let limited space get in the way of your outdoor dining experience. Buy a compact dining table, such as a half-size table. It fits neatly against the wall without intruding into tight spaces. nine0003
- Use outdoor mats
Create the illusion of space by zoning your garden layout.
Lay a decorative outdoor rug to highlight your living and dining area. The flooring will act as a reference point, so you can comfortably arrange furniture around it. Highlighting each area helps create a sense of the functionality of the space.
- Paint a partially blank fence
Draw attention with artfully painted backgrounds to create the illusion of height and space. A simple two-tone fencing can spice up any space. Using a dark color helps make the effect stand out and also complements the green foliage nicely.
- Organize extra seating
Buy some large floor cushions in case you have guests over. They are easy to stack on top of each other when not in use, perfect for easy storage. Patterned cushions or bright colors can also help bring personality to the space. nine0003
- A canopy helps you make the most of your space
Upgrade your shed with a canopy.
In winter, the barn can be used to store garden furniture, and in summer it can be converted into a bar for outdoor parties. Great idea!
- Take your plants to the next level
Make the most of your small space by arranging items at different levels with vertical shelving. This graceful staircase creates additional space for potted plants and garden accessories. Height allows more efficient use of space. nine0003
- Make the most of every corner of the yard
If your small garden is a courtyard, consider how you can make the most of every inch of space. Often, a courtyard can appear enclosed due to the looming brick walls surrounding it.
Using corner seats or a high-backed sofa can help hide most of the walls, which in turn will distract and create the illusion of space. nine0003
- Make a mini greenhouse
Even the smallest outdoor space can include a greenhouse for growing plants.
Design this IKEA style tall cabinet - just stand it up and attach it to the wall in a sunny spot.
- Mount the plant box under the kitchen window
Use old boards to make a simple plant box that can be placed directly under the kitchen window. This is a great place to grow herbs. nine0003
- Hang a hammock
The ideal place for outdoor recreation is a hammock. It will instantly turn your garden or patio into a lounge area that will rival any beach bar in Ibiza. Hang it in the shade, perfect for chilling out on a hot day. When the hammock is not in use, both ends can be hung on the same hook so that space can be used.
- Make low curbs that you can sit on
Perhaps you only have enough space for a couple of chairs? What happens when friends come to visit? By adding raised beds surrounded by borders, you will not only make plant care easier, but also create additional seating for guests.
For comfort, add pillows that match the color of your plants.
- Create a true living wall
Once the domain of design installations and innovative commercial solutions, living or green walls are increasingly making their way into small gardens. nine0003
To create these vertical gardens, plants are rooted in a structure attached to a wall.
Various herbaceous perennials, annual herbs, small shrubs and even fruits and vegetables can be used. Try adding scented plants, seasonal flowers, and bulbs.
- Paint the walls white
White paint is often used in interiors because of its brightening properties. It can be successfully used in the exterior. With a white painted brick wall and white patio furniture, your small garden will feel like a Mediterranean one. nine0003
- Place planters and planters at different heights
You don't need a lawn to create a lush garden, and you don't need flower beds either.
A low-maintenance flooring option, such as gravel, is great for smaller gardens. Add lots of plant pots next to your garden furniture and you have the perfect place to enjoy a summer day.
- Vertical gardening
Use climbing nets and trellises to add color and greenery. This is a great solution for small gardens as it lifts flowers and foliage off the ground. A beautiful fence will draw attention away from a tiny area - after all, if you and your guests focus on beautiful roses or hot pink trellis, who will notice the size of the garden?
- Decorate your yard with colorful furniture
Even the smallest terrace can be turned into something exceptional. If you have a small area, a landscaped terrace can be a good solution that combines elegance and low maintenance. A simple finish, such as tile or traditional stone, creates a rustic feel, while thoughtful furnishings provide privacy.
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Simply add comfortable seating to create the perfect outside room. Here, outdoor furniture paint makes the space special. Please note: Seat colors do not have to match - bright hues like orange and pink go great together.
- Pursue beauty and functionality
Make small spaces inviting and provide a modern look with clear landscape lines. Create interesting interconnected areas with a variety of materials such as painted flooring, light-colored patio slabs, and decorative stones or rubble. Then plant plants to bring the landscape to life. nine0003
- Add decorative elements
Even the smallest spaces can be turned into decorative outdoor space. Lay concrete step slabs and use a narrow rustic table or bench to create a central focal point.
Keep the look chic and unpretentious with shingles, topiaries and flowering plants in orange and yellow. Add elegance with aluminum and stone planters and carefully selected items such as a large lantern and unusual bird sculptures.
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- Focus on furniture
Place items of interest at the end of the garden and create the illusion that your space is larger than it actually is. Choose white patio furniture and place it at the back of the paved area.
Play with space by strategically planting large shrubs to partially block your view, giving the impression that there is more to see.
Add interest to your garden with climbing plants and evergreen shrubs. This is enlivened by brightly colored favorites such as foxglove and delphinium. nine0003
- Organize a place for the little ones
Design an ingenious little space that will appeal to both kids and fun lovers. Build a playhouse that fits seamlessly into your garden perimeter.
Complete the camouflage effect with a stonecrop roof to make the house blend in perfectly with its surroundings. Store bright furniture inside so it's easy to take it out for play and put it back in when not in use.
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- Perfect your look
Create an outdoor living area for the summer months. Even if you have a small area with some natural greenery, you can create the look of a colorful garden with flower pots and planters. Just like indoors, choosing neutral walls and floors can make a small garden look lighter and brighter.
How to make a small area beautiful?
Living green walls are trendy and can be used to hide unsightly borders and add lush foliage even in a garden where space is limited. nine0003
A stylish fireplace will become an unusual focal point in the garden and allow you to enjoy summer evenings even longer.
Bright colors will also make a small garden really sing. You can achieve this with brightly colored plants, opt for a set of brightly colored garden furniture, or even paint your fence or barn a hot pink or blue.
How to arrange a small garden?
If you want to change the layout of your small garden, start by exploring the existing space.
Look at what plants are already growing and think about where the sun falls. nine0003
If, for example, you like having a large group at dinner, you probably want to place the dining table where it is sunny. But in the afternoon heat, you will also need shade. Where is the dead space? Or a barn to stay in the shade for half a day?
Think about how much time you are willing to devote to the care of the site? If you're short on time, more intricate landscaping and more hardy plants will require much less attention than complex planting lawn and garden beds. nine0003
Paving and gravel yards are still popular and concrete is on trend.
Which plants are best for small gardens?
Start by determining your soil type and garden conditions, then purchase the right plants.
Evergreen conifers look great all year round. Use shrubs and trees of varying heights, as well as soft grasses and herbaceous perennials, to add vibrant colors and soften architectural elements.
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Plant a mixture of bulbs that will bloom in spring in pots - they are also low maintenance and look great in high traffic areas like patios.
Climbing plants are great for small gardens - honeysuckle and jasmine will fill your garden with fragrance.
You can also plant fruit trees and fill the beds with vegetables. What could be better than harvesting a fresh crop of lettuce or strawberries?
Potatoes, beans and onions are also fairly easy to grow and don't require a lot of space. On 10 square meters you can grow enough for a family of 5 people. nine0003
We hope that our little garden ideas have inspired you to create your own garden. Do you have any other great ideas for a small garden?
Tamara Kelly
February 26, 2021
5 garden design solutions that are most often abandoned
The dream of many landscape designers is to create an “ideal garden” that delights the owners not only in summer, but also in winter.
It would seem that customers should dream of the same. However, we are not always successful in bringing ideas to life. Why is this happening? I talked with colleagues and tried to figure out what ideas customers most often refuse and why they do it. I'm telling. nine0003
About the author (pictured): Practicing landscape architect at the Mindful Garden studio. In 2009 she graduated with honors from the Moscow State University with a degree in Landscape and Green Construction Engineer. Experience in the specialty - more than 12 years. Lecturer of the course “Vertical layout of the garden. Water Disposal" in the educational center "Floreal".
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IN YOUR TOWN…
Hire a landscape designer through Houzz - order your project
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Like any other plants, tall perennials must be selected for a specific task and based on the conditions in the garden.
One of the main indicators is the illumination of the site. Depending on the amount of sunlight that hits different parts of the garden, we choose different types of perennials.
FOR SHADY PLACES
What to plant: a group of plants that differ in size and shape of leaves is suitable: lamellar astilboides, Japanese butterbur, medicinal rhubarb, soft acanthus, pinnate rogers, Przewalski's buzulnik. nine0003
Interested in landscape design?
Let's select an artist according to your criteria
Sarah Naybour Design
1. Garden sculptures
Why we offer: In the conditions of Central Russia, the joyful and colorful part of the year is rather fleeting. From late April to mid-October maximum, we see the change of seasons, flowering plants, variegated leaves and bright fruits. And the rest of the year - gray skies, white cover and black trunks. I would like to add color accents to the sleeping garden, interesting viewpoints, additional shapes and volumes.
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nuances de VERT
And then we offer customers to complete the project with garden sculptures, small architectural forms or art objects. It can be objects completely different in size and style or whole compositions that will become a real center of the garden and will be a full-fledged participant in garden life all year round, emphasizing the uniqueness of the project.
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IN YOUR TOWN…
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Jon Allen Fine Metal Art
Why they refuse: There are two reasons for this at once. Firstly, customers are afraid of the cost of sculptures. This factor is understandable and logical, so we try to offer several options in the desired price range.
Secondly, many garden owners simply do not see the value and necessity of such a solution.
In this case, it is very important for the designer to convey his idea, create visualizations of the right angles, explain the idea and the importance of a particular sculpture in a particular place. Imagine a Japanese garden without stone lanterns. Or a French garden without sculptures. These are iconic items that set the tone and style for the entire garden. nine0003
Gardenridge Living Architecture
In the photo: the owner of the garden needs to have a lot of courage to decide on the placement of large sculptures
Uyutovo Landscape Design Studio
BOXHILL
accent plants can take the place, which will support the structure of the garden in winter. These are coniferous, as well as molded deciduous trees and shrubs. Sometimes, as a replacement for “non-functional” items, it turns out to pick up beautiful but useful objects: garden swings, benches or bird drinkers.
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RELATED…
Q: How to make your garden attractive to birds
Patrick Heagney Photography
Pictured: sculptural group or functional objects? It all depends on the angle of view
London Stone
In the photo: an interestingly shaped bench located in the right place can become an art object and replace a sculpture
Stuart Garden Architecture
Vertical Arts Architecture
2. Water objects
Why we offer: Literally 10-15 years ago, a rare technical task did without a request for a pond and an "alpine hill". But the fashion is gone, and now reservoirs in projects do not take root so often. Although in a large garden with a natural decrease, such a solution looks very appropriate.
Sometimes landscape designers suggest complex cascades of ponds, sometimes minimalist ponds to emphasize architecture or visually increase the size of the site.
After all, the water surface is the same mirror: all flower beds and compositions of shrubs double in reflection, the garden looks twice as luxurious and voluminous. nine0003
Reservoirs can be either an imitation of a natural pond, or strict and graphic, with stone or even metal walls. Water cascades or fountains are suitable as the center of the composition. You can choose the right solution for any style of garden.
Intelligent Garden
In the photo: reservoirs can be quite small, but very picturesque
In the photo: which fountain to choose — classic or minimalistic — depends on the overall style of the garden
Andrea Calo
In the photo: such a cascade will definitely be the main visual center of the site
ARCADIA GARDEN Landscape Studio
screaming frogs, cracked concrete bowls and the difficulty in maintaining a pond.
But technology does not stand still: composite materials are now used instead of concrete; film ponds are reliable and durable, and various filters, lamps and preparations will help keep the pond clean and without unnecessary inhabitants. nine0003
Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture
Still, customers often refuse water bodies. Just as in the case of sculptures, the important factor here is not even the cost of such a solution (after all, the designers will not offer the creation of a pond if we are talking about a very modest budget), but a lack of understanding of its necessity. If the pond is just “for beauty” and you can’t swim in it, then why is it needed at all?
RELATED…
► Pond a dime a dozen: Decorative pond on the site - what is important to know
► Photo hunting: 69 ideas on how to arrange a pond in the country
Reasonable garden
What to replace: Instead of a picturesque pond, you can offer no less picturesque imitation of it - a dry pond or a dry stream.
If you correctly approach the placement, create an artificial channel, fill the bottom with pebbles of various sizes and plant suitable plants, there will be a complete feeling of a reservoir without the reservoir itself.
Minimalistic ponds and classic renaissance ponds that work on reflection, of course, there is nothing special to replace. In this case, the architecture can be emphasized by the open space of the lawn, symmetrical molded plants and other elements suitable for the chosen style. nine0413
Alena Arsenieva's landscape workshop
In the photo: pebble laying out interestingly plays with the idea of running water
JKT Associates, Inc.
Garden labyrinth
3. Unusual plants
Why we offer: There are many plants whose appearance is extremely unusual. This is the winding willow Tortuosa, and the common spruce Inversa, and the European larch Pendula, and many other plants - no less extravagant, but interesting: weeping, variegated, split-leaved, dwarf, pyramidal .
.. Each such plant has its admirers and connoisseurs. nine0003
When drawing up landscaping plans, we suggest using unusual plants as accents in groups or as original tapeworms. Appropriate use, delicate taste and calculation of specific points will not make a mistake and overload the garden with such highlights.
Jay Sifford Garden Design
In the photo: Norway spruce has several varieties with drooping and elongated shoots: Acrocona, Virgata, Inversa
Jay Sifford Garden Design
In the photo: weeping larch also looks very original
J. Paul Moore Photography
In the photo: an interesting option - to fit into the garden concept unusual topiary (for example, in the form of animals or geometric figures) or cobble willows ( with a trunk cut at a certain height) to create the image of the Whomping Willow from the Harry Potter films
L-DESIGN Landscape Architecture Bureau
Reasons for rejection: Sometimes "strange" plants seem sick to customers, creating a depressing impression.
Twisted shoots, variegated needles or a dissected leaf blade are seen not as a whim of botanical breeders, but as the action of bacteria or viruses. And no one wants to buy and plant sick (and possibly infectious) plants in the garden.
Le jardinet
In the photo: variegated leaves are sometimes taken as a sign of illness; for some plants this is indeed true, but for many such coloration is simply the result of selection
Monvia
The photo: Varieties K ONTORTE looks amazing, but in the summer there is a lot of patient
JAY SIFFord 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 plants with golden and brownish needles, which to some people seem to dry out
Andrey__Lysikov
Complex and large topiaries are rejected because of their cost.
Forming a large specimen, delivering it from the nursery and planting it in the right place is a complex and expensive process. nine0003
RELATED…
Topiary: Irregular green sculptures in the garden
ARCADIA GARDEN Landscape Studio
What to replace: with double flowers or re-flowering. Among conifers there are varieties with a denser crown, decorative cones, silver needles. Therefore, replacing the plant is not difficult. True, a memorable accent will no longer work, and the general concept of landscaping will most likely have to be adjusted. nine0003
Landscape workshop "Fantasy Garden"
Instead of large and unusual topiaries, you can use compact and laconic ones - any molded plants add respectability to the garden, but small plants will not be so expensive and extravagant.
On the topic ...
Plants: Choosing decorative for the garden
ECCO-OPOLE-LD
4.
Geoplasty
Why we offer : Intentional change in the Holmers or Sensus, the creation of hills is known that on the basis of such a solution, unusual spaces can be created. A hill can become the basis for a playground, part of a rockery or the starting point of a water cascade. Not to mention more original uses for hills: in the form of hobbit houses, for example. nine0003
A fire pit or a sports area will be perfect in the depression. The embankment is able to decorate an outdoor shower, a cellar or a decorative grotto. The intricately curved ranges of hills are beautiful in their own right! They enrich the landscape, add variety and volume to the garden.
Tim Samuel Design
In the photo: the hill as the main element of the playground
T&M design studio
Why they refuse: Like other objects of a purely decorative nature, geoplastics are criticized as complicating, expensive and unnecessary design element.
Garden owners are afraid of the complex implementation and are worried that they will not be able to maintain the hills in the form conceived by the designer. Sites located in a depression need additional drainage, which also scares potential owners. nine0003
By the way: Coordination of hills is much easier if you use the soil excavated when laying the foundations of buildings. Surplus must be removed by ordering cars and paying for additional work, and the construction of a hill can allow rational use of this land.
What to replace: Instead of small hills, cut bushes are used - also an interesting move that will add originality to the garden.
Instead of large hills that work like a screen, closing buildings or hiding secluded areas from prying eyes, plantings of coniferous trees - spruce, fir or pine are used. nine0003
Instead of recesses, they offer a decorative retaining wall - a platform is formed inside a practically closed contour, which will seem understated, isolated and cozy.
Oksana Khleborodova, workshop Author's garden
In the photo: clipped plants or hills?
BRADANINI & ASSOCIATES
5. Non-standard materials
Why we offer: What seems promising and attractive to a landscape architect may seem strange and frightening to a customer. Gabion structures, as in the photo, corten steel, erklez, mirror - this is just a small part of what can be used to create a unique garden look. nine0003
There are also modern floor coverings that are not only comfortable and durable, but also aesthetically pleasing. For example, playgrounds and sports grounds can be made of rubber, and paths can be made of stone chips stabilized with polyurethane resin.
Land Aesthetic
LOCH Collective
Pictured: erclez as gabion infill - bright garden accent
Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.
