Home » Misc » Ideas for landscaping small areas

Ideas for landscaping small areas


14 Small Yard Landscaping Ideas to Impress

Many of today's homes (especially condos and townhouses) often have little or no yard space at all. Fear not. Here are 14 small yard landscaping ideas that will give your space serious style!

1 / 14

Hannahmariah/Shutterstock

Leave Some Space

When considering landscaping ideas for a small yard, remember to leave space. It’s easy to overcrowd things and inadvertently create a claustrophobic effect. Here, a seating area has a clear view to the garden, courtesy of a small patch of grass and some unobstructed hardscaping.

2 / 14

Del Boy/Shutterstock

Layered Landscape

An easy backyard idea for small yards is to create a layered landscape – just like in nature. Think of a forest with low groundcovers, ferns, shade-tolerant understory shrubs and trees, and the tall overhead trees. You can do the same thing with your small yard landscaping! Use things like groundcovers, bulbs and crevice plants to create a beautiful layered landscape, while maximizing your flower bed space!

3 / 14

Boris Ryaposov/Shutterstock

Walls and Fences

Sure, you want your small yard landscaping to include privacy, so why not utilize surrounding structures like walls and fences?For this small yard idea, vines are the perfect answer – just be sure to pick one that’s not invasive or a garden thug. Check with your local cooperative extension service for recommendations for your area.

4 / 14

Del Boy/Shutterstock

Vertical Gardens

A popular trend in small yard ideas is to garden vertically. There are many off-the-shelf products that allow you to grow plants vertically, such as the wall planters seen here. Or you can create something yourself. Either way it creates gardening space out of thin air.

10 balcony garden ideas you can use.

5 / 14

Wutthichai Phosri/Shutterstock

Hanging Planters

Speaking of backyard ideas for small yards, here’s a clever way to maximize space with DIY hanging planters made from plastic bottles. Of course, if the style doesn’t suit you, there are plenty of preplanted hanging baskets at the garden center and grocery store.

See some pretty hanging basket ideas.

6 / 14

Window Boxes

A more traditional way of maximizing gardening space is with window boxes. Naturally, you can attach them beneath your windows. But other small yard ideas include placing them on a porch, around the perimeter of a patio, or hanging from a deck railing.

See our DIY plans for a custom 3-season planter.

7 / 14

mykhailo pavlenko/Shutterstock

Dwarf Plants

Growers are continually introducing new cultivars with special characteristics. One of those is a dwarf habit. When considering landscaping ideas, you can grow a pine that matures at 1 foot or 80 feet. When you choose the former, you end up with enough space to add companion plants.

Learn about space-saving trees for today’s smaller yards.

8 / 14

ESB Essentials/Shutterstock

Columnar Plants

While you’re considering size and growth characteristics, think about habit as well. Columnar plants, such as this upright pear cultivar, grow straight up. There’s more room to the side, and more light at the bottom for a greater variety of plants. And yet you still get the blooms and the fruit. Win-win!

9 / 14

ESB Essentials/Shutterstock

Trailing Plants

Here’s another shape that will help when looking for landscaping ideas for a small yard. You can run trailing plants down the side of a planter, as seen here, or let them trail from the top of a wall. Either way maximizes space and softens a hard surface to help it blend into the landscape.

10 / 14

JPL Designs/Shutterstock

Crevice Plants

Crevices are ubiquitous to most gardens, so you might as well make use of them. Sedum and other succulents such as hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum) are perfect for these spots, which are often on the lean and dry side. They make the space prettier and the hard surfaces less imposing.

See our tips for planting succulents outdoors.

11 / 14

Judi Deziel/Shutterstock

Narrow Spots

Along with crevices, most gardens have narrow strips that lack soil and moisture. Rather than fighting the conditions, work with them. One of the small yard ideas you can implement is to plant some tough, vining groundcovers and let them sprawl over the area. Use ivy in shady areas, succulents in sunny spots. A mulch of gravel is a nice low-maintenance addition that keeps plant foliage clean.

12 / 14

Del Boy/Shutterstock

Containers

Let’s not forget containers when thinking about small yard landscaping. They’re more popular than ever—and not just because they maximize gardening space. Containers add greatly to a garden’s character. They allow you to show off your favorite plants. And if you coordinate their color and arrange them in odd numbers, you create a dashing focal point.

Meet some of the best plants for container gardening.

13 / 14

Anton Watman/Shutterstock

Lawn Substitute

As you saw earlier, a small lawn can be helpful to a small-space garden because it opens up the area and makes it feel less claustrophobic. Well, if you’re not going to be walking on the lawn all the time, you might consider substituting a groundcover. You not only avoid mowing, you also integrate the area into the landscape. With a groundcover, your lawn becomes the garden.

Learn about other lawn alternatives.

14 / 14

Armin Staudt/Shutterstock

Bonsai and Miniature Gardens

The smallest yard in the world has room for a garden when the plants are miniaturized. Examples include bonsai, miniature fairy gardens, and terrariums. Although usually kept indoors in cold climates, they can vacation outside for the summer in a protected location where they’re not exposed to too much direct sunlight.

See some breathtaking examples of fairy gardens.

Originally Published: April 23, 2019

Luke Miller

Luke Miller is an award-winning garden editor with 25 years' experience in horticultural communications, including editing a national magazine and creating print and online gardening content for a national retailer. He grew up across the street from a park arboretum and has a lifelong passion for gardening in general and trees in particular. In addition to his journalism degree, he has studied horticulture and is a Master Gardener.

23 Landscaping Ideas for Small Backyards

Making the Most of a Petite Plot of Land

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 02/25/22

Reviewed by

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Not everyone is blessed with a big backyard. For those who live in places with tighter outdoor spaces, it's just a matter of practicing smart design on a smaller scale. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, loft, or a house that has more indoor than outdoor space, you can still carve out a yard with soil, trees, plants, patios, seating, and even water features. 

Once you start researching, you'll find that garden styles and solutions are limitless—there's a backyard for every petite plot of land. Among ideas to consider:

We've found 23 diverse designs and solutions for small backyards and outdoor spaces, from urban to suburban and everything else in between.

The Best Landscape Design Software

33 Small Lot Ideas

Small lots, tiny decks and small patios can be challenging 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 an area 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Adding color

Using bright color on walls and fences helps add depth to a space.

This allows the plants to stand out, creating the illusion of space. Not to mention the positive emotions that a splash of color evokes.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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.

  1. 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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.

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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 bright plants, opt for a set of bright garden furniture, or even paint a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

best DIY landscaping ideas

A beautiful, comfortable and serene vacation has now become not a dream, but a completely acceptable reality. And cozy, picturesque summer cottages began to surpass expensive sanatorium apartments. But beauty does not appear on its own. We need to make an effort, spend time searching for information about what we want to see in the end result, and we cannot do without hard work.

Contents:

Show all content of

Getting Started

The process of landscaping the site should begin with the simplest, with the determination of the most sunny and shady places on the site. Orientation relative to the cardinal points is also necessary (a compass will help you with this), take into account the climatic and weather conditions, and watch the direction of the wind. Be sure to carefully examine the terrain, taking photos and recordings, so that all kinds of ravines do not spoil the entire landscape of your site as a result.

Then proceed to the more difficult step of determining the type of soil on the site. From how fertile the soil will depend on what vegetation can be planted. Don't forget to determine the acidity of the soil. In specialized gardening stores, special devices are sold for this purpose. And also determine the soil moisture (this is necessary for planting moisture-loving plants) and the level of groundwater in order to properly install the drainage system. If you have certain knowledge in this area, then it will not be difficult for you to complete this task, but if not, then it is better to contact specialists.

Before planting, it is necessary to determine the type of soil

Preparatory work

After you have completed all the preliminary work mentioned above, start moving on to the preparatory work.

  1. The relief should always be corrected or specifically leveled if necessary;
  2. It is better to fertilize the soil with organic fertilizers and minerals;

If the soil is clay, it is better to add sawdust, manure with straw, and a sand-peat mixture into it;

  1. Install drainage, water and irrigation systems.
  2. Garden herbs better get unpretentious ones that can grow under trees;
  3. Flowerbeds, hedges should be designed in a certain style to maintain a single theme of landscape design

Soil improvement tips

If the soil is not very fertile, it needs to be improved.
  • In complex, hard clay soil, as already mentioned, it is better to add a sand-peat mixture, manure with straw, sawdust.
  • If the soil is sandy, then silt, peat, manure, possibly clay should be added to it.
  • And if acidity prevails in the soil, then sandy soil should be treated with quicklime in proportions: 250g per 1 sq. m., and acidic clay soil - 750g per 1 sq.m.
  • Manure can be replaced with a mixture of peat and wood ash
  • Sod is also a good alternative to ash.

    • Please note! On hills and uplands, moisture will evaporate faster and the vegetation will dry out. Conversely, in the pits and lowlands there will be an accumulation of moisture, and the vegetation will rot.

    Moving on to zoning

    After you have dealt with the terrain, the type of soil and the location of the site relative to the cardinal points, you can proceed to the zoning of the site, that is, a clear distribution of what and where should grow.

    Usually the territory for landscaping is divided into three zones:

    External zoning

    Perimeter zoning can be designed as a "hedge" that separates your property from neighbors or undeveloped areas. Such a green hedge can be a very advantageous replacement for a fence. For this, weaving plants, hanging beds, climbing flowers are suitable. You can plant trees and shrubs in two rows. In the first row, tall trees, from fruit trees, such as apple trees, cherries, mulberries, and plums, are quite suitable. And from ornamental, coniferous crops, such as fir, juniper, pine and others. The second row may look more concise, where roses, lilacs, and currants will grow. If there is already vegetation on the site, it can be ennobled or uprooted, at the discretion of the owner of the cottage.

    Hydrangea as a hedge

    Internal zoning

    Located near a residential building, more precisely, in a residential area. The inner part can be planted to your liking, guided by your unsurpassed imagination, harmoniously weaving exquisite plants into flower beds, flower beds, decorating the borders of garden paths and the banks of reservoirs. Climbing crops, such as liana, ivy, vine, etc., have a special place in landscaping, but all these plants need support. Therefore, they are most often planted along fences, near various buildings, in order to hide unsightly sides or defects, as well as envelop a gazebo or other places to relax.

    Hanging plants on window sills

    Without hanging plants, landscaping the interior of the site would be incomplete and boring. They bring a special positive to the perception of a harmonious atmosphere. Luxuriously falling from hanging flowerpots or wicker baskets, such plants as fuchsia, pelargonium, fortunia, silver dichondra, etc. cannot leave even the most indifferent people without admiration.

    Practical! From luxurious flowers in pots, you can easily lay out and change entire flower beds or small arrangements. They are much easier to care for, and they are quite affordable. Modern containers on wheels allow you to conveniently grow your favorite flowers, vegetables or herbs for food and amazingly change the landscape if necessary.

    Intermediate zoning

    This zoning occupies the territory accessible to the eye. This may be the territory of a recreation area, opposite the windows, near the main entrance to the summer cottage, etc. A huge role in this type of landscaping is played by the lawn. In combination with an alpine slide or rockery, it looks very attractive. But the approach to it should be special, since it will depend on the location of the lawn which seeds are best to sow.

    Lawn

    If you plan to place the lawn in the shade, then there are seeds of the shady lawn. An ordinary lawn will not work, it will grow poorly in the shade, for a long time and unevenly. There are also lawn seeds that can withstand drought and exercise. The main thing is proper lawn care and timely watering. Be sure to consider the drainage system on the site and the irrigation system. The so-called “windows” look very impressive on the site, that is, openings in paved or concreted areas. Vegetation is suitable such as carnation, saxifrage, undersized iberis, thyme, as well as perennials with beautiful foliage. Along the paths and borders, you can plant openwork roses or unusually trimmed boxwood, as well as irises and hostas.

    And once again about the main thing

    Absolutely flat terrain is extremely rare, so you should think about how to turn the disadvantages of the terrain into advantages. The most even places should be allocated for residential and utility rooms. A high hill can be turned into an alpine hill. If there are many hills on the site, then on their slopes it is preferable to make ledges and plant a garden, or make vertical gardening. Also, sun-loving plants and trees, such as certain varieties of cherries, should be placed on the hills. In the lowlands, you can plant moisture-loving plants, as well as allocate space for ponds, make a pond, dig a well, place fountains and place a gazebo in lush greenery. If a ravine is trying to “spoil” your territory, you can make an artificial stream bed in it, and throw a bridge or several bridges on top, also picturesquely decorating the banks with moisture-loving vegetation.

    How to turn the disadvantages of the site into its advantages

    How to choose a style

    The main thing is not to get confused when choosing a style. Even if you have some sketches of your own, it is better to carefully plan everything on paper or use the services of 3D graphics. Given the focus of the main styles, and these are: geometric, natural and mixed, you can choose the most suitable for yourself.

    Geometric style

    It is also called regular. This style is characterized by clear, strict lines and figures, often arranged symmetrically. Curbs are optimally used, other structures with pronounced strict lines, such as arches made of timber or polymer pipes, pergolas, various canopies of climbing plants, or certain lattices that serve as a support for plants - trellises. Also near the house you can place rows of flowerpots with bright vegetation. You can also decorate the roof by hanging beautiful containers with ampelous plants. A hedge in the form of a labyrinth will serve as fun for both adults and children.

    regular style

    Natural style

    It is also called eco style or landscape style. It is quite popular today in landscape design, despite the fact that there are no particular difficulties in its execution. If you like wild nature, natural vegetation, then this style is for you. This style is characterized by the fact that the terrain remains practically unchanged. Fragments of nature are preserved. If a natural body of water exists, it remains untouched and so do its inhabitants. The presence of stones of various shapes among the vegetation will also not spoil the natural style. As for the lawn, it should also reflect a natural theme, for example, Moorish or clover lawn is fine. Flowers should be harmoniously woven into the eco style. Field flowers, such as chamomile, cornflower, and special varieties of decorative flowers that will be combined with field flowers are best suited. Bulbous plants of wild species are also good, such as lilies of the valley, crocuses, irises, daffodils, tulips. Ornamental trees such as mountain ash, willow, maple, oak, birch will harmonize well with forest trees.

    Eco style is economical, easy to care for and can be created on a site of any size and shape.

    Photo of landscape style in landscape (video)