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Small Garden Design Ideas | Garden Design

See how gardeners around the country have created wonderful gardens in small spaces

Small gardens have a lot more potential than you may realize. Whether dealing with a long narrow space behind a vintage home, a cramped backyard that lacks privacy, or a shabby garden at the rear of a brownstone the possibilities are endless. So don’t write off your 40-foot by 20-foot outdoor area just yet—with the right design, it could be an incredible garden.

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CONSIDER FUNCTIONALITY

Designer Karen Chapman says, "Neither beauty nor function needs to be limited by the size of your outdoor space, but it is important to prioritize your wish list in order to make every square inch count." She offers the following advice, suggestions, and tips:

Do you love to entertain family & friends?

Entertaining outdoors always seems so much more relaxed, both for the hosts and the guests, but how many people do you need to accommodate? Two for an intimate lunch? Eight for a sit-down dinner? Twelve or more for an informal BBQ?

Versatile elements that can satisfy more than one function are key in maximizing the potential of small spaces.

What do you want to grow?

Are you hoping to grow cut flowers, your favorite herbs, or a few vegetables? When space is limited, it is especially important to determine which of these are worth growing yourself, and which are better to purchase seasonally from your local farmer’s market. Focus on growing flowers and produce that are usually expensive, hard to find, have a short shelf life, or you use regularly.

Is in-ground planting space limited?

Container gardens provide a simple solution for limited in-ground growing; however, consideration should be given to their size and shape.

13 DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL SPACES

Having considered the functionality of your space, here are a few designer tips to help you really maximize its potential and create the illusion of a much larger garden.

  1. Look for compact plants. Choose plants that won’t overwhelm the ground plane, but don’t be afraid to include moderate sized or columnar trees to achieve the appropriate scale.
  2. Think outside the box. What about vertical gardens? Railing planters? Hanging baskets for strawberries? (See an example of a living wall/vertical succulent garden below.)
  3. Build a strong foliage framework. Use interesting plants with colorful leaves before layering in flowering plants.
  4. Make every square inch count. Focus on high-value trees, shrubs, and perennials that offer multiple seasons of interest with attractive leaves, seasonal flowers, unique textures, colorful bark and/or great fall color.
  5. Create privacy. You may not have room for large evergreen trees and shrubs to create privacy. But, would a row of one of the many columnar varieties that provide height—without the width—work? If only seasonal screening is needed, perhaps narrow, columnar, deciduous trees or shrubs would be suitable? Or perhaps growing well-behaved climbers (e. g. jasmine or annual vines) on a vertical trellis would be the best solution.
  6. Do you really need a lawn? Does your lawn visually break up your space unnecessarily? Does it make more sense to extend the patio?
  7. Choose outdoor furniture with care. Forgo extra deep armchairs with wide armrests in favor of sleeker profiles.
  8. Add a water feature. Water features are always a great addition to a garden. While a pond and waterfall may not be realistic, a simple recirculating wall fountain or bubbling tabletop pot may be the answer.
  9. Create a sense of order. Clean lines bring an orderly feel to the garden. A clear rectilinear design can define spaces, while flowing organic curves can be used to soften awkward angles.
  10. Use the diagonal axis. A typical suburban garden is often wide but shallow. Looking straight across the back garden therefore emphasizes the shortest dimension. Alter the perspective by turning the patio, planting beds, and sight lines 45-degrees to line up with the diagonal axis, creating the illusion of a much larger space. (See an example of this design strategy below.)
  11. Keep the color palette simple. Two or three colors in varying shades, together with green, will be less visually cluttered than a jelly-bean-like explosion.
  12. Borrow views from outside your boundaries. Frame a distant tree, mountain, or unique architectural detail to give the illusion of greater depth.
  13. Add outdoor lighting. Create drama and mystery, while extending the use of the garden into the evening hours.

SMALL GARDEN INSPIRATION

A strong rectilinear design defines each element clearly, allowing enough space for an upper dining terrace, illuminated pathways, a narrow water feature and contemporary raised beds filled with an abundance of colorful foliage in a restrained palette. Photo: Darcy Daniels

See more of this garden: Going Beyond the Straight and Narrow

Landscape theater is created by the strategic placement of lighting fixtures while clean lines, carefully selected plants, and sleek furniture make the most of this small garden. Photo: Daniel Shea

See more of this garden: London Garden Calls Day and Night.

Retaining walls can double as occasional seating for guests to supplement the lightweight bistro set. Photo credit: Marion Brenner

See more of this garden: A Small Property Gets a Simple & Sustainable Garden

The backyard was transformed by installing a spa, custom lighting, and a lush vertical garden that clads an existing retaining wall. Resurfacing the narrow landing and adding a stairway made of 6-inch-thick sandstone slabs created two levels of outdoor living space. Photo by: Karl Seifert

See more of this garden: Small Backyard Makeover: Using Every Square Inch

Turning the paver patios 45 degrees to the house emphasizes the long diagonal axis, creating a more interesting layout and giving the illusion of greater depth. Design by Karen Chapman, Le-jardinet Designs

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Watch this short video to see how to maximize a small space for outdoor living.

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10 Great Plants for Small Gardens

Get recommendations for small garden plants that won’t outgrow their site By Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer

As home lots continue to shrink, one of the biggest decisions is what to plant in the landscape. When space is at a premium, every detail counts, which is why proper plant selection is so important. Choosing small plants, or smaller cultivars or dwarf forms of reliable favorites that won’t outgrow the site will help to keep pruning and editing to a minimum. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

1.

Cornus kousa (Kousa dogwood)

Although the average mature size is 15-30 feet high and wide, dwarf forms such as ‘Little Poncho’ and ‘Dwarf Pink’ reach just 8-10 feet tall and wide. Dogwood trees produces creamy white or pink flowers from late spring to early summer, followed by berry-like edible fruits that are attractive through autumn. The glossy green leaves turn brilliant red and purple in fall, while the graceful vase-shaped structure and peeling bronze bark offer winter appeal. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8, this reliable tree performs best in full sun to partial shade, and is virtually carefree, though regular summer watering is necessary in hotter climates.

Photo by: Iseli Nursery / Randall Smith Photography.

2.

Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ (coral bark Japanese maple)

Japanese maples have long been a staple in home landscapes, and for good reason. With a wide range of leaf colors—from deep burgundy to chartreuse—brilliant fall foliage, and various forms and sizes, there is something for every type of garden. ‘Sango kaku’ coral bark maple is one of the finest varieties for smaller gardens, with upright structure, and pale green leaves tinged with red that turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange in fall. The most outstanding feature is the coral-pink bark, which becomes brighter—almost florescent—in winter. Hardy in USDA Zones 6-9, coral bark maple reaches 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and does best in well-draining soil with protection from hot afternoon sun. This versatile tree can be planted in a small courtyard, used as screening, as a container specimen on a deck or patio, or a focal point at the end of a pathway.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

3.

Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea)

A carefree shrub with four-season interest, oakleaf hydrangea bears serrated leaves that turn bright shades of scarlet, purple and orange in fall. Elegant white flower panicles bloom in summer, fading to hues of pink and soft beige, lasting well into fall. The attractive cinnamon-colored peeling bark is most noticeable in winter. Oakleaf hydrangeas perform best in sunny conditions, with shade during the hottest part of the day, and require less water than other hydrangeas. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, standard varieties such as ‘Snow Queen’ reach a mature size of 4-6 feet high and wide, while dwarfs including ‘Pee Wee’ and ‘Ruby Slippers’ will remain smaller. Use oakleaf hydrangea as a foundation plant, or incorporate into a mixed border.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

4.

Buxus sempervirens (English boxwood)

Traditional boxwood, which are evergreen staples of formal European landscapes, work with any style garden. In a small space, where smart design is essential, boxwood can serve many important functions: instilling order, defining garden rooms, as edging for pathways, or as stand-alone focal points in containers. Tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to shade, these deer-resistant shrubs can thrive in a wide range of soils as long as there is good drainage to prevent root rot. ‘Suffruticosa’, which is hardy in USDA Zones 6-8, is one of the best dwarf varieties, reaching a mature size of just three feet tall and wide, minimizing the need for frequent pruning. For colder climates, try mounding dwarf ‘Green Gem’, or upright ‘Green Mountain’, which are both hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.

Photo by: Iseli Nursery / Randall Smith Photography.

5.

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ (dwarf hinoki cypress)

Dwarf conifers are a great addition to any small garden, as they are slow-growing, low maintenance, and come in a diverse array of shapes and colors for year-round interest. Their uses are similarly wide-ranging: as screening, border accents, focal points, or as container specimens. Native to Japan, dwarf hinoki cypress is one of the most popular evergreens for its captivating layered texture and deep green foliage. ‘Nana Gracilis’ is exceptionally slow growing, reaching just 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide after many years. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8, this pyramidal-shaped conifer performs best in moist, well-draining soil, with protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

Photo by: Tesselaar Plants.

6.

Rosa Flower Carpet® (landscape rose)

Roses, America’s most beloved flowers, have a reputation for being fussy and high-maintenance. Many varieties introduced in recent years have been developed for disease-resistance, easy care, increased vigor, and longer bloom time. Some of the most versatile are the ‘Flower Carpet’ series, which grow to just 2-3 feet tall and wide. These tough, virtually maintenance-free plants can be used as hedging, to spill over a low wall or hillside, at the edge of a border or path, or in containers. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-11 or 5-10 depending on the variety, these reliable performers bloom from late spring through fall in shades of pink, red, white, coral or gold. Roses perform best with at least 6-8 hours of full sun, and when planted in rich, loamy soil.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

7.

Clematis x ‘Nelly Moser’

One way to maximize the use of a small space is to grow vining plants vertically up a wall or trellis. Clematis, known as “queen of vines,” are revered for their range of flower forms, colors and season-long interest. It’s hard to pick just one, but the hybrid ‘Nelly Moser’ is a classic favorite, with large, eye-catching striped flowers that bloom in spring and again in late summer, and showy seed heads that last until frost. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, ‘Nelly Moser’ is also shade-tolerant, making it a good choice for small courtyards or entryways that receive part day sun. To get the most out of a clematis garden, grow several types together, such as alpine, Jackman and Texensis that bloom at different times over the growing season. Many can be successfully grown in containers on a deck or patio.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

8.

Heuchera spp. (coral bells)

Few perennials are as diverse in foliage color, or as versatile in the garden as coral bells. With ruffled evergreen foliage in tones ranging from deep burgundy, silver red, orange, gold and chartreuse, and some with variegation or stain glass patterning, there’s something for every personal taste. The flowers that appear in late spring, some more showy than others, last well into summer. These enchanting plants, most of which grow to 12-18 inches high and wide, are invaluable for edging pathways, as accents in a mixed border, or as container specimens when combined with other small perennials or annuals. Coral bells thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from sun to shade, and perform best in well-amended soil with good drainage. Most varieties are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, and will benefit with protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

9.

Helleborus x hybridus (hybrid Lenten rose)

Much attention has been given to this spring workhorse in recent years, and for good reason. Hellebores are one of the first perennials to bloom in early spring, with flower bracts that hold their color for several months. Modern hybrids such as ‘Winter Jewels™’ and ‘Winter Thriller™’ come in a dazzling array of colors, from white to deep burgundy, in speckled or picotee patterns, and single and double forms. Hellebores tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions, and the leathery foliage stays attractive throughout the growing season. They need very little care once established; a light dressing of compost, and shearing of the old leaves is all that's needed to keep them looking great. Most hybrids are hardy from USDA Zones 4-5, to Zone 8. To best enjoy their nodding blooms, plant hellebores on a raised wall, in containers, or along a walkway near the front entrance of a home where they will be regularly enjoyed.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

10.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese forest grass)

Smaller ornamental grasses can add season-long texture and foliage color, with many needing little or no care. One of few varieties suitable for woodland gardens or other shady areas is Japanese forest grass, with brilliant golden foliage that lights up even the darkest of spaces. Use these versatile grasses to edge borders or create repeat patterns with complementary colors of purple or brown. They are also stunning when planted in containers in an entryway, or as an eye-catching focal point. Hardy to USDA Zones 5-9, Japanese forest grass forms neat mounds up to two feet high and wide and performs best in rich, well-draining soil.

Here are a few other pointers for selecting plants for a small space:

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130 photos of the best modern ideas of designers

Many residents of large noisy cities dream of buying their own small suburban area where it would be possible to grow their own vegetables and fruits, enjoy the beautiful view of flowers and just relax in the fresh air.

Having acquired precious meters of outdoor space, everyone begins to equip the territory, thinking over the landscape design of a small area.

Brief content of the article:

Territory planning

Before building up the territory, it is necessary to properly plan the entire space. The layout of a small area begins with the allocation of the necessary functional areas and areas in the form of a house and garage building, a utility room, a bathhouse, a playground for children's games, a recreation area, and garden inclusions.

It is not at all necessary to build all possible objects on your site at once. Everyone chooses for himself a set of buildings necessary for a comfortable existence.


When dividing the territory into zones, about 75% of the total area should be allocated for gardens and vegetable gardens, and about 10% for buildings. The remaining 15% of the area can be occupied by decorative flower plantings and a recreation area. It is in this ratio that the design of a small garden will look organic and functional.

Rules for planning

When planning a small area of ​​land, three rules should be followed:

Do not build up a small area with massive objects. To make the buildings seem light and compact, you need to skillfully hide them behind planting shrubs or hedges. They should be harmoniously distributed throughout the territory in order to avoid the effect of "mass development".

This arrangement is convenient for several reasons:

The modern design of a small plot will not do without the inclusion of outbuildings. They are recommended to be located in the depths of the territory, preferably on the north or northwest side. Such placement will not create shade for plants, but it will help to escape from the cold wind.

Landscaping and design techniques

In order to turn an ordinary plot of land into a beautiful garden, immersed in bright colors of ornamental plants and flowers, complemented by a well-kept garden, it is necessary to properly plan the plot using landscape design techniques.

Flower arrangements

Flower beds are best used to decorate the area in front of the house and on both sides of the entrance. Compositions of flowers placed in pots and tubs, which are placed around the territory, look original. An excellent decoration will be a "flower stream".


To expand the territory of a narrow area, you should resort to vertical gardening. Wall paintings of climbing plants that intertwine the lattice of arbors will expand the boundaries.

Shrub plantings

In a small area, do not plant a lot of shrubs. It is worth giving preference only to those species that will “please the eye” throughout the summer: jasmine bushes, wild rose, etc. And seedlings in the form of climbing ivy, honeysuckle, honeysuckle will become a wonderful hedge.

Tree plantations

It is best to plant trees on a small household plot around the perimeter, choosing dwarf and low-growing varieties for this.

Garden beds

Photos of the design of a small plot clearly show that the design of beds with crops should be approached creatively. For garden beds, you should not give a large amount of usable area. Properly planted leafy lettuces and parsley or beets will be a wonderful decoration for the site.

When designing beds, you should take care of decorative fences. They can be built from improvised material: stones, profiled sheets, plastic bottles, etc. Such sides will look decorative, however, they also have a practical function - they protect the plantings from trampling.

If the bed is slightly raised above the level of the general cover, then the earth on it warms up better.

A modern way of decorating beds - planting vegetables and herbs along with flowers. Such compositions look charming, the main thing is to correctly arrange the seedlings in height and flowering period.

So, onion feathers will already leave the garden in August, and marigolds, marigolds, etc. will show off next to them. Such a neighborhood will be favorable for cultural plantations, because many companion flowers repel harmful insects.


The beds in barrels look very creative, and any large containers can be used as a barrel. The advantage is the ability to transfer such beds to different places.

Paths as a method of visual expansion of boundaries

No landscape design project can do without paths. This is easily explained by the fact that it is pleasant to move along them in bad weather, they also serve as a means of visually increasing the area of ​​​​the allotment.

The most common paving materials are:

A beautifully designed plot of land will not only delight its owners, but will also become an object of admiration for neighbors and friends.

Small plot design photo

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Post published: 10.10

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Design of a small plot in front of the house: Landscaping on 6 acres with a garden, how to organize a small garden

Lack of space on the plot is not a cause for frustration, but a complex and interesting task that has a solution

An ideal garden begins with a dream of an ideal garden. And they, often, are different for each family member: mom dreams of a fruitful garden, dad and husband, it turns out, always wanted a separate place for barbecue. If there are children in the family, then, of course, it is necessary to provide a playground. And you, most likely, want to see a corner of paradise drowning in flowers. But the site is far from rubber.

You will be surprised, but the problem has a simple solution! And it is far from tricks with space - we are talking about the correct layout of a small area.

Southview Design

Start with functional zoning
In order to compactly arrange everything you need in a small garden plot, it is not enough to draw a beautiful picture in your head - draw up a project plan. This should be a zone neighborhood plan depending on their purpose.

At a small plot, this is an entrance area, a vegetable garden, a flower garden, a recreation area and a children's area (optional).

Now your task is to place the necessary fragments on the available territory. Act like a miniature painter: the smaller your "drawing", the more accurate the master's strokes should be.

Milieu Landscaping

The "face" of your garden
There is a place for a flower bed even on the smallest patch of land, almost regardless of the landscape. Place it opposite the porch or traditionally - two on either side of it.

Advice:
Large flowers can be planted in the center of the flower bed (for example, roses that bloom several times a season), and tall phloxes (Phlox), speedwells (Veronica) and delphiniums (Delphinium) are suitable as court flowers for the queen.

Aloe Designs

Mini garden
The size of your garden is no reason to deny yourself a garden. It is important to use your imagination, approaching its organization as if it were the interior of a room. I would advise organizing a mini-garden (both in terms of area and design). And grow vegetables for the table or for fun. For example, a two-tier garden will allow you to get an excellent harvest even from a small area.

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Garden behind a fence
Select a small place for planting (even a 3x4 m area is enough) and place it behind a decorative fence.

Place a few container beds there, plant bushes (preferably stamped ones, they take up little space and decorate the territory), and you still have room for three or four columnar fruit trees.

Tip:
Paint the fence white. In general, in small areas it is better to stick to light colors.

Exterra Designs, Inc

Secluded spot in the flower garden
Even in the smallest garden, you can find a place for a small corner with a garden bench from where you can admire all the splendor of flowering plants.

Another touch in the design of the flower garden is a wall-mounted decorative washstand. Water can do wonders for the mood - the rest will be very comfortable and relaxing. A fountain or a mini-pond with a cascade also perfectly solve this problem.

If there is still catastrophically not enough space for a flower garden on the "homestead" territory in front of the house, then you can be satisfied with the creation of mixborders that are fashionable in our time, as in the photo.

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THE OHIO VALLEY GROUP, INC.

A path is also a decorative technique
An unusual way to decorate a small area is to lay paths with bizarre curved shapes. I like the paths in the form of leaves - in my opinion, a very unconventional approach. Let the paths lead you to the recreation area, garden, flower garden. This technique will visually increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe site.

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Recreation area: barbecue or patio test
Fresh air is always waiting. If you have the opportunity and desire to organize a small construction on the garden plot, then it is best to build something like an open garden dining room, as shown in the photo. That is, in order to lay out a real stove, with chimneys and all the consequences, we make out the floor covering on the site. And enjoy the power of fire and delicious kebabs!

Carson Arthur Design

If you have children, the stationary stove option will have to be moved to the distant plans (at least until the children reach middle school age). A safer option with a mobile grill will suit you: it takes up little space, there are no unnecessary problems with coal and wood, and the dishes are no less tasty.
Pay attention to how great a playground is located next to the recreation area. The kids will have their own place, and they themselves will remain under your watchful eye.

Advice:
Children's playground should not be concreted or laid out with paving slabs - it is best to make a lawn.

CHEATHAM FLETCHER SCOTT ARCHITECTS

An arbor can be
Of course, an arbor can look bulky in a small summer cottage. But still, given the peculiarities of our climate, many of you will want a small classic gazebo with amenities and maximum protection from the weather. As for the size, an internal diameter of 3 m is quite enough to accommodate a family.

Find a scenic spot in your garden that is ideal for building. Make your pavilion as airy as possible. Avoid brick buildings - neat wooden ones will do. In your cozy house, make large floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows - overlooking the suburban paradise.

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