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Small square backyard landscaping ideas

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:

• Container gardens: When you lack good soil or have an outdoor space that is mostly patio or decking, add pots, low bowls, repurposed wooden boxes or crates, and urns
• Think about vertical space: The sky's the limit when you grow your succulents, herbs, flowers, or even vegetables in a vertical container that is attached to a wall
• Hanging garden: Plants can be suspended from beams, eaves, or wall hangers; it's up to you what to plant and what works in your region
• A no-fuss patio or deck that allows you to get outside and has water-wise plants that don't require lots of care and maintenance
• A small kitchen and dining area: Love to grill? If space allows, you can add a basic grill, counter, outdoor refrigerator, and even grow a small herb garden to add flavor on the spot
• A private garden: City-dwellers often crave outdoor space. High walls and espaliered or climbing plants help to create a sense of seclusion

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

• 01 of 23

  Tucson Small Yard Design

  Kathryn Prideaux

  Kathryn Prideaux works magic with small spaces in Tucson and other Arizona cities, infusing the colors of the sky, surrounding terrain, and nature into her landscape designs for patio homes and condominiums. She expertly fuses styles and materials: rejuvenating mid-century modern outdoor furniture, adding rustic materials, finding innovative uses for colorful tile, and incorporating sculptural forms and succulents.

  Although Tucson's Skyline Springs condominium complex has a swimming pool, the owners of this unit wanted a private pool. Prideaux Design, with the help of Cimarron Circle Construction Company, designed a stunning blue glass mosaic-tile pool as the yard's centerpiece, with a ledge for in-pool lounge chairs when desert temperatures spike. Additional features include a poured-in-place etched concrete patio, rusted steel panels and walls, original adobe block walls, and a revitalized vintage Brown Jordan patio dining set.

• 02 of 23

  Yard for a Historic Home

  Jacobs Grant

  German Village in Columbus, Ohio, is a neighborhood of brick row houses built in the 1800s by German immigrants that has been undergoing preservation and revitalization since 1959. A small backyard in the district that had faded concrete pavers and an oversized iron table was transformed by Jacobs Grant Design into a functional, enjoyable space for its new homeowners. Jacobs Grant divided the space into two areas: an outdoor living room and a dining area, surrounded by hornbeam and boxwood hedges to create intimacy and structure. Designed in collaboration with Pots Abilities, the spaces include brick and bluestone, materials used on the facade of the historic house.

• 03 of 23

  Spanish Bungalow

  Dig Your Garden

  For decades, lawns have been the go-to ground cover without anyone giving it much thought. That is until the ongoing drought in California and other dry regions forced landscapers and homeowners to rethink water-guzzling grass and come up with alternatives. Dig Your Garden's solution for the small yard of an older Spanish-style bungalow in San Anselmo, California, was to replace the grass with creeping thyme and other low-water ground covers and plants. A new Arizona flagstone pathway was added, along with a small patio that repeats the terra cotta tones found elsewhere on the home's exterior. 

  Other features, kept to a minimum, include an orange Fermob armchair, colorful pottery, and drought-tolerant plants like tibouchina, lion's tail, lavenders, rosemary, yarrow, sunset hyssop, dwarf strawberry tree, and various succulents and ornamental grass.

• 04 of 23

  Turning the Front Yard Into the Backyard

  Catherine Bosler

  What do you do when your house has no backyard? You borrow space wherever you can find it. In this case, landscape designer Catherine Bosler looked to the 560-square-foot front yard for this Los Angeles area property. Inspired by the nearby coast, Bosler Earth Design added a wood deck painted in a distressed grey to create a living room with a fire pit. An outdoor dining area and has decomposed granite (DG) underfoot and features a grill and prep counter. Bosler also incorporated a tall fountain to mask street noise and attract birds, added built-in benches of wood and stucco, privacy hedges, and a trellis with jasmine for its appealing fragrance.

  "The challenge was to fit everything into such a small space without feeling contrived and overdone and to make the space very private," says Bosler.

• 05 of 23

  Backyard with a Hot Tub and Barbecue

  Land Studio C

  A falling-apart deck and a desire to get rid of their lawn prompted the owners of this San Francisco home to enlist Land Studio C. Measuring about 1,500 square feet, the backyard now features a hot tub with a custom bench and vertical planting (back corner), a fire table, built-in barbecue, Corten (weathering) steel accents, and string lights.

  In this view of the yard, we see a pathway of concrete pavers set in pea gravel, land a lounging area with an umbrella and delineated hardscape. The hot tub's screening wall, bench, and a side yard screen were made from the old redwood deck.

• 06 of 23

  Another Part of the Yard

  Land Studio

  Yes, this is the same yard in the same fairly small space, designed by Land Studio C for a house in San Francisco. Viewed from the middle of the yard toward the house, you can see the outdoor living room with the fire table, dining area, and small back porch. 

• 07 of 23

  Asian-Inspired Backyard

  Change of Seasons

  Sacramento-based design firm Change of Seasons was inspired by the dividers of a Bento Box for its remodel of a backyard that features stone-lined sections or compartments to add interest and structure to an eco-friendly contemporary garden.

• 08 of 23

  Tiny Toronto Backyard

  Beyond Landscaping

  Working with limited space, Beyond Landscaping was able to create a low-maintenance retreat in the backyard of a home in Toronto, Canada, that features a small fiberglass pool, composite decking, a horizontal fence for privacy, and artificial turf.

• 09 of 23

  Family-Friendly San Francisco Backyard

  Creo

  The challenge: To design a backyard for a young family in San Francisco that could include room for dining and seating along with space for two little boys to let their imaginations run wild. Creo Landscape Architecture planted bluegrass and no-mow fescue on a berm for the children to play, along with interactive sculptures. Creo used durable redwood to build the fence and bench, while Podocarpus (plum pines) provide softscape and privacy. When not in use, the kids' outdoor toys are stored in the redwood benches.

• 10 of 23

  Neat and Vertical Backyard

  Megan Maloy

  Emma Lam and her design team at A Small Green Space specialize in small yards: the bulk of their clients are in Jersey County, New Jersey, and nearby New York City. This 16 by 11.5-foot urban backyard is shared by three condos, making it a challenge for the designers to access via three private flights of stairs that lead to the yard. Since there is no outdoor water supply, the plants chosen are drought tolerant. Among the upgrades to the neat, symmetrical design include:

  • Lightweight furniture
  • New fencing that includes vertical planters
  • A bluestone patio
  • An artificial lawn

• 11 of 23

  Small Backyard With Planters

  KL Designs

  The owners of this small yard in the San Francisco Bay area hired KL Designs to redesign their outdoor space to accommodate raised wood planters in which they can grow vegetables and herbs. Building raised beds allow the plants to grow in quality soil, keeps them away from city-dwelling critters (such as squirrels and mice), and provides easy access for maintaining the vegetables.

• 12 of 23

  Organized Backyard Layout

  Blue Hibiscus

  For symmetry and organization, a patio made of irregularly shaped Arizona flagstone was replaced by designers Blue Hibiscus Gardens with rectangular bluestone tiles in an ashlar pattern. A matching side patio was added using base rock and pre-cut pavers. A cozy deck features built-in seating and a concrete-top natural gas fire pit with prism fire glass. New plants include a Japanese maple and Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen'.

• 13 of 23

  Reimagined Brooklyn Brownstone

  Irene Kalina-Jones

  With the children outgrowing the kid-oriented yard, a Brooklyn couple, both professors, decided to renovate the garden of their Brooklyn brownstone. With the help of Outside Space NYC, the backyard was divided into three areas with different levels. In this area of the yard, a geometric pergola provides shade and creates a comfortable seating area on the ipe deck. Raised stacked-stone beds are planted with a mix of low-maintenance shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. The homeowner added a modern, lightweight outdoor sofa and coffee table for a mid-century feel.

• 14 of 23

  Brooklyn Bluestone

  Amber Scott Freda

  Another backyard in Brooklyn was redesigned by Amber Freda Landscape Design as a space for entertaining and relaxation. A bluestone patio, custom horizontal planter boxes with casters for mobility, and fencing made of Ipe complement the outdoor kitchen and seating area with a fire pit. Freda's challenge for this space: using the right plants for the widely varying pockets of sun and shade throughout the yard. In addition to a lush mix of flowering annuals and perennials, Freda used sweet potato vine, trumpet vine, Japanese maple, ornamental grasses, and dogwoods. Everything is equipped with automated low-voltage uplighting and drip irrigation lines.

• 15 of 23

  Gazebo Focal Point

  Fernhill

  A stunning wood gazebo is the centerpiece of a backyard in the quaint town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, designed by Fernhill Landscapes. With upholstery, pillows, and flowering plants that harmonize, the space is intimate and appealing.

• 16 of 23

  Downtown Chicago Pad

  Reveal Design

  Besides Wrigley Field, the next-best place to enjoy a Chicago Cubs game is your own backyard, right in downtown Chicago. Created by Reveal Design, the linear design features a patio was made with Technoblock pavers, Ipe, black steel and frosted-glass fencing, aluminum powder-coated planters, and the fire table and grill area are framed with Ipe. The illuminated orbs can be adjusted to change colors for holidays or sports on TV.

• 17 of 23

  Natural Berkeley Backyard

  Green Alchemy

  Guided by the belief that gardens should blend seamlessly with the lives of their owners, Deborah Kuchar of Green Alchemy created a casual outdoor space for a house in Berkeley, California, that features natural materials like stone along with plants that create a lush, private space. Simple, classic butterfly chairs and a fire pit are surrounded by angel's trumpet and lavender, among other growing things.

• 18 of 23

  Luxurious Lissoni in Miami

  Ritz

  Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni created the namesake Villa Lissoni at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, a seven-acre property with more than 100 condominiums and a limited collection of 15 standalone properties. This upscale condo features a small, lush yard with tropical landscaping (including orchids), a private infinity pool (the property also has pools on-site), and patios that are accessible via floor-to-ceiling glass doors. 

• 19 of 23

  Yard with Zones

  Land Aesthetic

  San Diego enjoys one of the most ideal climates in the United States (or anywhere), which is why the owners of this home in Encinitas sought assistance from Envision Landscape Studio to make the most out of their backyard space. Divided into zones or sections, the yard includes a lawn for pets and children, a fire pit with casual seating, a covered outdoor living room, a dining area, and a water feature, all surrounded by low-maintenance landscaping.

• 20 of 23

  Planter with a Purpose

  Bradford Associates

  Peeking through the gate of a backyard in Providence, Rhode Island, remodeled by Bradford Associates, you can catch a glimpse of new fencing, a patio with lightweight furniture, and a raised bed that not only allows its owners to grow plants but helps to screen an adjacent raised filtration area.

• 21 of 23

  Corner Backyard in Virginia

  Heart's Ease

  Tucked into a corner of a backyard, a composite-decking bench was placed in front of a mature hydrangea bush to create an appealing nook. Designed by Peggy Krapf of Heart's Ease Landscape and Garden Design in Toano, Virginia, the space features a bench that is set on a stone pad to create a level surface. Urns planted with annual color can be changed out seasonally.

• 22 of 23

  Clean-Line Backyard Design

  Christy Webber

  Symmetry, geometric design, and organization are often key to designing small backyards. Christy Webber Landscapes was inspired by this Chicago homeowner's recent interior renovation--modern and using clean lines--to extend living space to the yard. The patio is paved with bluestone with blue-chip joints. A privacy fence is softened with medium-sized trees, like Japanese maple trees, along with birch and spruce trees, while boxwood, rhododendron, arborvitae, and pachysandra add year-round interest.

• 23 of 23

  Super Small Backyard Turned into a Dream

  Magic Landscaping

  Andrew Shepherd of Magic Landscaping was tasked with creating a backyard for a historic home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The challenge: "It had absolutely no backyard. What was there was about 20 feet deep and about 100 feet wide. The project scope was to create interest, beauty, privacy, and intimate spaces so that the family could go outside and spend time together," says Shepherd.

  Using a combination of limestone boulders, Delaware pea gravel, cedar mulch, and lush greenery, Magic created fairytale-like paths, a fire pit, a trampoline for the kids, and a dining area. 

44 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Inspire You

By

Peg Aloi

Peg Aloi

Peg Aloi is a professional gardener covering plants in various contexts, from recipes to heirloom orchard fruits. Her area of interest is the folklore of plants and herbs. She's worked as a garden designer for public housing, individual homes, and businesses, and gives workshops on various gardening topics.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 08/31/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto 

Your backyard landscaping should be an extension of what's going on inside your home. Often, regardless of your indoor style, your backyard ends up looking more colorful, casual, and fun. The possibilities are only limited by the terrain, your design skills, and your do-it-yourself know-how.

You can always hire a landscape designer or architect to help your outdoor space realize its potential. A skilled professional can guide you through the process of figuring out a style, deciding who will be using the yard, creating zones of activity, choosing materials and plants, and recommending builders and contractors for everything from swimming pools to outdoor structures to installing irrigation.

Explore 44 ideas that show you how to transform a backyard into your favorite space.

The Best Landscape Design Software

• 01 of 44

  Privacy and Comfort

  @ann. living / Instagram

  This cozy yet spacious seating area has plenty of privacy thanks to privacy fencing and some well-placed perennial grasses that also help absorb noise. The sturdy practical table and benches provide a casual dining space, and the seating area with couch is a perfect place for an afternoon nap or evening gathering.

• 02 of 44

  No Patio, No Problem

  @s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

  There's no need to go to the trouble of installing a patio or other flooring. In fair weather, with a level lawn area, just arrange some comfy chairs (wicker with cushions give this a romantic, cozy feel), add some ambient lighting, some large candle holders, and you have a perfectly lovely seating area with impromptu charm. There's plenty of waterproof wicker options, and if rain threatens, just store the cushions and blankets indoors.

• 03 of 44

  Easy Landscaping

  @ann.living / Instagram

  Landscaping need not be complicated or fussy. This simple design allows an interesting border to the lawn area with simple wooden posts laid in as borders. The gray fencing, gravel, lighting fixtures and planters accent the gray tones in the tree bark, and easy plants like clumping grasses and evergreen shrubs provide interest all season.

• 04 of 44

  Retaining Walls Around Patios

  KG Designs

  If your yard has steep levels or hills you may want to consider a retaining wall. This one has two levels around the seating area, with the lower one providing a space for seasonal plantings and a built in fireplace. The look comes together with a dramatic round metal pergola that supports the beautiful white wisteria vine (a plant that needs a strong structure away from the house, as its growth can become invasive over time). This pergola adds an airy, open feel to the solid retaining wall, balancing the angular walls with circular lines.

  The Best Pergola Kits to Elevate Your Backyard Experience

• 05 of 44

  Paths for Strolling

  KG Designs

  This concrete path allows plenty of room for walking or placing a chair to linger over the nearby vista. Planting perennials that bloom from spring through autumn makes this walkway a welcoming destination through three seasons.

• 06 of 44

  Cafe Society

  @s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

  So much can be done with a few well-chosen furnishings. This charming alcove is the perfect spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. The all-weather rug transforms the stone patio beneath it, creating the feel of a small outdoor room, and the filigree metal table and chairs are accented by other metal decor and various objects (clay pots, baskets) made of natural materials in an attractive neutral palette, which complements the unpainted wooden fence. The eclectic look is whimsical yet classy.

• 07 of 44

  Defining Space with Structure

  Finding Lovely

  With a large backyard space, structural elements are key to defining the space and giving it a shape. This yard is flanked by mature trees on its edge, and so a variety of smaller levels and contrasting shapes creates a pleasing and functional design. The garden shed with fenced in area is the focal point (and the fence is useful for wandering toddlers or pets when you're working!). The flagstone path provides graceful curves and the white stone carries on the color theme of the white fence posts and white painted trim on the shed. Finally, the curved shapes of the flower beds also define the walkway's connection to the larger property.

• 08 of 44

  Garden Theme

  @sunnygardentime / Instagram

  Sometimes you can tell where a gardener lives! This backyard is all about celebrating gardening, with many potted plants, vines with colorful flowers growing over fences and sheds, and comfy green chairs strategically placed to rest and enjoy the view of your accomplishments after a busy morning of gardening.

• 09 of 44

  Open Air Fencing

  Finding Lovely

  Fences can be necessary and useful structures, but they need not always be opaque or thick for privacy. This open air fence allows plenty of sight lines throughout the garden, including views of the raised beds through the fence. The curved arbor over the gate could hold climbing roses or other vines. The strong structure of the fence, incorporated with the flagstone path, solidifies the location as a central focal point by the shed, and yet the whole area looks airy and inviting.

• 10 of 44

  Pavers: Go Big!

  Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

  Installing a patio with pavers can be a lot of work and requires decisions about preparing the space, leveling, gravel or sand, etc. These large pavers simplify the logistics a bit, and the ground cover growing between them softens the look and breaks up the large expanses of white in this design. There are lots of options for ground cover too, including grasses, creeping sedum, and creeping thyme.

• 11 of 44

  Sunken Patio

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  This seating area centers around a fire dish but the round structure could as easily be a table or water feature. The real star here is the sturdy rock wall surround built of natural granite blocks, and stairs leading down to the flagstone patio, creating a sunken room effect, with plenty of lush plantings at ground and wall level to add a dose of nature and privacy.

• 12 of 44

  Easy Desert Borders

  @beartrapgarden / Instagram

  This desert backyard is a series of garden beds and walkways. Gravel is used for a tidy, attractive look and moisture retention in times of drought. The gravel works on the walkway and in beds as an alternative to wood mulches. If the ground covers spill over the edge of the border into the path, hey, the more the merrier! The native plantings and many succulents provide a lush, colorful yet easy-going approach to having a large-scale yet simple garden plan.

• 13 of 44

  Stone Steps Lead the Way

  @falkner_gardens / Instagram / Photograph by Jean Allsop /Birmingham Home & Garden (cover)

  The stone stairs and walls make a dramatic entry point for the sprawling lawn and a shady seating destination beneath mature trees. (This furry friend agrees, a shady spot with some cool grass on a hot day is a welcome treat!) The large stone planters are naturally aged by moss and weather, and the abundant flowers include plenty of low maintenance hosta. The large pavers are an easy way to create a patio or walkway below the raised level and leaving some grass in between creates a casual yet intentional look.

• 14 of 44

  Sustainable Design

  @beartrapgarden / Instagram

  Nearly every design element in this beautiful off-grid desert property is intended to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. From the native plants to the moisture-retaining gravel to the rain barrels and clever use of found objects, this appealing landscape design shows respect for the planet and a resourceful sensibility.

• 15 of 44

  Cool Pool

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  Pools are great for cooling down in hot weather, but what about cooling down when you're not in the water? A shady pavilion and terraced gardens alongside the stairs make this pool feature a comfortable and beautiful place to beat the heat. The cool-warm color palette of perennials is eye-catching and invokes both sun and water.

• 16 of 44

  Lawn as Patio

  Marie Flanigan Interiors

  This modern and minimal design features a level lawn area the same shape as the pool, flanked by a simple bed with young birch trees. The simple lines are accented by the clean lines of the furniture chosen. The limited palette of white and brown with touches of deep green is anchored by the perennial beds with low-growing shrubs.

• 17 of 44

  Fireside Chats

  Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Lane Dittoe

  For homeowners who like to entertain, having more than one outdoor area for socializing can be a great way to maximize space. This design emphasizes seating areas over garden beds or plantings, with multiple levels and wide concrete stairs tying them all together. The sleek design of all three areas is minimal yet comfortable, with Adirondack chairs around the firepit area and comfortable seating on the lower patio, and a slightly more formal dining area on the upper level.

  The 8 Best Fire Pits of 2022 to Warm Up To

• 18 of 44

  Pergolas and Arbors

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  The installation of a pergola or arbor can create an attractive and functional focal point for your garden. They can frame an entry way to a seating area or other destination, and also add shade to a sunny spot. This one has a trumpet vine, a beautiful but somewhat invasive flower that can be trained to behave itself if it has a strong structure to climb on. The cozy seating area on the wooden deck is surrounded by easy care hedges and perennials, and the large pavers offer some flexibility when designing walkways.

• 19 of 44

  Defining Space with Containers

  @beartrapgarden / Instagram

  Using containers is an easy way to create height and depth of space throughout your garden areas without too much effort. This desert garden has an abundance of succulents and native plants in a variety of shapes, from creeping and curvy to tall and spiky, and the containers can be moved around at will to change the look. Graceful wire fence pieces create an open air look and protect the beds from wandering pets.

• 20 of 44

  Fire Dish Vista

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  A wood-burning metal fire dish is a simple solution if you don't want to fuss with propane, gas or installing a fire pit. Plus, a fire feature creates the basis for an instant seating area! The open air feeling here allows a wide view of the gorgeous backdrops of mature trees and forest in the distance, and enjoying sunsets as day turns to night. The black and white Adirondack chairs look sharp against the gray flagstone patio, and the perennial tufts of grass help define the space.

• 21 of 44

  Outdoor Open Air "Room"

  Design by Kendall Wilkinson Design / Photo by Paul Dyer

  The willow structure creating the roof lets sunlight through but also creates abundant shade over this open-air patio room. This is essentially a pavilion with permeable roof over a deck that creates dramatic play of light and shadow and provides a cozy seating area in sunny weather. Using waterproof furniture and cushions protects in case some rain gets through.

  The 12 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture of 2022

• 22 of 44

  Curving Beds

  @thepsychgarden / Instagram

  A large backyard full of perennial beds just beckons meandering walks, and placing benches or other seating areas provides small destination points throughout. Mature treed provide dappled shade yet there's plenty of sun for flowers. The curved edges of these beds (precisely what English gardeners would call "herbaceous borders") have natural stone which adds to the woodland appeal of this year round garden landscape.

• 23 of 44

  Birdhouses

  Becca Interiors

  Bird lovers wouldn't be without at least one birdfeeder in their backyard. These are best placed near shrubs or small trees as many birds (cardinals, goldfinches and others) desire a bit of protective cover before they'll venture nearby. This classic wooden birdhouse with tin roof has a vintage look perfect for a rambling outdoor garden. If you have multiple birdfeeding areas, be sure to consider placement in terms of seating and viewing vantage points so you can enjoy seeing the birds from indoors, or from your patio or other outdoor seating areas.

• 24 of 44

  Retaining Walls and Stairs

  Kate Marker Interiors

  This magnificent design features a rear entry way of stone steps and retaining walls with built-in perennial beds, providing not only practical access to the rear entrance but a marvelous garden space. The rectangular shapes of the pool, patio and levels of planters alongside the steps create a pleasing perpendicular shape with long lines contrasting with the tall shape of the house. The shrubs and planters add softer curving shapes for baance.

• 25 of 44

  Simple Patio Design

  M Lavender Interiors

  Patios can be elaborate or simple, and one of the most basic designs includes a flat floor surface, usually of flagstone pavers or bricks, or other natural material. Just add some weatherproof furniture like this simple wicker sofa and chair, and a table, and you have a cozy seating area suitable for many uses. This patio has some shrubs nearby and containers of annuals can be easily moved around to change the shape or look of the space.

• 26 of 44

  Lush Patio Surroundings

  @thepsychgarden / Instagram

  This backyard is full of lush garden spots, from the full perennial beds and trees to the vine-covered screened porch and the enormous planters. This small seating area has European charm with its metal furniture and ornate stone planters with hydrangeas blooming, and plenty of privacy from nearby shrubs. The container with the large fern can be moved to create space for drinks or coffee.

• 27 of 44

  Tropical Plants for Drama

  Design by Calimia Home / Photo by Karla Garcia

  The tropical plantings add color and drama to this southern home, with a flowering vine trained into a tree form, and large-leafed tropicals planted closely together for visual impact and a block of vibrant color.

• 28 of 44

  Poolside Serenity

  Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Lane Dittoe

  Who says you can't plant perennial beds next to your pool? These low maintenance grasses and other perennials in a range of pale greens accent the mostly white palette here. They also add some organic shapes and visual textures to the straight lines of the pool, buildings and furniture. A festive large umbrella provides some shade for this poolside oasis.

• 29 of 44

  California Vibe

  White Sands Design/Build

  This beachside bungalow has touches of Moroccan design (note the dramatic tiles in the stairs) and splashes of color from ceramic planters to enliven the white plaster walls. The plants are an attractive assortment of natives and tropicals suited to this southern California climate. These three dogs seem to love the spacious ease of the sandy walkway and the shady pockets created by lush perennials.

• 30 of 44

  Multiple Seating Options

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  Having more than one seating area, even under one pavilion, is a great option if you can manage it. This gives you flexibility for entertaining, and also allows for different views to enjoy the changing colors and shapes of the garden through the season.

• 31 of 44

  Seasonal Colors and Shapes

  @thepsychgarden / Instagram

  The gentle texture of this weeping cherry tree in spring is enhanced with multiple clay pots with spring bulbs blooming. The brick beds echo the terra cotta of the pots, adding a warm yet neutral tones against the cool color palette of greens, blues and purples.

• 32 of 44

  Garden Views

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  These terraced gardens with stone steps and decks for walking look over a scenic view of meadows and hills. The native plantings are colorful and their bushy shapes echo the trees and grasses in the distance.

• 33 of 44

  Shady Arcadia

  @gardenfromscratch / Instagram

  The verdant shade gardens of this property may be chock full of luscious plantings including a diverse array of hostas, but still feel open and airy by this open-air iron gate that looks out over a wide meadow vista.

• 34 of 44

  Luxurious Lawn

  Hannah Tyler Designs

  Sometimes letting your grass grow just a bit higher than normal gives it a glossy, soft look and feel. This low-key backyard design features a lovely mature tree encircled by hostas and meandering cottage-style flower beds, but tying it all together is a lush expanse of green. Don't have perfect grass? Try adding clover seed for a pollinator-friendly lawn that fills in nicely.

• 35 of 44

  Gardens at Sunset

  @ladylandscape / Instagram

  For gardens with a sunset view, consider plantings that will complement the glorious colors of the sky, for maximum enjoyment. Paniculata hydrangea flowers turn rosy burnished hues as summer turns to autumn, and oakleaf hydrangeas have foliage that turns brilliant colors, Many flowering shrubs have foliage that turns colorful at some point in the season, including varieties of ninebark, amsonia, fothergilla, and spirea.

• 36 of 44

  Dining Al Fresco

  Finding Lovely

  With a level lawn and some cooling shade trees, you can set up a seasonal al fresco dining area to use as often as you wish. Weatherproof furniture options are plentiful these days. Just change up the linens and table settings, add some fresh cut flowers or other centerpiece, and you're ready to entertain outdoors without having to clean the whole house! The shade canopy allows for morning or afternoon meals; evening dinners in summer might need a bit of insect prevention in the form of citronella candles.

• 37 of 44

  Curvy, Cozy and Chic

  @cottageandsea / Instagram

  This small seating area is delightfully stylish owing to a tasteful mix of textures and round shapes. The curves are repeated in the egg swivel chair, the central water feature, the decorative woven rug, the cushion chair, and the charcoal grill/smoker.

• 38 of 44

  Balancing Shapes and Textures

  Design by Mindy Gayer / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

  With so many options available for furniture and plants, an outdoor seating area can be low maintenance by design. This modern seating area has waterproof cushions and a clean propane stone fire dish for easy entertaining. The square lines and gray tones are nicely complemented by planters at a right angle filled with feathery textured perennials in striking colors.

• 39 of 44

  Stripes and Shapes

  @kirsten.diane / Instagram

  The whimsical design elements here pull together beautifully, with the soft textures of the blooming lilacs and curving shapes of the umbrella the large glass jug forming a pleasing counterpoint to the angular striped patterns of the cushions and rug.

• 40 of 44

  Winter Charm

  @s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

  Even if you're not spending too much time sitting in your backyard space in winter, adding some seasonal decor can lift your spirits when the winds are howling. This simple Scandinavian holiday scene has winter greenery draping over a bench, birch logs, pine cones, a tree sculpture, and a chunky wooden star to create a rustic holiday tableau.

• 41 of 44

  Lighting Effects

  @cottageandsea / Instagram

  Creative use of lighting can transform the backyard experience. This attractive wicker pendant lamp can be fitted with electric, battery powered or solar bulbs depending on your needs. It creates a nice focal point for this simple seating arrangement of wooden chairs and central table, and the light will have plenty of plants and leaves to filter through to make dramatic shadows.

• 42 of 44

  DIY Decor

  @luckyplot13 / Instagram

  If you're handy with a paintbrush you can create a nice color scheme with used furniture, wood pallets, and other objects to be upcycled. The pale pink works as a neutral here with the small container plantings. The willow fencing makes a perfect backdrop to hang some festive string lights, and is an easy and cheap way to cover up ugly fencing or create some instant privacy.

• 43 of 44

  Winter Interest

  @gardenfromscratch / Instagram

  If you live in a zone where you get substantial snowfall in winter. consider plantings that will offer sculptural beauty in a snowscape. The large weeping evergreen tree looks beautiful covered in snow, and this variegated yucca is an unexpected but thrilling sight in this winter landscape. Dormant sedums and ornamental grasses often make interesting shapes in snow and can then be cut back in early spring before new growth begins.

• 44 of 44

  Sensual Scenery

  @s.u.s.a.p. / Instagram

  This simple seating area in a small garden in Yorkshire, England is surrounded by sensual pleasures of all kinds: a scenic view of mountains, the intoxicating scent of wisteria blooms, leafy plantings, and whimsical Japanese lanterns hanging from the hedges.

20+ small garden ideas

Do not be upset if your site is very modest in size. A small garden has many advantages. First, it requires less financial investment. Secondly, it is easier to take care of it. Yes, and he often looks more well-groomed.

In addition, if you try hard, even in a small area you can fit not only what is necessary, but also what the soul requires. The main thing is to approach the matter wisely.

Vertical gardening in a small garden

If you do not have enough horizontal surfaces (which is the biggest problem in a small garden), you need to use vertical ones. It can be anything: a fence, a wall of a house or barn, or tall plant stands. Thus, you will kill two birds with one stone: you will have additional space and you will be able to create a completely unique vertical flower garden.

Flower boxes for balconies can be hung on the fence. They are sold with special holders, so it will not be difficult to fix them. If you decide to place flower pots on a blank wall, first fix a horizontal grid on its surface. It is not necessary to use store pots as containers for plants. Their role can be played by canned food cans (it is better to pre-paint them) or any unnecessary small containers: small metal buckets, watering cans, etc.

Another great way to add greenery to a small garden is to install a trellis and climbing plants.

Plant stands

A vertical garden can also be created using free-standing plant stands. They do not take up much space, are mobile and can be used not only to plant greenery in any corner of the garden, but also as a screen, if you suddenly want to retire and hide from the prying eyes of your neighbors.

If you don't have a ready-made stand, it's easy to make your own. To do this, you will need a pallet, a few nails and stainless steel fastening ties. Nail the ties to the wooden planks and place the pots in them. Keep in mind that plants will grow in size over time, so leave enough space between them immediately.

Succulent beds

If your garden is very small and there is no room for climbing or large plants, create a vertical bed of succulents. It will require a minimum of free space. In addition, a succulent flower garden has one very important plus: you do not have to spend a lot of time and effort on caring for plants.

Succulents can be grown not only in the usual pots, but also in completely unusual containers. We want to offer three original ways of growing these unpretentious plants in the garden.

Do you have old shutter doors? Lean or nail them to the wall, fill the gaps with a nutrient-rich potting mix, and plant the plants in it. To make them feel better, do not place the doors on the south side: direct sunlight can harm even such almost indestructible plants.

Another original container for growing succulents in the garden is a shoe organizer. Hang it on a wall or fence, fill the cells with earth and place plants in them. Don't forget to water from time to time.

Next to a vertical flower bed of succulents, you can put a metal table with low sides, which was previously intended for serving drinks. Fill it with soil and succulents mixed with Irish moss. It will turn out a very small, but attractive green flower bed.

Vegetable garden in a small garden

In a small garden, if you really try, you can place not only flower beds, but also a vegetable garden. Of course, you won't be able to grow all the vegetables you like. Choose crops that grow well in small spaces, such as legumes, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, or leafy greens. Make small raised beds for them and plant several plants of each type in them.

An even more economical option in terms of space use is to make a multi-level garden. In this case, place drooping plants on the lower tier, and those that grow upwards on the upper tier. So cultures in the process of growth will not interfere with the development of each other.

An interesting variant of a mini-garden on a very small area is a raised bed-table. Plant greens in its upper part, and the lower tier will serve as a place to store tools and accessories.

It's hard to believe, but even in the smallest garden you can place a greenhouse for growing plants. To do this, you need a small glass cabinet. Place it on the south side of the house, attach it to the wall, and put potted plants on the shelves. Do not forget about watering, ventilation and shading in extreme heat - and the plants will delight you with the same harvest as in a full-fledged greenhouse.

Small garden lighting

In any garden, large or small, lighting plays an important role. In a small area, there is not always a place for ground-based street lamps, so you have to look for other solutions.

A very simple and inexpensive way to add light at night is to use LED string lights.

An even more budget-friendly lighting option is to place ordinary household candles in glass jars and mount them on a fence or wall. Anyone can make such simple lamps with their own hands.

Floor lamps are a cheap source of light and a romantic addition to any garden - they are also handy for small areas.

Available in many forms, including solar powered, the lights fit almost anywhere in your garden and provide a powerful light source when positioned correctly.

Lamps can be placed not only along the path or on the steps, but also directly in the pots with plants - this will give the evening garden a magical look.

Small garden storage

Where can you store your garden tools or, for example, a bicycle in a small area? One of the best options is to install a small corner shed near the border of the site. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your shovels and choppers, and you will always be able to quickly find the right tool.

If your barn is just a dream, try using a ladder for storage. This wonderful invention will allow you to compactly fold small garden accessories that do not yet have another "home". The ladder will fit perfectly into a corner or against any wall in your garden. Most importantly, do not forget to securely fasten it.

Quite often gardeners cannot figure out where to store the watering hose. We want to offer a simple, but at the same time original solution for storing the hose - a large wooden flower pot. Plants are located in its upper part, and the lower part is used as a convenient storage.

Folding garden furniture

Garden furniture is an indispensable attribute of any site. However, for small territories it should be special. The best option is to purchase or make folding chairs and a table with your own hands. Of course, they are not the most convenient, but they are the most practical when there is a catastrophic lack of space. Such furniture does not require special care, but at the same time allows you to enjoy your garden in moments of relaxation. As soon as it is no longer needed, the chairs with the table can be folded and removed so that they do not take up space. To make your stay more comfortable, add non-chair cushions or seat covers.

The most favorite type of garden furniture for many summer residents, which provides maximum relaxation in the fresh air, is a hammock. Hang it in the shade and it will instantly turn your small garden into a place of rest and relaxation and make you feel like you are on vacation. When not in use, the hammock can be simply removed - when folded, it takes up very little space.

Good use of garden space

In a small garden, unlike a large one, every square centimeter of space should be used to the full. And then even in a small area it will be possible to realize all the dreams.

Different levels in a small garden

You can add originality to a small garden if you make it multi-level. It can be a recessed terrace and a raised lawn, as in the photo. Overhangs and steps will help open up the space by adding extra space for plant pots or garden furniture.

Hidden areas of the garden

Place interesting objects in the corner of the garden and create the illusion that its space is larger than it really is. Choose white garden furniture and place it at the back of the paved area.

"Play hide and seek" by planting large bushes to partially block your view. Thanks to this technique, it will seem that there, behind the plants or around the corner, there is something more that cannot be seen at first sight.

Mirrors as a way to enlarge the space of a small garden

In a small garden, it is useful to mask the walls as much as possible. Painting any exposed walls with green outdoor paint enhances the feeling of greenery all around, thanks to the fusion effect. Add a decorative garden mirror to the composition - this will create the illusion of increasing space. Besides the fact that the mirror visually doubles the space, it also helps to increase the level of illumination in the dark corners of the garden.

Small container garden

A smart and simple small garden idea is to play with the height to add a sense of space and depth. It can be both plants planted on the beds, and groups of flower pots placed in the recreation area with foliage of different shapes, heights and sizes. This is the perfect solution for small patios, courtyards and balcony gardens.

We hope our selection will inspire you to create your own dream garden.

30 creative small backyard design ideas

Original and practical ways to organize your small backyard. Do not be afraid to combine seemingly incompatible objects, use optical illusion and zoning techniques.

You are sure to find your own, comfortable and amazing design that will bring you pleasure and admiration of others!

Plan!

The area must not be flat and easily visible. Do not lay straight paths that visually reduce distances.

Plan your yard to include functional areas. Arches, screens, container plants, paving with different materials, terracing will help you zone the site.

Make even a short walk around the site rich in sensations: plant spicy, fragrant plants; a gravel path can rustle pleasantly underfoot; berry bushes will give you the opportunity to eat some delicious berries.

Make paths large enough for two people to walk on.

Organizing storage areas and matching colors

Where do you store your garden tools, children's toys, bike or watering hoses?

Decide where to store these items. Then there will be more free space in the yard, the look will not cling to piles of scattered objects, the feeling of clutter will disappear.

For a smaller yard, limit the color palette to a few soothing shades. For example, white, silver, pearl, sand colors will be a great contrast for plants and yard elements, and will also be clearly visible even at night.

Light colors will visually make the space lighter and more spacious. Cold shades of blue and gray will visually push the boundaries of the yard.

Dark plants in the background will create an extra depth effect. Your territory will appear larger than it actually is.

Using lighting

The level of illumination plays a big role in the perception of the space of the yard. Brightly lit areas immediately catch the eye, shady areas are convenient for secluded resting places hidden from view. Be sure to consider these nuances when planning.

Use artificial lighting, because even at night you can highlight interesting elements or entire areas: a patio, a central path, a small bench, a beautiful plant or a flowerpot.

The LED lighting options are sure to please with their cost-effectiveness and ease of placement. Such a backlight is easy to install and invisible in the daytime.

Flowers and plants

Do not plant a lot of different plants if the area is limited. Stop for a few spectacular views, trees with a neat, narrow crown.

Place tall (evergreen) plants in the background, in the middle plant low bushes of hydrangeas, roses, astilbes, and in the foreground low-growing petunias, pelargonium, coleus, hosta, geyhera, lobelia.

Use vertical landscaping and use other surfaces with good access for planting and lawns (eg garage roof).

Pay attention to landscaping the yard with moss! With a small area, this method is definitely not to be overlooked. As a result, you will get mega green spaces without any loss in area. Be sure to check out how it works and see for yourself!

Use container plants to quickly change the layout of your yard.

Recreation area

There are many ways to incorporate a barbecue area, hearth or fire pit into a small backyard design. The warmth and glow of such a garden hearth is no less pleasant than from an expensive and large one. There are also models of barbecues that are attached to the wall and do not occupy the site at all.

There is also good news for those who love water, melodious murmur and freshness in the air: it is quite possible to place a small fountain, a stream or a mini reservoir in a small area of ​​your yard.

If there is absolutely no free space, build a beautiful drinker for birds. All of these options are sure to bring freshness and attract birds, dragonflies and butterflies to your yard!

Playground for toddlers, mini pond with waterfall, outdoor kitchen, shaped thuja in a container and flower bed - great for a small yard.

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