Small yard garden ideas
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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
Shop Our Favorite Products
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
50 Best Small Garden Ideas
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Simple and stunning ways to revamp your balcony, backyard and front gardens.
By Monique Valeris and Alyssa Gautieri
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Being surrounded by fresh greenery and florals improves our physical, emotional and mental well-being — which means houseplants and outdoor gardens are the key to making your house feel like a home, both indoors and out. There are a ton of affordable ways to reinvent your small outdoor space, whether you're hoping to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, or stick with simple perennial flowers, bushes and ground cover plants. To prove that decorating a small landscape is easier than you may think, we've rounded up charming small garden ideas that you'll want to steal when spring rolls around.
Even in very small garden areas, a little creativity and a couple clever design hacks can go a long way.
As you browse these inspiring and colorful outdoor photos, you'll find a ton of garden projects fit for balconies, courtyards, backyards and more. For modern small spaces, you'll want to find affordable patio furniture (like bistro tables, stools, benches and hammocks) to elevate your backyard design.
A few of the genius ideas: plant a tiny floral patch in the backyard, set up a DIY vertical garden, build a raised garden bed or hang fresh herbs from a wooden palette. You'll also discover tips for growing beautiful evergreen shrubs, trailing plants and the best trees for small yards. Keep scrolling and you may even decide to assemble your own backyard pond, outdoor living wall or bubble fountain.
Helen Norman
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Gardening Station
Create a spot dedicated to potting and trimming your outdoor plants. The best part? This table is made from a few galvanized barrels and an old wooden door.
Stephen Karlisch
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Living Wall
If you don't have floor space to display your plants, mount pots onto the exterior of your house.
Here, interior designer Tori Rubinson sticks with terracotta pots, but you can also go for bold patterns and colors!
Christian Durocher
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Wind Chime
Instantly elevate a small garden space with a beautiful bird house wind chime, like designer Kate Anne does here. Not only will it draw birds to your yard, it'll create a soothing sound in the process.
Buff Strickland
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Container Gardening
Green up your patio or deck with oversized terracotta or plastic planters overflowing with anything from tomatoes to wildflowers. (The lush lineup here creates a pretty privacy wall!)
SHOP POTS
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Container Gardening
Inspired by Charm
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Cocktail Garden
You guessed it! A cocktail garden is a space designated to growing ingredients for delicious drinks. Go for herbs like mint, basil and sage, as well as fruits and veggies such as strawberries, cherries and peppers.
Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Nelli Hergenröther / EyeEmGetty Images
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Barrel Pond
Make use of an old whiskey barrel and create your own backyard pond — a great alternative if you don't have space for a real one. Add your water plants (lily pads, of course) and even a few small fish.
A Beautiful Mess
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Vertical Herb Garden
Whether you have a small yard or lack outdoor space altogether, a vertical garden can be a charming addition. You can create one on your own with landscape fabric and copper pipe.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
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Lattice Green Wall
Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.
Buff Strickland
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Pallet Garden
Attach clay pots to a pallet with nails and stainless steel cable ties for a living art display that keeps your rosemary and basil at the ready.
Space out the pots so your plants have room to grow.
SHOP POTS
Elke Borkowski; GAP Photos/El
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Pergola Full of Greens
Grow your garden vertically by trailing plants up the sides of a pergola, fence or outdoor wall. English ivy, pothos and Russian vines are a few great choices.
I Heart Arts N Crafts
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Plant Markers
Keep your garden organized, so harvesting remains quick and easy. Craft your own plant markers using wooden paint sticks and some acrylic paint. Added bonus? This is the perfect craft for kids.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Arts N Crafts »
Lisa Romerein
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Succulent-Filled Birdbath
Hardy succulents, which stow water in their stems and leaves, will thrive in a shallow birdbath perch. Add pebbles to hold more moisture in the soil.
Bless'er House
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Repurposed Shelf Garden Box
If you're partial to vintage-inspired decor and happen to have an old shelf that's been collecting dust in your home, consider turning it into a garden box.
It's the perfect spot for herbs like mint, thyme and parsley.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »
Scared Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
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DIY Bubble Fountain
With just a few supplies, including a submersible pump, a waterproof pot and decorative river rocks, you can make your garden more zen with an eye-catching DIY bubble fountain.
Get the tutorial at Scared Thoughts of a Crafty Mom »
GAP Photos/Clive Nichols
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Vibrant Chairs
Outfitting a small space doesn't mean you have to settle for drab furniture. The brighter, the better is the way to go to bring your outdoor area to life.
A Beautiful Mess
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Herb Garden
There's something special about an orderly display of potted plants, especially when they're in vibrant colors that showcase the beauty of the season.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
MISTANA
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Mistana
Rolf 2-Piece Galvanized Iron Wall Planter Set
Now 44% off
$30 AT WAYFAIR
If you've been longing to give vertical gardening a try, now's your chance.
Go for one or two planters, depending on just how green your thumb is.
Sugar & Cloth
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Faux Grass Stepping Stones
You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of grass — even if it's faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
Crafts by Amanda
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Mason Jar Planters
Add a country-chic touch to your garden with mason jar planters (pint or quart size), which are perfect for herbs of all kinds. Use outdoor vinyl and a Cricut machine to mark each jar.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda »
Lisa Romerein
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Fold-Out Shelf
Brian Woodcock
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Patterned Hanging Planters
Enhance greenery or statement floral arrangements with a pair of potted hanging planters. Sure you could go for neutrals, but this geometric floral pattern makes more of a statement.
RELATED: The Best Indoor Plant Stands for Every Decor Style
andreusKGetty Images
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Hammock
Play up your garden's cozy factor with a stylish hammock, designed for an afternoon nap or getting lost in a good book.
Alex LevineGetty Images
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Globe String Lights
Any outdoor gathering would be so much more fun if classic string lights are in the mix, whether you choose to hang them on a fence or under a pergola.
Courtesy of manufacturer
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Fence Planters
Window boxes can be used in so many creative ways. Fill one with vibrant blooms — a great match for a white picket fence.
Brian Woodcock
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Hanging Colanders
Hang spring flowers in brightly colored colanders for an unexpected porch update.
SHOP COLANDERS
Get the tutorial at Country Living »
ArterraGetty Images
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Square Foot Gardening
This highly efficient method divides raised beds into a grid.
Vegetables then get planted in one or more squares at a density based on plant size (e.g., you’d plant about 16 radish seeds per square, but only one tomato plant).
RELATED: The Pros and Cons of Square Foot Gardening
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Sol 72 Outdoor
Aanya Hardwood Dark Red Meranti Potting Bench
Now 57% off
$107 AT WAYFAIR
With a roomy shelf underneath, this wood piece doubles as a mini garden "shed" for storage. Fill each level with a mix of supplies and gorgeous planters.
Mike Garten
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Flower-Filled Planters
Instantly boost your home’s curb appeal with bright blooms on each side of your front door. Expecting guests? Steal these tricks
from our home team: Add stems from a supermarket bouquet for extra fullness and mint for a fragrant burst.
RazaRaGetty Images
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Potted Fruit Trees
If you've got a tiny patio or balcony, you can grow a fruit tree. Calamondin orange or fig trees especially do well in pots at least 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot deep.
Just watch out: Choose a variety that can survive at least two zones colder than where you live, because planters will freeze faster than the ground.
nicolas_Getty Images
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Companion Planting
Placing flowers and veggies together in the same beds doesn't just save space. It'll help boost your yields and keep plants happy by attracting more pollinators.
50+ Summer Flowers for a Picture-Perfect Garden
Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.
Alyssa Gautieri Associate Lifestyle Editor Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design.
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Small Plots & Side Yard Gardens - Top 135 Photos, Landscaping, Patio & Backyard Landscape Design
Modern Zen Garden Small Space Design
Studio H Landscape Architecture
Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture.
Post processing by Isabella Li.
Original design example of a small modern style drought tolerant side yard garden with stone paving, garden path or gate and afternoon shade
debora carl landscape design
debora carl landscape design
A once forgotten side yard turns into a charming gravel garden Martin Residence Cardiff by the Sea, Ca
Photo of a small regular garden in a Mediterranean style side yard
Noroton Backyard Patio
Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC
This cute backyard patio was renovated to provide an outdoor seating area with a firepit by Benintoshape, bar seating for entertaining and a cozy dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Barbara designed perennials and bulbs to be added to the existing shade garden spaces and new plantings were incorporated to provide more seasonal color and interest in the rose garden. New shade tolerant shrubs and groundcovers were added under a large Norway Maple tree that cast a considerable shade in the backyard.
A new stepping stone path provided access to the nearby sunny lawn and playscape in the side yard. The back and side yards were enclosed with a picket fence to keep the pets and children safe. Comfortable lounge furniture by Janus et Cie and pillows by Elaine Smith were placed in the renovated patio space. The dining area was covered with a Tuuci cantilever umbrella for additional shade in the afternoon.
7
Residential Work
SOLscape, LLC
Inspiration for home comfort: small summer allotment and classic style side yard garden with midday shade and mulching
Small Spaces
G3 corrugated on metal
Brown Design 00002 fence, reused broken concrete as stepping stones, reused door as back gate,
Original design example of a small sunny lot and a fusion side yard garden with a garden path or gate, good lighting and stone paving
Paver Sidewalk
The Grounds Guys
Home Inspiration: A small, sunny, autumn allotment and classic-style side yard garden with good lighting, paving slabs and a garden path or gate
White Wood Garden Gate
Land Art Design, Inc.
White Wood Garden Gate in Arlington, VA Designed and built by Land Art Design, Inc.
Pictured: Small lot and classic side yard garden with garden path or gate and stone paving
Central Gardens
Gurley's Azalea Garden
Beautiful house in the National Historic District of Memphis, Central Gardens by Gurley's Azalea Garden
Homely inspiration: small, shady, springtime plot and side yard garden in classical style with turf stone paving and fence
Bowen Residence
REMARK
The patio was separated from the vehicular area by a living fence to provide some privacy while allowing for air and light to penetrate. All the plants are native and provide year round interest and a verdant feel to the space.
Sage Valley Steps & Wall
Twisted Rock Terrascape & Design, Inc.
Our client wanted to do their own project but needed help with designing and the construction of 3 walls and steps down their very sloped side yard as well as a stamped concrete patio.
We designed 3 tiers to take care of the slope and built a nice curved step stone walkway to carry down to the patio and sitting area. With that we left the rest of the "easy stuff" to our clients to tackle on their own!!!
Layers, Tiers and Mix of Materials
Ravenscourt Landscaping and Design LLC
On the side yard that people rarely use we put a herb and veg garden using 2' x 6' watering troughs set up on cinder blocks.
Original design example of a small, sunny, drought-tolerant, modern-style side yard garden with container plants and good lighting
Fremont Firepit
Mark S. Garff, Landscape Architect
In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming.
A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth. Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography
Just a photo: Small backyard gardens - 28 solutions
Classic bosquets, a terrace, a pond and an old fountain - all this will fit even in a small backyard
Over 19 million photos of completed interiors, gardens and buildings have been uploaded to Houzz Location on. Every week we choose the best shots on a given topic from them (you can suggest your idea for a selection in the comments).
► We remind you: to get additional information about the project, see all shooting angles or ask a question personally to the project designer - click on the photo you like
Cultivart Landscape Design
1.
Diagonal
Where: Perth, Australia
Project designer: Cultivart Landscape Design
TKL Design Inc.
2. Green Chess
Where: Vancouver, Canada
Project Designer: THOMAS KYLE: Landscape Designe
What We Like: The idea with a lawn and paths in the form of a chessboard.
Honor Holmes Garden Design
3. Separation of zones
Where: London, UK
Project designer: Honor Holmes Garden Design
the dining room, the butt was masked with bushes and trees and bushes were planted along the lawn.
Harrington Porter
4. Green carpet
Where: London, UK
Project Designer: Harrington Porter
What we love: Artificial turf on the wall, like a carpet.
IN YOUR CITY …
► Houzz can hire a landscape designer in any city and country. Start looking for a designer
______________________________
Neil Jones Design
5. No extra beds
Where: Hampshire, UK
Project Designer: Neil Jones Design
What We Like: Fireplace stove and seating area.
Marlin Landscape Systems
6. With a focus on wood
Where: Dallas, USA
Project designers: Marlin Landscape Systems
What we like: The idea with the slab, knocking the rhythm and the bench tracks.
Meister und Meister GmbH
7. Mini garden with bosquets
Where: Hamburg, Germany
Project designers: Meister und Meister GmbH
What we like: How the idea of a regular French garden with bosquet geometry is implemented on a small plot.
Charlotte Rowe Garden Design
8. Couch by the fireplace
Where: London, UK
Project designer: Charlotte Rowe Garden Design
- a wide bench, a minimalist fireplace and a green curtain behind.
John Davies Landscape
9. Water Walkway
Where: Essex, UK
Project Designer: John Davies Landscape
What We Like: The idea of a water lane and a dividing lane.
Isabelle Rouyer Architectures & Design
10. Mirror Break
Where: Paris, France
Project Architect: Isabelle Rouyer Architectures & Design
What we like: A mirror idea on the back wall to create the illusion of more space.
Garten- und Freiraumplanung Martina Zellner
11.
Both a pond and a terrace
Where: Munich, Germany
Project designer: Garten- und Freiraumplanung Martina Zellner , one of which was turned into a mini-pond, the other into a terrace for relaxation.
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
12. Kids & Adults
Where: London, UK
Project Designer: Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
What we love: Wooden deck with sandbox space, distribution and built-in zones.
Studio H Landscape Architecture
13. Rock Garden
Where: Orange, USA
Project designers: Studio H Landscape Architecture
What we like: The idea of a dry rock garden on a small plot.
Inspired Property Designs
14.
Boxes on the wall
Where: Sydney, Australia
Project designers: Inspired Property Designs
What we like: Wooden box moved to the side of the house, moved to the side of the house for plants on a previously blank wall.
Jarret Yoshida Design
15. Round
Where: Brooklyn, USA
Project Designer: Jarret Interior Design
What We Like: Lounge space in the form of a circular bench.
The Association of Professional Landscapers
16. At different levels
Where: Berkshire, UK
Project Designers: The Association of Professional Landscapers
What we like: Garden and terrace layout , mirror panel on the end wall.
Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping
shade distribution on the site, having arranged a recreation area near a sprawling tree.
Charlotte Rowe Garden Design
18. Ruled
Where: London, UK
Project designer: Charlotte Rowe Garden Design
What we love: A geometric approach to garden planning.
Mackay + Partners
19. Game of levels
Where: London, UK
Project designers: Mackay + Partners
What we like: How the level difference is played; idea with terrace plantings along the stairs.
Little Miracles Designs
20. Wood and greenery
Where: New York, USA
Project designers: Little Miracles Designs
What we like: How to play with a narrow courtyard with stairs and planting flowers in the middle of a wooden deck.
Alena Arsenyeva's landscape workshop
21.
Rockery and retaining wall
Where: Moscow region, Russia
Project designers: 9 Alena Arsenyeva's landscape workshop
What we like:
0122 A section with a transverse slope was played with a retaining wall, which at the same time became both part of the flower bed and the “lead” to the rockery.
Julia Dide
22. Ruins and herbs
Where: Kaliningrad, Russia
Designer of the project: Julia Didide
What do we like: Fences were completed as a stylization for the destroyed brick ruine with updates " forging.
Gardens by Gabriel, Inc.
23. Fire bowl and herbs
Where: San Luis Obispo, USA
Project Designer: Gardens by Gabriel
What we love: How the path's curved shape is reflected in the outlines of the bench, fire bowl and mini fountain.
James Gartside Gardens
24. Recessed Corner
Where: London, UK
Project Designer: James Gartside Gardens
What we love about:
Seed Studio Landscape Design
25. Wood and Pebbles
Where: San Francisco, USA
Project Designers: Seed Studio Landscape Design
What We Like: Small recessed garden pebbles and a wooden deck that can be used as a bench.
Mayita Dinos Garden Design
26. Fountain and Ruins
Where: Los Angeles, USA
Project Designer: Mayita Dinos Garden Design
What we love: A garden room idea that plays on the look of ruins. There are cracked floors through which grass grows; "ceiling" formed by canopies of four olives, an old fountain from a French estate.
