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Tiny backyard garden ideas


Tiny Backyard Ideas & An Update on My Tiny Backyard & Garden

This post shares tiny backyard ideas using my own tiny backyard as a canvas! If you’re looking for DIY small backyard ideas, you’re in the right place. 🙂

Tiny Backyard Ideas

Hi there! I’ve been posting sporadically these days, I know…but rest assured, we are keeping as busy as ever with projects around the house. I wanted to pop in today to share an update on my tiny backyard (which you may remember me making over for the Spring 2018 One Room Challenge) and our garden.

We absolutely loved the space and have used it almost every single day. Don’t get me wrong. But as with most makeovers done on a tighter timeline, we made some decisions that we weren’t entirely happy with.

What it looked like before…

Just for the fun of it, here’s what the space looked like before the One Room Challenge:

Y I K E S.

Here’s what it looked like when we finished the space in April. The plants look sooo tiny.

And here’s a recap of what we’ve done to get it where it is now.

Deck Space Changes & Ideas for Small Back Decks

For example, we decided to move the modern outdoor dining table build and benches up to the second-story deck by the kitchen and put more lounge-like furniture in this patio space.

We got a discontinued loveseat and two matching chairs from Target, and we love them. I also made a DIY paver and wood coffee table and matching side table for the space—I *really* love them.

The DIY rock landscaping has held up really well so far, too. I love that it keeps the entire perimeter around the platform deck tidy. BB cat also likes to chill on the pavers, too. 🙂

I swapped out some of the herbs in the hanging pots for flowers once I figured out which ones seems to be attracting Japanese beetles. The extra color is nice. And of course Ramona still LOVES her unicorn swing.

I also switched up the flowers in the two gray resin hanging planters . I had bacopa and vinca planted in them, and they just didn’t end up doing very well at all. So I swapped them for the purslane and trailing petunias.

The purslane has already EXPLODED, and the trailing petunias aren’t looking as hot as they once did. Working on bringing them back. This spot gets a lot of sun, but maybe it isn’t enough.

Building a Shed in a Tiny Backyard

After the challenge was over, we decided to build a small shed for our lawnmower and gardening supplies. We have a utilities easement on this area of our backyard, which means no permanent structures (fences don’t count for some reason).

So the shed actually doesn’t have a floor. It’s kind of like a hut. The platform it’s on is just boards lined up and screwed into the fence. Two people could lift the shed and move it.

Mike tackled the shed and did a great job. I was not up for a project of this scale…but I did happily paint it to cover up the cedar fence pickets. I used a Behr opaque stain to match the decking as close as I could. The trash can is for yard waste, and the long skinny planter has some more lettuce in it.

For more small space decorating ideas check out how to decorate a small outdoor space.

And this creep loves to hang out under the shed…

Growing Veggies in Our Tiny Backyard

We also planted a hydrangea bush out in the corner of the yard and moved around several plants as we figured out where everything did the best. I moved several potted veggies down from the top deck.

It gets slightly better sun up there, but there’s no hose, so watering was annoying. It also sometimes leaked down onto the bottom deck, which was both annoying and yucky. The big pots have yellow tomatoes, baby eggplant, and red cherry tomatoes.

Everything in my garden was doing absolutely fantastic. Much to my surprise, everything I planted from seed sprouted and flourished. Until the Japanese beetles discovered my goodies.

They destroyed my green beans, which I had to pull out. Right now I am fighting a war against them on my snap peas, basil, and lima beans. Everything else they’ve seemed to leave alone.

I’ve picked a few rounds of lettuce, kale, and spinach already, and I’ve planted more. Cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapenos, and baby eggplant are on the cusp of being picked. The bell peppers are only doing okay. I’m not giving up on them yet, but they aren’t thriving.

Other Small Townhouse Patio Ideas

And finally, Mike got this awesome outdoor hanging bluetooth speaker that also lights up like a lantern. We hung it in the corner of the deck. It works great. I love having it out there to stream music when we’re just hanging on the deck or when I’m gardening or working on whatever project is up that day.

The ferns on the patio are also looking amazing. Don’t overlook the power of some hanging plants to maximize vertical space on a small patio!

And I think that’s it. Looking forward to hanging out here the rest of the summer!

SOURCE LIST
PLANTS:
ROCK LANDSCAPING:
HVAC SCREEN, LOUNGE FURNITURE, AND GARDEN BEDS:
MISCELLANEOUS:

Share my tiny backyard ideas on Pinterest!

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.

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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.

Just a photo: Small backyard gardens - 28 solutions

Classic bosquets, a terrace, a pond and an old fountain - it all fits even in a small backyard

Over 19 million photos of realized interiors, gardens and buildings on the site have been uploaded to Houzz . 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
What we like: 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 love: 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. nine0005

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 water zone.

Isabelle Rouyer Architectures & Design

10. Mirror Break
Where: Paris, France
Project Architect: Isabelle Rouyer Architectures & Design
What we love: A mirror idea on the back wall to give 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 Like: 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 for plants on a previously blank wall.

Jarret Yoshida Design

15. Round
Where: Brooklyn, USA
Project Designer: Jarret Interior Design
What we love: 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 layout and terracing , mirror panel on the end wall. nine0005

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 love: 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: Alena Arsenyeva's landscape workshop
What we like:
0014 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
Project designer: Julia Dide
What do we like: Fences were completed as a stylization for the destroyed brick ruin with worn -out "Granded" 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 pit and mini fountain.

James Gartside Gardens

24. Recessed Corner
Where: London, UK
Project Designer: James Gartside Gardens
What We Liked: nine0005

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 ruins. There are cracked floors through which grass grows; "ceiling" formed by canopies of four olives, an old fountain from a French estate.

markdesign, llc

27. Backyard Lounge
Where: Albuquerque, USA
Project designers: markdesign, llc
The areas of the garden and the "residential part" are highlighted with different coverage. nine0005

URBANSCAPING LTD

Ideas for giving: 35 photos - Roomble.com

2022-03-05T07:00:58+00:00 2022-03-02T21:09:12+00:00 Ideas for giving: 35 photos 2022-03-05T07:00:58+00:00 Decided to give the cottage a new life? Are you looking for interesting design options? Don't miss 35 original garden design ideas! Ideas for giving: 35 photos nine0005

Have you decided to give your dacha a new life? Are you looking for interesting design options? Don't miss 35 original garden design ideas!

It would seem that it is much easier to ennoble a tiny suburban area than a large one. Alas, the opposite is actually happening. The main mistakes: an unaesthetic pile of flower beds and garden furniture, an illiterate approach to landscape design. And the whole problem is in the lack of experience and imagination. Don't know where to start? Start with an idea. We collect the best for you. nine0005

A French bistro-style gazebo in the shade of trees will add lightness and comfort to any area. To create such a recreation area, you can use an existing canopy in your old dacha.

Minimalist patio: wooden deck, light white and gravel instead of the usual lawn. A couple of touches for comfort - and your patio is ready to receive guests.

A rusted baby van, an old wheelbarrow and even scrapped tin pails are not junk, but stylish vintage decor items in your country garden. Fill them with flowers, herbs, decorative items and pumpkins: your personal garden zen corner is ready. nine0005

With a slight movement of the hand, the old bed turns ... into an elegant flower bed. The armored beds of many are rusting in sheds in old summer cottages. Why not actually give them a second life?

One of the common and always up-to-date ideas for landscaping the site is the use of old tin containers instead of flower pots.

There is always a place for stones in the country house, regardless of their size. Don't rush to uproot the boulders from the purchased plot - use them as part of the overall garden design. nine0005

It is not for nothing that the Japanese love their rock gardens so much – even in such a modest version, their contemplation calms and relaxes. An excellent option for a platform for an evening session of relaxation (well, or a nightly family revelry).

The idea of ​​decorating a garden with age-old carts, toys, baskets and other obsolete items that have lost their functionality is not new. But it is relevant to this day. The main thing is not to overdo it (the garden should be an example of landscape design, not a dump of obsolete things).

Sofas upholstered in dragon skin and crystal flowerpots with orchids or saffron seed are absolutely not needed for a family-intimate corner of relaxation in the country. For a simple and cozy atmosphere, light wooden furniture, gravel and a couple of forged decorative elements, on which moonflowers or clematis will crawl, are enough.

Even an old ladder can become part of your unique garden arrangement. Don't forget also about miniature sculptures and decorative birdhouses that will decorate any part of the garden. nine0005

Editor's note:

— A suburban area without flower beds is an empty and featureless space. Even in the smallest area, you can create unimaginable beauty if you approach the issue with feeling and with ready-made ideas. For example, flowerpots can be placed right on the stairs leading to the house, along the garden path or around a tall tree. A very popular option among owners of small European plots is roof gardening, and among Russian owners of a modest two or three acres - vertical (flower beds on fences, house facades, ladders, and so on). Another trendy idea is phytowalls, which can become both part of the garden and an accent in the interior design of the cottage. nine0005

Pull out your old unnecessary ladder from the attic (garage) - it will also find a use. You can paint it white or leave it in its original form and match it with the appropriate "vintage" flower boxes.

Can't find a place for a future spectacular flower garden on your modest plot? Landmark - vertical gardening! An ideal way to create chic flower beds that will not eat up a single meter of usable horizontal space.

Another budget and original landscaping option for your cozy country yard. Neat tin buckets are inexpensive, and you can even put together a multi-tiered stand yourself. nine0005

Have you chosen the Japanese landscaping option? Don't abuse plants. Japanese serenity requires moderation in landscaping. Do not forget about a reservoir (at least a tiny pond or its imitation) and stones (a rock garden can be replaced with a gravel platform).

An acute shortage of streams near the house once led to the birth of such an interesting and spectacular idea. Take note! Dry stream of pebbles and a decorative bridge will decorate any garden.

Phytowalls are growing in popularity in Russia. More and more summer residents are using this no longer a new idea on their plots. The advantage of a phytowall is space saving and efficiency. In addition to flowers and climbing unpretentious plants, berries, fragrant herbs and even salad greens can be used for country phytowalls. nine0005

If space for flower beds is sorely lacking, use all the possibilities of vertical gardening, including fences, decorative trellises and hanging planters. A climbing rose on a trellis - and guests will not even notice the size of your modest garden.

When choosing tropical plant varieties for your exotic garden, choose the hardiest and most unpretentious ones: your personal jungle should be ready for any weather whims.

For a feeling of complete harmony and home comfort, we choose furniture made of light light wood for a chalet-style veranda and “warm” it with the contrast of pillows. Along the perimeter of the veranda or balcony we plant unpretentious evergreens in boxes. nine0005

The idea of ​​zen gardens is becoming more and more relevant in the conditions of a frantic pace of life. Everyone needs their own piece of nature, where you can enjoy serenity and recharge your mind for the whole working week.

Editor's note:

— When creating a zen garden in the yard of your house, follow the main principles of such design: the main emphasis is on the reservoir. Natural stone and your “handmade” little waterfall (or at least a stream) are the main focus in a zen garden. All other elements are already created around the source. The second important element of the garden is a large stone, a boulder, near which smaller stones are concentrated. Steps can also be created from large stones, 70-80 percent buried in the ground. For garden paths and playgrounds, use crushed stone (cheap and beautiful), and in places where "the summer resident's foot does not set foot", do not forget to draw those "circles on the water" with a rake. nine0005

If you do not have a shortage of logs, you can consider this option for a garden path. Natural, rough, rustic paths are best created from strong wood (we just saw logs, bury them in the ground and fill the voids between them with sand).

The main rule of the dacha club is that there are no rules. Use your imagination and improvised means to the fullest. Is the bike rusting in the shed? We paint, dig into the ground, attach a couple of baskets and turn unnecessary transport into a charming flower bed. nine0005

Whatever you come up with, mastering landscape design on your own in the process of decorating your summer cottage, leave at least a small piece of land for a beautiful lawn. Sometimes you just need to slightly tweak what is already there. Look around. It is possible that you are just one step away from the garden of your dreams.

Some recruits of the tanned army of summer residents naively believe that it is enough just to stick a dozen seedlings into the ground, so that in the very near future (literally next week) they can enjoy the beauty of a fantastic garden, sipping tea in the shade of a sprawling apple tree. Alas. Any flower garden (let alone the garden as a whole) requires effort and time. Stock up on patience. nine0005

Nothing brings more joy on a hot day than relaxing in the fresh air with a glass of ice-cold lemonade in your hand. A simple and inexpensive option for a garden relax zone is a gravel-covered area under a tree and a pair of stylish wooden lounge chairs.

Tired of hula hoops? Make a hammock chair out of them. You can use metal hoops that gather dust in a barn or at home on the mezzanine. This place of rest will definitely not be left without attention.

Among the vertical options for landscaping your country yard is the idea of ​​using painted wooden pallets, which have been successfully used in design for more than a year. nine0005

The use of mobile flower beds greatly expands your design possibilities in your own garden. Flowers in portable trellis baskets can be successfully combined with vegetables.

Is there a cinder block left after building a house? Do not throw away as construction waste - make flower beds from improvised materials at no extra cost.

Learn more