How to design a small space garden

Whether your space (and time) is limited, or you simply aren’t inclined to have a large, expansive garden, you can still experience the joy and sense of accomplishment that creating a beautiful garden provides. Here are some tips on how to design a small space garden:

First of all, have a clear idea of exactly what you want to use the small space for. Do you want to add some outdoor furniture so you can lounge in the sun and eat outside?  Do you want rows of flowerbeds where you can proudly display your gardening efforts?  Or do you simply want to make the most of the space with as little effort as possible?

The arrangement and shape of your garden will affect how large it looks. Circular shapes are generally thought to make a space appear vaster because our eyes are drawn around the circle as opposed to being attracted to the corners of a square.

Before starting on your project, clear your space of any unnecessary or unwanted items, including plants and furniture.  This gives you a clean canvas to start with and gives you the best chance of fitting everything in. Then create a rough plan of what you want to have where, including any furniture, containers and, of course, plants.

This small space garden below, filled with exotic Tropicanna® cannas, was created along a small patio walkway.  Even with limited space, the homeowner can enjoy a lovely view from open windows and patio doors – far better than a blank wall or fence.

Adding even one or two plants to a seating area can provide a sense of calm and lushness.  Below, a rhododendron and a single Flower Carpet® Scarlet rose around a birdbath add colour and interest to this small patio.

When creating a small space garden, keep your colour palette simple. Restrict yourself to three or four colours, as featuring a large variety of colours is likely to make your garden look very busy and overcrowded. This more subdued approach keeps the area looking clean, simple and fresh.  The example below includes Flower Carpet Yellow Gold roses paired with yellow Lady’s Mantel and several varieties of purple salvia.

When choosing plants for your garden, use a good mixture of heights. This will give the illusion that your space is bigger than it is, whereas a row of plants at similar heights will only draw attention to the lack of space. Shown below, a low border of 3 Flower Carpet Pink roses is offset with taller shrubs and ornamental grasses.

Containers filled with gorgeous plants are also a good way to create small-space gardens.  Fill them with anything from veggies to verbena and roses or even small flowering trees and shrubs like fragrant Fairy Magnolias® and Daphne Perfume Princess™ and place them near a bench or comfortable chair and you’ll have an instant sitting garden.  Choose containers that aren’t too heavy and you’ll also have the benefit of being able to move your potted plants around as needed to accompany furniture (or guests!).

Want to see more inspirational ideas click here!