7 Smart Ideas for Small Garden Design
It will take a lot of work and planning to turn a small space into a beautiful garden. However, a few smart ideas will turn that empty plot into a lovely place to spend time, as well as add value to your property.
To get an idea of what you want, look out the window to the far end of the vacant space. That is the best place to put a focal point, like a seating bench or trellis, which can be designed around. If the space is too small for a large decorative or functional element, survey the space to determine what you think will look best, then discuss it with a landscape professional.
Design Ideas
- Add color. A garden can be made instantly larger to the eye by incorporating vibrant colors in the flowers and plants. Adding a pop of red in patio furniture instantly brightens an all-green lawn and gray patio.
- Divide the space. Use furniture, walls, or paving stones to create a path dividing the space into two or more areas. By adding short walls, fences or rows of plants, there can be a place for relaxing in chaise lounge chairs, barbecuing with your family, entertaining friends, and even a small low-maintenance vegetable garden.
- Trick the eye with vertical plants. To extend the space, consider adding a vertical garden or green wall. They come in a variety of sizes and many have an integrated water delivery system, so you don’t have to worry about watering it. Tall trees can provide shade and foliage without sacrificing square footage.
- Use the lawn like a throw rug. Plant shrubs, trees and flowers around the edges of the garden space and use rocks, pebbles, or paving stones to create a circle or square between them and the grass inside. Add details with decorative borders,
- Consider function first. If you want a grassy area to have a place for pets or children to play, don’t design the entire space in hard materials or scratchy plants.
- Choose one large design feature. By placing a pergola in a small space, it gives a tiny garden a grand feel. Frame it with shrubs, small trees and garden sculptures.
- Used curved lines to accentuate the best features. Angles and curves are an excellent strategy for making a small garden look larger, according to designers.
- Keep it cozy. Having an intimate place to escape to can be boosted with mid-height fences and pretty plants to help block unwanted views or maintain privacy.