Small garden design

Design ideas for small gardens can be simple or complicated, however planning a small garden is an art form in itself, designing for small areas has a different set of rules. Material, plants and garden furniture for small garden areas, courtyards and such require careful consideration. With smaller areas design is often more critical than larger garden areas. Scale is important, and maintaining both a sense of space and a functional garden area that fits in with individual needs can be a challenge.

Small garden design require a different design approach to larger areas. With town houses, dual occupancy and inner city dwellings many with small courtyard gardens the decision on how maximize space must be made.

An approach to design for small gardens.

Decide on the function. Do you require outdoor eating, a small productive garden or a simple retreat.

In a small area make the most of garden walls and fences. Instead of growing out grow up (and along). Think climbing plants and creepers, consider espalier or even a 'vertical garden'.

Consider plants that naturally have a columnar habit. Even large trees such as Pyrus come in cultivars that have a narrow growing habit. Buxus Sempervirens Graham Blandy (Emerald Pillar) is a narrow growing box hedging plant, makes a great screen in a small garden area.

Add perspective to make small areas seem larger, use lines to lead the eye to a feature at the back of the garden and add a sense of depth, a water feature perhaps. Consider decorative wall panels rather than large sculptures.

Consider that Vertical Garden Walls, Decorative Wall panels and bench seating all can be used effectively to maximize use of space in small garden spaces. (see above right)

Or perhaps take a different approach.
A small space divided into two by a screen or garden planting can give the illusion that their is more behind the dividing screen. Or perhaps a garden mirror can create the illusion of depth.

Use garden furniture that can be packed away or consolidated, an extension table can provide extra eating space when needed and make space when not extended. Consider using a bench seat rather than chairs to save space in smaller areas.