Whilst they certainly pose some challenges, small garden ideas are usually much easier to maintain, plus they’re generally more budget friendly too,’ notes Chris Bonnet, Founder of Gardening Express. ‘Even if you’ve only got a tiny terrace or balcony to work with, you can still enjoy your outdoor space with the help of careful planning.’
‘Containers, hanging baskets and window boxes will all come in handy if you want to plant in the limited space you have.’
‘When space is at a premium, designing and decorating your garden can feel like an impossible task, but small gardens have huge potential,’ agrees Francesca Hadland, Styling Expert at outdoor furniture company Bridgman.
1. Turn to trailing plants
Make use of a garden fence to add colour and greenery. Climbing plants and trellises are a great solution for small gardens, as they lift flowers and foliage up off the ground.
‘Climbing plants are a great way to add charm and dimension without sacrificing a lot of space,’ notes Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies. ‘Varieties such as Clematis montana and Sweet peas work well with most fences and walls and will elevate your garden with their eye catching flowers and fragrance.’
2. Opt for flexible furniture
Finding the best garden furniture for your outdoor space is worth spending some time on, especially if space is at a premium.
‘Steer clear of cluttering up a petite patio area with furniture that sits unused most of the year,’ advises Francesca from Bridgman. ‘Think smart with stylish and space-saving flexible furniture.’
‘Chairs, bar stools and even loungers that can be stacked on top of each other and stored away when not in use are perfect small garden ideas. Pair with a foldable table for a set you can effortlessly move to one side whenever you choose.’
3. Make your fencing work harder
Take inspiration from the elements of a living wall, by using vertical wall space for thoughtful planting. This allows even the smallest of garden spaces to flourish and is particularly useful if you are looking for decorative grassless garden ideas.
The simple yet savvy addition of horizontal fence panels work as small garden ideas to turn the side of the shed, a stretch of bare fence or the side of a balcony into a decorative living wall. Any of these small outdoor spaces can be transformed into a vertical garden, accommodating smaller plant pots and baskets.
‘How gardens are used is changing and now we are seeing more versatile uses of space, with sections dedicated to growing, entertaining and recreation,’ says Jenny Davis from garden timber company Forest Garden.
‘Our slatted wall planters, £99.99 each, Forest Garden, are a fabulous accessory. Not only do they allow spaces to be partitioned but in smaller gardens they are great for creating a living plant wall, bringing greenery to exterior walls.’
‘In 2023 I expect we are going to see people get really creative making use of every inch of their garden.’
4. Captivate with containers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
