Tips for Designing Small Gardens

Small gardens can feel like a tough nut to crack – with so many ideas but so little space. But what they lack in scale can be more than made up for with a sense of style, atmosphere & intimacy.

Here’s a few suggestions that should help:-

Less is more
Prioritise. The honest truth is there just isn’t always the space for everything your heart desires. But that’s OK because the best designs, the ones that achieve the most pleasing effect, are always clean and simple. So think hard about what’s most important to you in your small space.

What’s the big idea
Which leads on to this – theatre. A small garden is like a stage, often inward looking and free from outside influence. So there’s plenty of opportunity to exercise the imagination and create something magical. If your garden transports you somewhere else, it won’t feel small.

Go large
Small gardens don’t mean everything needs to be small. In fact supersizing some elements, such as planters, paving units or even a water feature can have real impact (and be part of the Big Idea). As long as everything works to your scale, that’s what counts.

Devil's in the detail
Avoid clutter and instead focus on little flourishes of detail – elevate the ordinary. Interesting patterns inset into paving, beautiful furniture that makes you smile or a half-hidden sculpture emerging from planting.

Green up the grey
Conceal boundaries with climbers & shrubs, and reduce the impact of overlooking buildings with tall thinly foliaged trees that cast a dappled light. Direct sun is one of the things you sometimes have to sacrifice in a small garden but will be made up for by creating mood & atmosphere.

**If you are interested in learning more about garden & planting design I am running a series of one days courses, including 'Designing Small Gardens'. For more information have a look at the courses pages of my website - here