One of the challenges of small garden design is of course space. Consequently, you must be much more disciplined in your approach. It is especially important to prepare a plan where space is limited to ensure that the finished garden meets the practical requirements and looks great too. Preparing a detailed garden design plan will ensure all the functional areas are the correct size for their purpose and will fit into the garden.
The first step in any small garden design project is planning the type of garden you want to grow. Do you want a small garden with lots of colour? Will you want flowers that you can cut and bring indoors? If so, then you will want to think about flower garden design. Do you want to combine an interest in cooking with a small vegetable garden design or a herb garden design? Maybe you want to consider a combination garden.
Small gardens take a little more strategical thought and placement of plants in order to make the most of the small space. You should design with future growth in mind so that when the plants reach maturity they don’t get into the spaces they don’t belong in. You will need to think about the potential new plant’s fit in terms of spread, height, colour and texture.
As always, you will need to take note of your growing zone, especially the hours of sun vs. shade in the area you are planting. The amount of sun you receive in your planting area will determine whether you can plant sun-loving plants, shade plants or plants that can take part sun/part shade.
Even in a small garden you can create the impression of space. Unlike a larger garden, you will be able to see your entire garden as one entity. The way the plants work together to form the whole, can be much more important in the small garden. Aim for creating an open area in the garden, surrounded by plants that do not obstruct the view from the full extent of the garden.
There are plenty of opportunities and some constraints when creating small gardens. You can create shaded patios, raised garden beds and ponds. The reflection off ponds as garden features in small spaces gives the perception of more space.
Additionally, you can use containers and hanging baskets. There are plenty of colourful and fragrant plants that can be used.
Lawn in a moderate size garden unites the garden, however if you have a very small space you may be better off utilising pavers. Pavers can create garden paths and also look nice against raised garden beds.
Quiet areas are also essential in gardens and privacy is something that is highly important. These spaces can aid relaxation and healing. They can be created by using hedges, or trellises covered by flowering and bushy creepers.