Adding Interest to a Small Garden
Small gardens require careful planning to ensure maximum usability. Adding interest with wall plants, trellis or a planter is a great way to divide an otherwise small-sized garden without occupying valuable floor space.
It is still possible to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers in a small garden. Mix up the seasonal plants to keep the garden interesting throughout the year.
Trees
Trees dress up gardens they provide shade and structure, and help the landscape feel larger. Their massive roots and a towering canopy can make them too big for small gardens and can compete with other plants. To avoid these problems, look for dwarf versions of your favourite trees that provide the same beauty and function on a much smaller scale. There are also fast-growing varieties that allow you to block unwanted views, add height to a fence or create patio shade in no time. These trees are available in a variety of sizes, colors, flowers and foliage for year-round interest.
The 'Archer's Dwarf' white fir is an excellent option for a small-sized garden. This evergreen that is compact is a great option for smaller spaces as it is slow growing and its thick branches extend from close to the ground rather than upward which makes it easy to plant them in narrow spaces. It also produces a very colorful crop of cones in the fall, and has a thick green foliage that begins close to the ground all season long. This is a robust tree that thrives from USDA zones 4 to 7
If you're looking for an evergreen tree with a different look, consider the crabapple tree, such as the 'Ebony Flame variety. The tree can grow to 12 feet tall (3.6 meters) but it's easy to prune and will remain a striking focal point in your garden all through summer and into the fall. It is a sturdy tree that can tolerate full sunshine and well-drained soil.
Alternatively, try an ivy-leaf magnolia or saucer, both of which are slow-growing and will give your garden a height without crowding out other plants. They are also adaptable and hardy to a wide range of growing conditions.
The "Sky Pencil Holly" is a smaller, fast-growing tree that can attain 6 feet in height and is ideal for spaces with limited space. This holly's narrow, upright shape looks great with yellows, blues and pink shades. It is an evergreen with berries that provide winter interest when pollinating plants are close by.
Corners that are protected Corners
A quiet corner is an ideal spot to sit with a book or enjoying the view. In a small garden they can be difficult to find but there are ways to create them. The first thing to consider is the wind. This can be an issue for smaller gardens, especially those located on exposed sites. It's important to figure out which direction the wind blows from and then choose plants that frame the view or block wind. These plants are suitable for a shaded area and will grow enough to be tall enough to serve as a windbreak or screen the view.
A wall can be used to create a more secure space by blocking wind. It's not a great idea to close off the entire space, especially if you intend to use it for other purposes. Instead, you can use a slatted wall, partial fence or trellis that will allow light to be able to enter and movement but not the full force of the wind.
A small pond will also make the area appear larger if a full-size one is not possible. It will not only look gorgeous, but also provide the calming sound of water rushing over the rocks and into the water. In a small garden the proper selection of plants is crucial. The plants must be tolerant to the location and not be too big, or they could outgrow their surroundings. Plants such as Canna Lilies, Solanum crispum, Mophead Hydrangeas Ornamental bananas and Oryza sativa "Purple Queen" are a good choice in all conditions.
One last suggestion is to use pathways and structures that draw the eye upwards and outwards, instead of straight down the garden. Most great gardens use this trick to make the garden appear larger than it actually is. This is especially useful in the case of a small courtyard garden.
Less Is More
You have to reduce all the big ideas you see in magazines or on Instagram when planning the layout of a small area. The result will be a garden that is more effective with less effort.
For gardening vegetable , instead of filling up a corner with a tangle of climbing plants, place one trellis on the fence or wall and use it to cultivate a vine. The plant will have plenty of space to climb and it won't be competing with other plants for water or light. Choose an easy color scheme with two or more shades of green with different petal colors is less visually cluttered that an explosion of jelly beans-like flowers.
A second trick is to make a long garden appear larger by putting a feature or plant at the end. This will draw your eye across the entire garden and create depth. This technique works best in gardens that are large but also short, and slope down to the back boundary.
Other ways to design small gardens include plants that double as a garden. A seating area can serve as a focal piece, a display box for a window or a place to grow edible flowers and plants. You can sip an alcoholic drink at the patio table while watching other garden elements.
In a small-sized garden, it's important to be organized. To avoid overcrowding, make clear bed divisions and rotate plants. That way you can plant tomatoes in one bed this year, and cucumbers in the next one, and then switch them in a few years.
The Less Is More Garden is packed with ideas to help you make the most out of the space you have. Susan Morrison offers savvy tips to match your garden with your lifestyle, and suggests plants that provide shape and texture throughout the seasons and advises on a range of hardscape materials.
Make the Most of Vertical Space
Every garden has vertical space, and making the most of them is an important strategy when designing a small garden. The structures like trellises and arbors that allow plants to grow upwards create a garden-like feeling while freeing space on the ground for plantings. Planters can also be suspended from walls and even window boxes can be used to grow plants such as strawberries or sedums. Recycled objects like shoe racks made of canvas can be used to create planting pockets on the wall. You can also make use of milk jugs and other containers that are recycled for your garden. You'll have to fertilize and water these plants just like any other container garden.
One of the most popular ways to make a garden appear larger is to play with the perspective by directing the eye towards the entire area instead of viewing it from one spot. This is particularly useful for narrow, long gardens with an obvious back boundary. This can be achieved by placing larger elements like trees and boulders further back into the garden or by utilizing an angled design for your paver.
In addition changing the layout of your garden to take advantage of its vertical space is a great method to plant more plants without occupying any additional space. Trellises and Treepees work well for climbing flowers such as lilyturfa or fuchsia as well as vines such as tomatoes and cucumbers. You can also train vegetables like beans and peas to climb a fence.
A living wall is another option. It consists of an array of planting areas that are connected to a surface or wall. It is possible to plant a variety of small and herbaceous perennials as well as fragrant and vegetable plants such as squash or cucumbers. These are easy-to-maintain and make a great focal point for any garden. They can also be used as a place to relax and take in the view.