< Back
September, 2015
Small garden, big impact
When it comes to gardens, few of us can boast rolling acres but that that’s all the more reason to make the most of a small city garden where space is so often at a premium. The trick is to exploit every inch of available outdoor space and the key to achieving this is good design. A well-designed small garden will transform the space, making it feel bigger, more usable and more inviting in equal measure.
Start by considering how you want to use the garden so that it complements your lifestyle and your home. Think of the garden as an extension of your living space, the so-called outdoor room. This makes it much easier to think about how you want it to work for you. Our summers are notoriously unpredictable so it’s also worth thinking about the visual impact the garden will have when viewed from inside out too.
The watchword is to keep it simple: clean lines, strong shapes and bold use of colour all punch above their weight in the small garden,where every detail is magnified. Less is definitely more. Opt for a few large, statement-making containers and avoid cluttering the space with lots of twee plant pots. A pond may be out of the question but a self-contained, low-maintenance water feature, such as a water table or stone obelisk, will work wonders, as well as add sound to the sensory experience.
Outdoor lighting extends the use of the garden into the evening and takes the garden to another level. As with other garden elements, the effect you are seeking will inform the choice of light fitting and their use. Subtlety is the key. We are talking gentle lighting to accent, highlight or add a touch of drama, not harsh security lighting.
Last but not least, plants should be carefully chosen to provide year-round interest and complement the style of your garden. Include structural evergreens to create a strong framework. Fragrance is also important in a small space. Make use of dull walls or fencing by installing specially-grown green walls that can be planted directly into a border or raised bed. If your space is really small, it’s best to avoid lawn altogether, opting for a quality artificial turf instead – arguably the ultimate in low-maintenance gardening.