Do you want to design a small garden and make the most of the space available? Then you've come to the right place! More and more people are living on smaller properties because prices per square meter are rising and because you don't have to compromise on spaciousness and functionality even on small spaces.
With just a few simple design tricks, even an outdoor area with little space can be made to appear more inviting and larger, while pleasing both the eye and the environment.
In this article, I present practical tips and creative ideas for creating a small but ideally utilized versatile garden paradise. Let's go!
1. create different areas in the garden
If your small garden is just a single open area, it will also seem small. However, if you into many small "garden rooms"that are not directly visible, you create depth and the opportunity to discover the garden bit by bit. 🙂
For example, plan a Sitting area with fire bowl, a Wildflower corner, by Garden shed with seating area or a Pergola, a Garden bench and a Raised bed with surrounding snack corner in such a way that they are not immediately obvious to garden visitors, but without overloading the garden.
2. rely on vertical systems
Use the space above so as not to lose a single square meter of the scarce floor space. Vertical beds, trellises, trellises and Climbing plants for example, create additional green space and take up hardly any room.
In addition, a Sliding gate More space in the front garden and a Sliding door into the garden shed more usable space for storing bicycles and garden furniture in winter.
3. preferably create round and curved surfaces
Natural, soft, round and curved lines give even small gardens size.
So above all, design your Beds and paths accordingly and avoid rectangular, square and angular shapes. This way you create width.
With near-natural boundaries, such as Fieldstones or at different heights pieces of wood strung together you also create a harmonious dynamic in each Natural garden - whether small or large.
4. work with different levels
By doing this every now and then Level differences and eye-catchers at different heights give your garden visual depth.
A Raised terrace, landings, steps, large planters, dry stone walls, hanging plants or also Deadwood logs in the bed make a visit to your small garden an experience.
In the same way Hammock help to use the floor space more effectively - and the Sounds of nature in the garden.
5. collect rainwater underground in the cistern
You can collect rainwater even with little space in your garden! Simply invest in a cistern to store the water out of sight under your lawn. On the large rain barrel next to your house you can then do without and use the space differently.
With a cistern pump and the connected hose, you can then Use for irrigation if required. This is also entirely in the spirit of sustainable garden designbecause you conserve resources in your everyday life.
Tip: How you Save even more water in the garden I'll show you how to do that in the linked post.
6. pay attention to heights and colors when planting
If you want to make small gardens look more spacious, you should definitely plant play with height differences.
The best way to plan beds from front to back in the following three layers:
- 1st layer: Ground cover, flat perennials and wildflowers (e.g. thyme and mountain aster)
- 2nd layer: Medium-height perennials and shrubs (e.g. catmint, blackthorn and dog rose)
- 3rd layer: Large shrubs and small to medium-height trees (e.g. hawthorn and cranberry)
Many of the plants mentioned also have bright flowers (white, light pink, etc.), which make dark garden areas in particular appear brighter and larger - and at the same time help to make the garden look more attractive. Stop insect mortality.
In addition Trees with a high crown and bare trunk (such as the serviceberry) take up little space on the ground, so that you can continue to enjoy a lot of design freedom there.
Tip: About Insect-friendly small trees I've written a detailed separate blog post for your compact garden. Have a look there too!
7. use garden decorations with a sense of proportion
Want more design ideas for small gardens? Minimalist decorative elements give every garden character and additional eye-catchers without overloading it. Every detail also enhances the The impression that you haven't discovered everything in your garden yet.
Whether Birdhouses, hanging flower boxes, trellises, by Wine barrel or a old wagon wheel: Try to add a few height differences with the decoration to make your garden look even bigger.
Tip: How you can change your making your garden bird friendlyI'm happy to show you how in the linked article. It really isn't difficult!
8. prefer large, uniform floor coverings
Whether patio or sidewalk slabs: The larger they are and the fewer joints they allowthe larger and more orderly the overall look. If you are designing a small garden, you should definitely take this to heart.
In addition, your garden also gains visual width by a compact gravel surface (no gravel garden!!) - for example in the fire bowl corner.
9. create raised beds and also use the sides
Raised beds are perfect for small gardens as they Optical height differences and with good planning also more area for planting vegetables and herbs or creating storage space.
Use for example the sides of the raised bed for additional income. Whether in the hanging pot or through Tilted boardswhich you then fill with soil and plant.
You can also gain additional space in the garden by adding a Raised bed with storage space invest. You can then store watering cans and planting shovels there, for example.
10. create visual axes through the garden
Visual passages (with or without paths) give even small gardens more depth, as they appear more open and interesting. Such visual axes are, so to speak Small paths for the eye and make the garden appear larger. You can use them to direct the eye, so to speak.
The embedded image shows this perspective effect very well. You can look straight from the terrace to the garden fence, but not yet guessedwhat is hidden behind the bushes to the left and right.
11. play with the reflection of the water
Water not only promotes the Biodiversity in your garden, but also makes it appear larger. Quite simply because the light is reflected in it and creates a creates optical width becomes. Very similar to the mirrors above the fruit and vegetables in the supermarket. 😉
With water elements such as a small pond, a fountain or a Mini pond (e.g. from a wooden barrel cut in half), you can create such reflections and also add dynamism and a touch of magic to your small garden.
12. prefer compact modular garden furniture
Whether loungers, tables or chairs: when they are Fold up and stack well and not so big and bulky they are an ideal element for small gardens.
Why? You then fit into every corner - and you can also use them flexibly and store them easily in the garden shed or loft in winter. They also allow full functionality without taking away too much of the view of the garden.
13. include the neighboring properties in the planning
How big or small your garden looks is also influenced by the adjacent fields, meadows and of course the neighboring gardens. Either way: If you have a wide view, you should allow it and include them in your own planning to make your garden look bigger.
It's also best to coordinate with your neighbors. Perhaps you can work together to create a more harmonious overall picture. You may also be allowed to use a existing privacy screen (e.g. walls or fences) from the back so that your small garden looks less cramped.
Tip: In the article about Sustainable fences you can get some inspiration from it.
Even small gardens can be turned into great things!
Whether vertical elements, different areas, visual axes or coordination with the neighbors: With a little planning and creativity you can transform even a rather small plot of land into a green oasis of well-being that provides sufficient space, looks larger and at the same time helps to protect the environment. Counteracts species extinction.
"In the smallest things nature shows its greatest wonders."
Carl von Linné, Swedish naturalist (1707-1778)
Now I wish you lots of fun designing and enjoying your green refuge! Do you have any questions, suggestions or can you think of any other tips for making small gardens look great? 😉 Then I look forward to your comments.
Stay creative and close to nature,
PS: Over the course of time, I have Discovered mistakes that are often made in the natural garden. Check them out next in the linked post to avoid them directly.
