Make Your Small Garden Feel Bigger

Our Top 10 Tips for Making Your Garden Feel Bigger

By Rachael – Content Editor

Published March 2022

If you are currently home to a small garden – either because you are living in a city or a small country cottage, we’ve comprised 10 top tips you can follow to make your small garden feel bigger!

1. Less is most certainly more in a small garden

Having a smaller garden doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, but be sure not to squeeze too much into one small space. Weigh up your options, consider the elements you really want to see and fade out the ones which you can cope without.

“If your wishes and expectations won’t ever squeeze into your space, you will always end up with a garden that falls short of the mark” says Garden Designer Kate Gould.

 

2. Make your garden more useable, for longer

What will make the garden more usable?  You might think a small Bistro Set would fit nicely in a corner or perhaps vertical planting which can be created using old wooden pallets. A small garden does help you narrow some options down, helping you find the perfect piece rather than having too many clashing elements.

Think Bright… What about Solar lighting? Prolong the use of your garden right into the evening when the sun has set!

3. Create a strategic layout to maximise space

Keep your scheme nice and simple, go bold or go home! Create distinct areas, spaces to enjoy sitting down, focal points and other circulating areas.

Create the illusions of space; conceal and define areas with panelling and fences. Perhaps a wall of trellis or even bamboo can create a sense of mystery of what may unfold behind! Its also important to think petite, smaller spaces need smaller elements.

4. Introduce different levels

Your garden may not be even and flat – but do not worry! The use of different levels can create a vision of additional space, whether you drop down into a seating area or have a higher level of bedding for plants.

Gardens with natural height differences may be easier to add levels to. Raised planters are brilliant for creating height and layers in an outdoor space and can even be painted to suit your aesthetic.

5. Cultivate a kitchen garden

You can still gorw fruit and vegetables in a small kitchen garden, even in the shortest and narrowest of spaces. Mix fruit and vegetables in with flowers in beds, or plant in pots on a terrace.

Runner beans and peas thrive on upright frames which can be incorporated with sweet peas for an abundant display! Making use of a vertical space can be both fun and creative, there’s no stopping you. Besides, most plants are designed to flourish and grow vertically anyway!

6. Floors for thought

Tight space? Bin the lawn! Lay paving diagonally from the perspective of your home to create a visual illusion of a bigger space. Add in patterns and textures to your ground to distract the eye from sizing alone.

On a budget? Bin the paving! Gravel or aggregates can be used just as effectively and make for much cheaper options.

7. Small garden? Think BIG

Although downsizing your gardens accessories was mentioned previously, too many little things can become too busy and cluttered. One way to tackle this is by having the odd large pot or two, depending on the size of your space. Giant plant pots are easy to come by in any of our garden centres.

You can also think about multi-level planters and fit more plants into one space, or pop all your favourite flowers and shrubs into one large wooden planter. Enjoy more greenery, with less clutter.

8. Think tall in a small garden – The only way is up! 

Make use of the wall space and fencing. Add trellis at the top of fences and give homes to climbing plants. Hanging baskets and window boxes look stunning filled with trailing plants and florals. Tall, slim trees are perfect for sitting on boundaries and at the side of entryways. If you are renting the property, consider planters with trellis attached so that you can pick up your plants and move them if needed.

9. Grow a container garden

Speaking of potted plants, containers are a great tool in controlling the size of your plants. When greenery needs to be kept smaller for a space, having it pot bound is not always a bad thing. Some plants even like being pot bound!

To keep the space low maintenance and avoid regular clipping, keep your plants potted.

10. Use space-enhancing material

Reflective surfaces are ideal for bouncing around natural light and making a space feel bigger. Garden mirrors make a stunning addition to smaller patios and really open up the feel of the space. Mirrored orbs and garden ornaments work in a similar way.

Water features and smaller ponds will not only create reflections but provide calming and peaceful tranquillity.

    Don’t restrict your creative side… Embrace it! Size can sometimes feel like a limitation, but it doesn’t have to be. Turn your limitation into a challenge and see what you can design, you will surprise yourself.    

Garden Advice    |     Summer Ideas     |     Garden Furniture     |     Garden Decor