Adding Interest to a Small Garden
Small gardens require careful planning to make the most of their use. Adding interest with wall gardens, trellis, or planters is an excellent way to break up an otherwise small-sized garden without taking up valuable floor space.
In a tiny space it is possible to grow vegetables, flowers and herbs. Mix up the species of the season to keep your garden fresh throughout the season.
Trees
Trees add color to gardens, give shade and structure, and help the landscape feel bigger. Their sprawling roots and massive canopy can make them too big for small spaces and be a threat to other plants. To overcome these issues try looking for smaller versions of your favorite trees that provide the same beauty and function but on a smaller scale. The fastest-growing varieties can be used to block unwanted views, and add the height and shade of the fence or patio. They come in various sizes, colors, flowers and foliage that will keep you entertained all year long.
The "Archer's Dwarf" white fir is a fantastic option for a small-sized garden. This compact evergreen makes a great choice for small areas, since it grows slowly and its dense branches extend out of the ground instead of growing upwards. It is simple to plant in tight spaces. It also produces a very colourful crop of cones in the fall and has dense green leaves that start close to the ground all season long. This is a tough tree that can thrive in USDA zones 4 to 7.
If you're looking for a deciduous tree with distinct appearance, think about the crabapple tree, such as the 'Ebony Fire' variety. It can grow up to 12 feet in height (3.6 meters) however it is easy to prune and will be a striking design feature in your garden all through summer and into autumn. This is a tough tree that can tolerate full sun and well-drained soil.
Alternately, you can try an ivy-leaf magnolia or saucer both of which are slow-growing and can add height to your garden without obstructing other plants. They are also hardy and adaptable to a range of conditions for growing.
The Sky Pencil Holly is a different narrow fast-growing tree that can attain 6 feet in height and is ideal for spaces with limited space. This holly's narrow, upright form looks good with yellows, blues and shades of pink. It is an evergreen with berries that add winter interest when pollinating plants are close by.
Corners with shelter Corners
A quiet corner is the perfect spot to unwind with a good book or to take in the view. These are difficult to find in small gardens but they are possible to build. Wind is a major element in many small gardens, especially those situated on exposed sites. It is essential to determine the direction of the wind and then use plants to block or frame the wind. These plants are suitable for shaded areas and will grow tall enough to function as a windbreak or to screen the view.
Similar to a wall, it can also be used to impede wind and make the space more secure. It's not the best idea to close off the entire space, especially if you intend to use it for other purposes. Instead, consider a slatted fencing or trellis that is partially walled which still let in light and allow movement but not the full force of the wind.
A small pond will also make the space seem bigger even if a large one is not possible. This will not only look gorgeous, but also bring the air to life with the tranquil sound of water rushing across the rocks and into the water. In a small garden choosing the right plants is also vital. The plants must be tolerant to the location and not be too big, or they could overtake their surroundings. Plants like Canna Lilies, Solanum crispum, Mophead Hydrangeas, Ornamental bananas and Oryza sativa 'Purple Queen' work well in all conditions.
One final tip is to use paths and structures to draw the eye upwards and outwards, rather than straight down the garden. This is something that a lot of the top gardens do, and trick the brain into thinking that a garden is bigger than it really is. This is especially useful in smaller or courtyard gardens.
Less is More
You must reduce the big ideas you read about in magazines or on Instagram when designing an area of just. The result is a streamlined garden that has more impact and less effort.
For example, rather than filling a corner with an entanglement of climbing plants, site one trellis on a fence or wall and use it to grow the vine. The plant will have a clear space to climb on and won't be competing with other plants for light or water. Then choose a simple color palette of three or two different shades of green, paired with petal colors, is less visually cluttered than a jelly-bean-like swarm of flowers.
Another option is to make a garden appear larger by putting a feature or plant at the end. This will draw the eye across the garden and create a sense depth. This technique works best in gardens that are large but short, and drop down to the back boundary.
Double-duty plants are another idea for a small yard. For instance, a seating area could be used as the focal point, a display for windows or a spot to plant edible herbs and flowers. You can have a drink on the patio table while watching other garden elements.
In starting a garden -sized garden, it's also important to keep it organized. To avoid overcrowding, make clear bed divisions and rotate plants. So, you can plant tomatoes in one bed this year and cucumbers in the next one, then switch them out in a few years.
The Less Is More Garden has numerous ideas to allow you to make the most of your small space. Susan Morrison gives savvy tips on how to match your garden with your lifestyle. She suggests plants that give texture and shape throughout the seasons, and provides suggestions on a variety of hardscape materials.
Vertical Space: Make the Most of it
Every garden has a vertical space, and maximizing the use of these spaces is a crucial factor for small-scale garden design. Structures that allow plants to grow, such as arbors and trellises, create an ambiance that is more like a garden while freeing up space on the ground for other plantings. Planters can also be suspended from the wall and window boxes can be used to plant sedums or strawberries. Recycled objects like canvas shoe racks can also be used to create planting pockets on the wall. You can also use milk jugs or other recycled containers for your yard. You'll require fertilization and watering these plants as you would with any other container garden.
Playing with perspective is an effective method to make a tiny garden seem larger. This can be achieved by directing your attention to the entire area rather than just one point. This is particularly effective for long narrow gardens where the boundary between the back and front may be all too obvious. It is possible to achieve this by putting larger elements such as trees and boulders further back into the garden or by utilizing the design of a slightly angled paver.
In addition, rethinking the layout of your garden to make the most of its vertical space is an excellent method to plant more plants without taking up any extra space. Trellises and treepees are perfect for climbing flowers, like fuchsia or lilyturfa and vines, such as cucumbers and tomatoes. You can also train vegetables such as beans and peas to climb a fence.
A living wall is another option. It consists of an array of planting areas that are that are attached to a wall or surface. You can grow a variety of grasses, perennials, and smaller shrubs along these, along with scented plants and some vegetables like cucumbers or squash. These are easy to maintain and provide a stunning focal point in any garden. They can also be used as a place to relax and enjoy the view.