By Ellie Reeves | 14th March 2024 | 9 min read
Small gardens can make a big impact. With some clever planning, you can transform even the tiniest garden into something really special. In fact, you can even make it seem like you have more space than you actually do! Let us talk you through our ideas to make your small garden design a big success.
1. Choose a focus and start planning
When planning what you want to put in your garden, think about your favourite way to spend time in it. Once you have chosen your focus, design your space around it. Planning is key to the success of a small garden design. Start by drawing out the shape and boundaries of the plot, and then try out different designs to see what can be included, such as a patio, decking or small shed.
2. Create zones and add screening
Create different zones in your garden to make your space feel bigger and add interest into your design. Don’t overdo it though, two to three sections are probably enough for a small garden. Create one large focus area and then work a smaller zone into your design. This will help you to enjoy your garden from different vantage points. Outdoor screening is a clever way to divide up your space into zones. It can also help hide essential, but uninspiring things that you might not want in plain sight.
3. Build a raised decking area
Decking is great for a small garden and provides an ideal surface for a dining or relaxing area. It's soft underfoot compared to gravel or paving and timber decking can easily be refreshed with a lick of exterior paint. Design a raised deck or platform to create an elevated outdoor living area, leaving the ground space for planting. The way you lay your decking can also enhance your space. Laying deck boards lengthwise will elongate the area being decked, whereas laying them width wise, will widen it.
4. Store it away
Garden storage is really important in smaller gardens where space is at a premium. There are some great options, with designs especially for bikes, bins and more. Multi-functional furniture is great to save space in a small area. You can get benches with storage underneath to tidy away blankets or toys. In a small space use your walls and doors to add hooks and shelves to make the most of every inch you have.
5. Choose space-saving furniture
You can also use clever space saving outdoor furniture to help you optimise space. If you like dining outdoors, opt for a bistro set with foldable table and chairs or stackable armchairs. Like to entertain? Make more room for friends and family with clever furniture that tucks away, folds and stacks. Or for something less permanent, consider a hammock, outdoor floor cushion, or a portable sun lounger.
- GoodHome Virginia Acacia Wooden 2 seater Bistro set(7)£65.00
- Curacao Still water blue Cabana striped Metal Sun lounger(16)£30.00
6. Settle on a colour theme
Create a unified look in a small space by choosing a colour scheme. Much like decorating indoors, complementary colours work well together across an outdoor space and can achieve balance. Coordinate everything from sheds to fencing, walls to decking with exterior paints, stains, and varnishes. Suitable for use on wood, metal and masonry, our exterior paint range allows you to both personalise your space and protect the surfaces from the damaging effects of the weather. Think about the colours of your plants too. Light colours and bright flowers at the far end of the garden can make the space seem larger, while dark colours absorb light and make the boundaries recede.
7. Find space for a BBQ or grill
We all love eating and entertaining outdoors if the weather allows. There are some great compact options of BBQs which are ideal for smaller gardens. You may find that a BBQ on wheels is handy when you want to tidy things away or you could be even more savvy with your space by choosing a firepit which can also be used as a grill.
8. Save space with potted plants
Plants in pots are a quick and easy way to add splashes of colour without losing big areas of garden to beds and borders. Move them out of the way when you need extra space and replant with your favourite annuals to keep the colour all year long.
9. Layer your bedding plants
If you have beds and borders, make them work harder by 'layering' the plants. This is the method of staggering plants of decreasing height with different flowering seasons to keep beds colourful for longer. Start with the tallest plant at the back and work forwards.
10. Utilise climbing plants
Plant climbing plants that can grow up a trellis (or a frame if the bed doesn’t back onto a boundary). In the mid-section, plants like Mexican orange and Hydrangeas work really well. They fill up the central space and, if pruned at the end of the season, won’t grow too tall. In the space left at the front, go for low-growing plants perhaps something fragrant and spreading like thyme or camomile.
11. Create the illusion of space with outdoor mirrors
Strategically place mirrors in your garden to create the illusion of depth and make the space feel larger. Not only will mirrors make your garden appear bigger, but they also make a wonderful statement in your garden. They’ll bounce light around the garden, reflecting gorgeous greenery. Use window style outdoor mirrors for a totally on-trend look in your garden!
- Modena Arched Copper Distressed Outdoor Garden Wall Mirror - Indoor or Outside 710mm x 350m£39.99
- Vintage Arch Decorative Wall Mounted Outdoor Garden Framed Window Mirror 69cm£120.00
- MirrorOutlet Metal Circular Decorative Colour Tree Garden Mirror Outdoors 60cm X 60cm£94.99
- VonHaus Outdoor Mirror for Gardens, Arched Black Window Mirror for Walls, Industrial Style, Weather Resistant, 76x91cm, 30x36in(14)£89.99
12. Utilise sightlines
When thinking about your small garden design, use sightlines to make the space appear bigger. Arrange the different aspects of your garden to create long, uninterrupted views, drawing the eye to the end of the space and making it feel larger.
13. Add a focal point to draw the eye and create a sense of depth
A focal point serves as a powerful design element that not only draws the eye but also fills your garden with a sense of depth and dimension. Whether it's a statue, an elegant water feature, or a striking tree, the focal point will command attention in your small garden.
14. Try your hand at vertical gardening
Add some height into your small garden to make the most of all available space. This could be through planting in a variety of ways, such as hanging baskets, in raised beds, or climbing up trellis. By adding interest and colour off the ground at different heights, you create more floor space for everything else.
15. Use outdoor wall lights
Light up your garden after dusk with garden lights. Wall lanterns are a simple way to illuminate your garden or eating area without taking up any floor space. They offer broad lighting coverage and our selection features both traditional and contemporary styles to suit all looks. Alternatively, add some atmosphere and delicately light specific areas with garden string lights. Ideal for small gardens, they can create cosy, inviting spaces. Wrap them around parasols, fences, trees and more.
16. Grow your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and salad
Having a small garden doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own fruit and veg. Herbs, strawberries and trailing varieties of tomatoes all grow well in hanging baskets and don’t take up any floor space. Or squeeze in small containers or grow bags to grow your own produce in a small space.
17. Design with diagonal lines
Lay paving stones, decking, or lawn on the diagonal to draw the eye across the garden. This creates an impression of greater width and depth. Designing on the diagonal can enable you to make the best possible use of a small garden and helps to trick the eye into thinking the garden is wider than it actually is.
18. Use lightweight furniture and planters to easily switch up the layout
Make the most of the available space in your garden by opting for lightweight furniture and planters that can easily be moved around the garden to free up space for garden activities when needed.
19. Create a small rock garden with alpine plants and succulents
Create a captivating miniature landscape by carefully arranging a variety of alpine plants and succulents amidst carefully placed rocks and pebbles. It will make a lovely statement feature in your small garden without taking up too much space.
20. Choose dwarf trees and shrubs
Choose dwarf trees and shrubs for your small space. If you’d like to have a tree in your garden, but your space is limited, simply opt for a dwarf tree instead! Not only are they smaller, but they are also easier to manage, care for, and harvest. You can create a visually striking look in your garden with dwarf varieties of plants.
21. Use multi-level planters or tiered shelving
Maximise vertical growing space with multi-level plants and tiered shelving. You could create a vertical vegetable garden, or simply fill with vibrant bedding plants and perennials for gorgeous colour all year round.
- Outsunny 3 Tier Raised Garden Bed Wooden Elevated Planter Box Kit, Brown£53.99
- Outsunny 80cm x 45cm x 142cm 4-Tier Raised Garden Bed, Fir Wood Vertical Planter Box, Freestanding Elevated Plant Stand(1)Was £69.99£69.29Save £0.70
- Forest Garden 56 x 90 x 90 Wood Rectangular Raised bed kit£200.00
22. Install a small greenhouse for year-round gardening
Greenhouses aren’t just reserved for bigger gardens, you can still grow fruit and vegetables in a greenhouse in a garden that is limited on space. We’ve got a huge range of small greenhouses and grow houses to choose from that will fit in seamlessly to your small garden design.
23. Use a retractable canopy or pergola
Save valuable ground space and install a retractable canopy or pergola with adjustable louvers to control sunlight and provide shade when needed.
24. Create a curved pathway
Curves in pathways or lawn edges draw the eye along them, making the garden seem longer and more interesting. Lay a meandering pathway with curves and bends to give the impression of a longer journey, visually expanding the garden.
25. Use a cohesive colour palette
Create continuity in your garden for a larger and more unified space. When picking bedding plants, perennials, and trees – think about the colours that they’ll provide when in bloom. Also, think about your garden décor and structures.
26. Install fold-down tables against a wall or fence
Don’t have enough space for a garden table? Why not attach a foldable table to an exterior wall or fence that can be used for dining when needed and folded out of the way when not in use. Table lights and lanterns are portable, available as either battery or solar-powered and make a great centrepiece to outdoor dining tables.
27. Choose delicate furniture
Bulky items can make the space feel smaller. Choose lightweight furniture that doesn’t make the garden feel too cluttered. We’ve got a wide range of metal bistro furniture sets with folding chairs that can be tucked out of the way. Lightweight metal furniture can maximise space in your small garden – giving you plenty of room for moving around.
28. Give plants enough room to grow
Overcrowded plants can make a garden feel small and claustrophobic. Giving your plants ample room to grow is essential for creating a harmonious garden space. So, when planting in beds and borders, avoid placing your bedding plants too close to each other. Give them room to flourish properly!
29. Use similar materials in different parts of your garden
Create a sense of unity and flow in your small garden by using similar materials throughout the space. Use consistent materials such as stone or wood across various areas. For instance, using the same type of paving stones for both the patio and the pathways creates a seamless transition, visually connecting different sections of the garden.
30. Keep trees and shrubs well pruned
Maintain openness and visibility across the garden by regularly pruning shrubs and trees, this will help to create a sense of space in your garden.
