Stuck for Space? Try These Garden Tips on for Size
Helping transform patios, balconies and small gardens.
When it comes to small balconies, patios and gardens, a lack of space shouldn't hold you back from making a big design impact. In this guide, our experts share their tips and tricks to getting the most of our your outdoor space, no matter the size.
Growing Your Green Thumb
With so many of us used to being home-bound, cultivating that green patch has become a top priority and at Wayfair, shoppers are flocking to spruce up their spaces, however small. There have been healthy sales for vertical garden planters, indicating an appetite to enjoy beautiful blooms even if square footage is restricted. The vertical planter is an especially good option if you live in a more urban area, offering an easy way to inject some greenery in a succinct space that’s just as easy to maintain.
When space is at a premium, the right plants can make all the difference. However, as tempting as it might be to fill your small garden with flowering beauties, it pays to plan ahead for the rest of the year. Monique Halloran from Spiering & Co explains: Remember that for at least 4 months of the year in the UK, the garden will rely on evergreen planting for structure and interest. I'd recommend that at least a third of the garden is devoted to evergreen plants, be they shrubs, trees, perennials, bulbs or climbers.
Sarah Oxby from Hampstead Garden Design suggests taking a good look at the labels first: A common mistake is to buy an innocent looking little plant which grows to be much too big for the space—the effect will be to make the garden feel overcrowded and smaller than it actually is.
When creating a bright and airy atmosphere, it helps to start with a thorough clear out. Often, once any old tools, planters or debris are out of the way, a small garden can suddenly appear pretty roomy. Sarah explains you can easily make a small garden feel larger by using light-coloured landscaping materials and planting. Pale-coloured paving will make a patio appear larger.
To make the most of your outdoor space, think of it as another room in your home and furnish accordingly. Choose a colour palette, just as you would within your house, to create a sense of cohesiveness. Colour popping bistro sets bring an instant smile to the face, or if you prefer a neutral look, you can’t go wrong with grown-up rattan which you can then style up with complementary tonal hues such as sage green and ochre.
Next stop is using textures to make your space feels inviting: cushions, throws, sheepskins and a statement outdoor rug will ramp up the feel factor, taking you from day to evening, so you can enjoy your space for hours on end. Finally, try adding a little ambience with fairy lights, lanterns and hurricane lamps.
A common trick for shaded or cramped areas, angled mirrors reflect sunlight and can make a small garden feel bigger by doubling the space. Alternatively, playing with the height of your garden can be just as effective when drawing attention away from the length or width, avoid flat designs, create different levels even if it is just a raised bed, as level changes make a space more dynamic. Overhead beams or a small pergola add interest and another dimension to grow climbing plants.
To give your outdoor spot more impact, think about creating moments or vignettes where the eye can linger longer and don’t be afraid to introduce a few pieces that you would usually find indoors. A weathered console table styled with an old mirror with a distinct patina as well as vases and pots in an array of sizes will create an instant impression or you could introduce architectural pieces, such as a fireplace surround for a surprising inside-outside vibe.
A little pre-planning can go a long way in getting the most out of your budget, as Tony Woods, Gold winner for his 2013 'Escape to the City' garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, suggests: When it comes to our gardens, people tend to rush and try and do things on the cheap because it's hard to think beyond the current season, particularly if the weather lets you down. Try creating a wish list or a moodboard of what you like and find a garden designer that will help you create a garden style that you really want.
Monique offered us her top three money-saving tips:
- Consider your choice of hard landscaping materials. If you're really on a budget, you can have a gravel patio, rather than a stone or timber patio.
- Choose young plants. You may need to wait several years, but plants do grow and it can be amazing to view the changes as the garden develops.
- Do as much work yourself that is practically possible.
