Having a small garden can be a little… lack-lustre.
It can be hard to find a way of vamping it up when space is few and far between. Large sheds won’t fit right, your plant pots are crowded together like people in the streets of London, and when you compare it to all the creative gardens on that show with Alan Titchmarsh, well, it makes you feel lousy.
But what if we told you there were a few easy ways to get a beautiful garden despite its size?
We’ve compiled a list of small garden ideas for you, ranging from the unique to the simple, to prove that you don’t need water features or gazebos to create something you’re proud of.
Table of Contents
- Garden zoning
- Vertical gardening
- Decking planters
- Space-saving furniture
- Hidden storage
- Multi-purpose sheds
- Paint and lighting
- Decking or paving slabs
- Final thoughts
Garden zoning
When your garden is on the smaller side, garden zoning can be a great way to optimise your space. It consists of dividing your garden into ‘rooms’ or ‘zones’ for some added organisation. ‘Rooms’ or ‘zones’ can consist of dining areas, play areas for kids, and areas for relaxation. A great way of doing this is by adding a trellis or screening. Not only cost-effective, but the gaps let in light while providing some privacy and aesthetic value.
Depending on the size and dimensions of your garden, you might not be able to fit in many ‘rooms’. Even a few can make a difference. Or, as an alternative, implement your screens and trellises where they look best. This adds an interesting feature, especially when plants grow between the gaps. Discover our range of garden trellises now!
Vertical gardening
Ideal for covering fences, accessorising plain walls and hiding unsightly views, vertical gardening is fantastic for a small garden design. You can use trellises, vertical planters or pre-existing structures to grow vines, flowers, and herb and vegetable gardens. As well as being space-saving, vertical gardening can help prevent pest infestation and moisture build-up and makes watering easier.
You can also make the most of shelving, wall hangers, corner plant stands and hanging mechanisms. This will keep your plants out of the way and frees up more floor space while increasing organisation. Without numerous pots scattered about, you can move around freely and still enjoy the beauty that your plants have to offer.
Decking planters
Decking planters are another great way of displaying your flowers without needing an army of small pots. Since timber decking is usually pre-treated, your planters will last. They also add an interesting feature to your garden and seamlessly coordinate with existing decking.
If you’re looking for budget small garden ideas and have access to some left-over decking boards, why not try making your own? It’s a fun way of preventing waste and saving some money.
Space-saving furniture
If you want a nice dining area for dinners in the sun or for watching the sunset, furniture is the way to go. When you lack the room, however, it can feel like you have to miss out. This isn’t the case at all. There’s a bunch of different furniture offerings out there that can accommodate your small garden design. Aim for space saver tables and chairs that can fold down, be stacked aside, or take up as little room as possible. Extending garden tables are useful when you have guests, while round tables are great for corner spaces. Both are ideal for kicking back with a coffee and a book.
Hidden storage
It might sound obvious, but one of the easiest ways to optimise your small garden is to add storage. This way, you can organise your garden appliances and make room for plants, furniture and any potential play equipment. If you don’t have the space for a large shed, don’t panic! Storage can come in many different forms.
One popular example is with a storage bench. You can furnish your garden or patio while keeping any unsightly tools or bags of compost out of sight. When your family and friends visit for a summer barbeque or autumn bonfire, they’ll be none the wiser. Talk about two birds, one stone.
Multi-purpose sheds
If you have the space for a shed but it’s a little snug, why not invest in a small shed or corner shed? They neatly slot into your available space and can work around the rest of your garden rather than the other way.
You don’t have to use a garden shed just for storing tools and appliances, either. If you’re on the hunt for more modern small garden ideas, you can double up your shed as a workspace, outdoor lounge area or garden bar to save a bit of space elsewhere.
Painting and lighting
Elevating your garden doesn’t always have to be time-consuming and expensive. If you’re looking for some garden decoration ideas that avoid breaking the bank, buy some paint and add some lighting for a bright, open space that looks fresh and updated.
Old brickwork and fencing can really pop with a lick of new paint. Lighter shades can open up your garden and add an airy, spacious feel, but there’s no reason you can’t go for a bolder, brighter colour for the summer seasons.
When it comes to lighting, opt for hanging lights or lanterns. They can be installed easily and free up much-needed floor space. You don’t have to choose anything fancy to get a cosy and well-lit area for late-night get-togethers, but if you wish to match your lighting to your space, you can find a range of colours and styles available.
Decking or paving slabs
If you’re looking for a space for furniture or just some added depth, areas with raised decking or paving slabs can work wonders. To create the illusion of a large garden, lay your decking lengthways and pave diagonally in a diamond formation.
It can be hard to figure out the best option for your garden. It will depend on price, durability and versatility. You might want the cheaper choice, the appropriate option for low-maintenance gardens, or the style that best suits your small garden design. While paving is generally more cost-effective, hard-wearing and stylish, raised decking can add an interesting feature and may be better suited to your needs.
Another great idea is to create a smooth transition between your indoor flooring and outdoor decking or paving. If possible, bring it up to your backdoor and match it to your interior in colour, style or finish. It can also even out unlevel flooring and mask the appearance of drains and cables.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Some small garden inspiration to transform your space into something even Alan Titchmarsh would envy.
We’ve looked at a range of ideas for small gardens from decking and paving slabs to furniture and planters. Whether you’re looking for a project or added details, it’s important to remember that small garden ideas don’t have to be expensive, time-consuming or complicated. Sometimes the easiest options can look the most effective.