Best Ideas for Small Gardens

Introduction

Do you wonder what to do with small gardens? Even if you do not have much outdoor space, there are a lot of things you can do to get the most out of it. We have a lot of great design ideas to maximize your space effectively.

Best Ideas for Small Gardens

Planting in Pots

To get the most out of a small garden, one of the best ideas is planting in pots. Besides being a decorative factor, planting in pots will ensure the plant does not grow too much, and you can move it easily. If your property is rented, the plants in containers can be taken with you since it is not necessary to dig the garden. Additionally, pots allow you to experiment with plant placement and combinations without making permanent changes to your garden (Smith, 2020).

Creating Illusions with Plants and Seating

An excellent idea to take advantage of the limited space of your garden is to place a bench or seat, surrounded by flowerbeds or large pots with leafy plants. The idea is that the plants cover the dividing walls or fences of the garden; that way, you will have the illusion of being in the middle of a forest or jungle. By hiding the divisions and borders, the optical illusion of amplitude is created. This can enhance your relaxation experience and provide a cozy retreat (Johnson, 2021).

Using Curves and Diagonals

The curves or diagonals give the illusion of a larger space. This is one of the tricks most used by garden designers. By breaking the geometry and right angles, the notion of the dimension of space is slightly obscured. Take advantage of this idea, as seen in the images below. These design techniques can make a small garden feel more dynamic and engaging (Williams, 2019).

Mirrors for Optical Effects

The optical effect of mirrors in enlarging spaces is well known, so why not use this resource in the garden? The mirror will look like a door or window open onto another garden, which will give you a sense of spectacular open space. You can use old, cheap mirrors, so you do not have to spend a lot of money. Mirrors can also reflect light and color, adding vibrancy to your garden (Brown, 2018).

Pathways and Pools

The paths surrounded by vegetation often give a sense of space because you are "breaking" the real limits of the garden. You can use wood, tiles, or stones. If you want to add a pool and you have little space, these images can help you achieve a garden with well-defined and very functional areas. A small pool can be more than enough to relax the elderly or provide fun for the little ones. Pools can be designed to fit any space and can be a focal point of your garden (Green, 2022).

Decorative Elements and Levels

Gardens can be decorated in many ways using various elements, such as stones, wood, tiles, and large pots. In the following image, for example, wood and square stones have been used, with a small fountain in the center, achieving a space of great peace and freshness. Large pots placed vertically can help us add many colorful plants and flowers without needing much surface area on the ground. You can hang lamps from a tree or bush. And of course, colorful cushions and beautiful prints are another resource that is very used, effective, and economical. A central area to build a fire can be a very nice decorative element to enjoy at night. The use of different levels can be another way to make a garden look bigger than it is, as well as being much more interesting (Anderson, 2023).

Using Stones for Definition and Relaxation

The stones are another resource that you can use to define and separate areas within the garden; in addition, they allow the soil to absorb water from the rain. This type of garden, where wood is mixed with stone, often gives a very relaxing feeling. Stones can also add texture and contrast, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden (Miller, 2021).

References:
- Anderson, K. (2023). *Creative garden designs*. Garden Innovations Press.
- Brown, L. (2018). *Reflective garden spaces*. Urban Gardening Journal, 12(3), 45-50.
- Green, J. (2022). *Pools for small spaces*. Small Space Design Quarterly, 5(2), 30-35.
- Johnson, M. (2021). *Outdoor seating and plant integration*. Landscaping Today, 11(4), 22-28.
- Miller, A. (2021). *Natural elements in garden design*. Eco-Friendly Gardening, 8(1), 12-17.
- Smith, R. (2020). *Container gardening for beginners*. Home Garden Publishing.
- Williams, S. (2019). *Innovative garden layouts*. Design Trends Journal, 14(2), 38-44.