Making the most of your small garden can seem challenging. As the population increases, space is becoming difficult to come by, meaning we need to know how to make the most out of what we got.
But with the right strategies, you can create a beautiful and productive outdoor space. Here are our five best tips to maximising your garden space.
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Screen Willows & Louver Fences
The fences we use are more than just a way to demarcate our garden from the neighbour’s – they’re also a way to frame things. High quality fence panels like screen willows and louver fences can be excellent allies in a small garden.Â
By using screen willows, you can create a living fence that provides privacy, reduces noise, and serves as a windbreak. These green barriers not only offer functional benefits but also contribute greenery to your outdoor space. When grown at varying distances, screen willows can also impart a sense of depth to your garden, making it feel larger than it is, but also pass through some light.
Louver fences offer even more flexibility to control sunlight exposure and privacy. Their adjustable slats can be oriented to allow more or less sunlight in specific areas, perfect for catering to the needs of different plants. When a space is small, it needs as much light as possible.
Vertical Gardening & Planting in Levels
Vertical gardening is an essential strategy for maximising small garden spaces, so much so that vertical farming is growing in popularity due to agricultural land scarcity. Instead of growing solely on the ground, consider using walls and fences to grow upwards. Climbing plants, wall-mounted pots, and hanging baskets are easy ways to transform a plain wall or fence into a lush vertical garden, significantly increasing your growing space.
This can free up the floor space of plat pots. You should also consider layering plants in levels to create depth and interest in your garden. Use a mix of trees, shrubs, and low-growing plants to create a tiered effect. This adds dimension, giving the illusion of a larger space.
Reflective Surfaces
The clever use of reflective surfaces can make your garden feel more spacious. Light bouncing off mirrors, glossy-leaved plants, or light-coloured walls can brighten up dark corners and create the illusion of depth. Position mirrors strategically to reflect beautiful areas of your garden, making it appear twice as large, but avoid pointing the sun directly into your eyes.
Keep the Layout Organised
An organised layout can greatly enhance the perception of space in a small garden. Raising beds or defining pathways can give structure to your garden. Playing with these features doesn’t only give your garden a tidy look, but also make maintenance easier. You might also consider dividing your garden into zones or ‘rooms’, each with its own theme or plant type. And, dividing walls with a Trellis fence can be a quick way to achieve this.
Succession Planting & Using Compact Varieties
Succession planting is a method where you grow one plant and then replace it with another once the growing season is over. This ensures that your garden is productive and colourful throughout the year, meaning you’re using the available space effectively.
Selecting compact varieties is another effective way to get the most out of your space. These plants have been bred to grow well in containers or small spaces, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of larger plants without requiring as much room. And, of course, more of them, because a diverse garden is often the goal.
With these practical tips, even the smallest garden can become a thriving, beautiful outdoor space full of life. Plus, it may even add value to your home.Â
