If the small garden needs to be designed to make it appear even more inviting, optimized planning is required. This allows you to furnish even the most compact spaces to be both functional and more pleasant. Since not everyone can afford the luxury of several hectares in their garden, there are some clever design options. Such tips and ideas can definitely come in handy when you are looking for inspiration.
Typically, tight spaces feel less inspiring. If you're faced with an empty patio or tiny balcony, you may be wondering where to start. The good news is that every garden, be it large or small, such as apretty balcony garden, is full of possibilities. In fact, it's easier than you might think to create your own mini-paradise as well as expand your living space and thereby improve your quality of life. In addition, small gardens usually require less money and are, in principle, easier to maintain than large garden areas.
However, before you start decorating, you need to focus on getting the basic framework of your property right. This refers to the layout, for which you have many options available. From balconies to covered garden areas, the design ideas listed here can inspire you to new ways to design your not-so-large property. Before you get to that, it is also important to think about the zoning and layout of the small garden.
How to divide up a compact garden area
In addition to garden design, using paving for different zones in the garden is a smart strategy. However, there are also many other options for dividing up the small garden. For example, try small, clipped hedges, either trimmed into neat rectangles or perhaps pruned to create more organic shapes. You can also use large planters for this. Stone half walls are also a good option as you can plant them too. You can also work with levels by trying to elevate a seating area or recess it to draw the eye and divide it into a separate garden area. Here are some examples that might help you.
Can a courtyard be designed like a small garden?
Courtyards are typical of some urban homes and can feel shady, overlooked and uninspiring. However, with a few design tricks, you can transform a small, walled property into a stylish setting. In addition, sunlight should be an important aspect. This is particularly true for small properties with a built environment. Some courtyards may only catch a glimpse of the sun during the day or in the evening it may last an hour or two. So if you enjoy sitting in the sun, you'll want to make sure your seating is positioned so you can get the most out of it.
In this example, a built-in bench does just that—catching a dose of evening light before the sun sets behind the house. However, if you prefer to sit in the shade, you should position your seating accordingly. This contemporary design also benefits from artificial turf, which adds a welcome splash of green to the area. No maintenance is requiredMowing in the gardenspared. Both are big pluses for designing a modern, small garden. Additionally, small gardens with high surrounding walls are often shady, which can be problematic when it comes to growing green lawns.
Multiple zones in the garden area
No matter the shape of your garden, zoning is a great way to add visual interest and functionality. The small garden in this case demonstrates the approach perfectly, creating three distinct zones with soft hedges, light pavers and decorative stones. Laying the decking boards horizontally to the paving also helps to expand the space. If space allows, dividing the garden into different zones can paradoxically make it feel wider, give a sense of depth and create an intriguing effect.
Use planting, screens, walls or material changes to create different areas. Hide a seating area with planted dividers or incorporate varying sized pavers to create the illusion of space. It would also be possible to use different materials such as pavers to create a sense of transition from each area. For example, try a paved path to a stone patio or a lawn to the patio area.
Compact urban garden on your own balcony or terrace
A place to sit is a priority for most outdoor spaces, regardless of size. With carefully thought outDesign ideas for small gardensThis allows you to create the perfect setting for entertaining, having breakfast al fresco or relaxing with a good book. Use large planters along the border and not only can you enjoy the floral backdrop, but they also serve as a subtle privacy screen. A look like this works if you're also looking for design options for small front gardens.
A modern balcony can be designed like a small garden
Maybe the extent of your outdoor space extends to a tiny balcony. There are still many ways to transform the balcony garden into an outdoor oasis. You just need to plan the space carefully. Maybe you're lucky enough to have a view of water nearby or fields on the other side of your property. Using minimal fencing instead of solid panels allows you to make the most of the outside world.
Additionally, remember to position your seating toward the view to get the most out of it. It will immediately feel like your garden is more spacious. If you are in an urban environment, adding privacy may be more suitable for a garden like this. If you wish, a balcony can also be the home of your own mini jungle. A few eye-catching plants in pots can play a key role in your layout, while smaller pots can be hung on railings or used as centerpieces for your table.
Place seating lower with privacy screens
Living in the city can often come at the expense of privacy. Therefore, it is important to first determine which areas of a compactly designed garden offer a more private space for comfortable seating. Such a structure to design the small garden allows for a sunken seating area bordered by decorative partitions. Working with levels like this is perfect for making the most of gently sloping properties. Additionally, a garden screen can be a stylish feature in itself. Patterned designs allow light to come in and create an airy, open feeling between garden areas. Choose a color that complements your decor to tastefully tie the color scheme together.
Create a small terrace garden
A terrace in the garden on a higher level would be a great design option for an external extension to the house. In addition, the small garden can be designed by adding a fireplace, a comfortable sofa and even storage space. If you lift the whole thing lightly onto a deck, it will come off theLawn edge separated. This creates an inviting and cozy outdoor living space. This garden area is therefore also suitable as an outdoor dining area and can be converted into regular use. Find a corner for your dining table that you can enhance with small fire pits in the garden, as well as water sounds and lighting. Clever garden lighting will encourage you to enjoy the garden until late into the evening. Choose fairy lights that usually fit perfectly into any color scheme.
Also read:Garden trends for 2024: What no garden should be without!