Small Gardens - Inspiring Garden Ideas for all Gardeners

Small gardens offer unique opportunities for creativity, intimacy, and personal expression. Choosing the right plants is essential to make the most of limited space and create a beautiful, functional, and enjoyable outdoor area. Here are some tips for selecting and arranging plants for small gardens:

• Focus on vertical space: Utilize vertical space by incorporating climbing plants, wall-mounted planters, or trellises. Examples of climbing plants include clematis (Clematis spp.), climbing roses (Rosa spp.), and sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus).
• Choose compact plants: Opt for compact or dwarf varieties of popular plants, which offer the same aesthetic appeal but with a smaller footprint. Examples include dwarf conifers, compact hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), and small ornamental grasses.
• Layer plants: Create depth and interest by layering plants of varying heights, textures, and colors. Place taller plants at the back of borders, medium-sized plants in the middle, and low-growing or groundcover plants at the front.
• Use containers: Containers allow for flexibility in plant selection and arrangement, as they can be easily moved or swapped. Use containers to showcase seasonal plants or add pops of color to your small garden.
• Multi-functional plants: Choose plants that serve multiple purposes, such as providing food, fragrance, or habitat for wildlife. Examples include lavender (Lavandula spp.), which offers beautiful flowers, a pleasant scent, and attracts pollinators.
• Focus on foliage: Select plants with interesting or colorful foliage that can provide visual interest throughout the year, even when not in bloom. Examples include heuchera (Heuchera spp.), hostas (Hosta spp.), and ferns.
• Plan for year-round interest: Incorporate a mix of plants that offer seasonal interest, such as spring bulbs, summer-blooming perennials, autumn foliage, and winter-blooming shrubs, to keep your small garden engaging throughout the year.