7 Rules for Designing a Small Garden
Gardening experts share the top tips they always follow when designing a compact plot
Amanda Pollard
9 February 2019
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
If your garden’s on the small side, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to designing the space. Here, five professional garden designers reveal their best nuggets of advice to help you decide how to plan a small garden layout and create your own outdoor haven.
Professional advice from: Barbara Samitier of Barbara Samitier Gardens; James Hutchison of James Hutchison Garden Design; Rory Andrews of Rory Andrews Landscape Design; Emma Lynne of The London Gardener; Fiona Green of Green Tree Garden Design
Professional advice from: Barbara Samitier of Barbara Samitier Gardens; James Hutchison of James Hutchison Garden Design; Rory Andrews of Rory Andrews Landscape Design; Emma Lynne of The London Gardener; Fiona Green of Green Tree Garden Design
Go large
You might be wary of adding anything big to your small outdoor space, but our experts disagree. “Don’t go small,” enthuses Samitier. “Instead, you must be bold. A lot of people think that if the space is small, they need to put small things in it. But it’s the opposite – don’t be afraid to go big! Use large floor tiles, or a giant pot, and keep the planting simple but bold.”
Andrews adds, “Avoid smaller proportions, such as narrow paths, small lawns and terraces, and small features and planting. Less is more and big is better. Larger proportions will make the garden feel larger. “
You might be wary of adding anything big to your small outdoor space, but our experts disagree. “Don’t go small,” enthuses Samitier. “Instead, you must be bold. A lot of people think that if the space is small, they need to put small things in it. But it’s the opposite – don’t be afraid to go big! Use large floor tiles, or a giant pot, and keep the planting simple but bold.”
Andrews adds, “Avoid smaller proportions, such as narrow paths, small lawns and terraces, and small features and planting. Less is more and big is better. Larger proportions will make the garden feel larger. “
Choose plants wisely
When planning a small garden, Green recommends you apply the ‘go large’ rule to your planting, too. “Buy good-sized plants. Too often, people think that, as they have a small garden, they should buy smaller plants. Weirdly, larger plants can make a smaller area feel more spacious,” she says.
Lynne advises, “Make sure you research the eventual size and spread of plants you intend using.” She also recommends evergreens when planning a small garden design. “Evergreen planting is always useful in a smaller garden, as there’s nowhere to hide and the garden is visible all year round.”
See these challenges of first-time gardeners
When planning a small garden, Green recommends you apply the ‘go large’ rule to your planting, too. “Buy good-sized plants. Too often, people think that, as they have a small garden, they should buy smaller plants. Weirdly, larger plants can make a smaller area feel more spacious,” she says.
Lynne advises, “Make sure you research the eventual size and spread of plants you intend using.” She also recommends evergreens when planning a small garden design. “Evergreen planting is always useful in a smaller garden, as there’s nowhere to hide and the garden is visible all year round.”
See these challenges of first-time gardeners
Plant a tree
Think you don’t have space for a tree? Think again, says Samitier. “Even the smallest outdoor space, even the most minimalist garden, needs a tree,” she says. “It will bring scale, give a sense of seasons, introduce dappled light and movement, and create a focal point.”
Andrews agrees. “Although it may seem counterintuitive, getting height into small gardens is essential,” he says. “The use of small trees, such as crab apples, amelanchier, or pollarded and topiarised trees, can help to make the garden feel bigger and more balanced. Without these, the space can feel flat and bare.”
Think you don’t have space for a tree? Think again, says Samitier. “Even the smallest outdoor space, even the most minimalist garden, needs a tree,” she says. “It will bring scale, give a sense of seasons, introduce dappled light and movement, and create a focal point.”
Andrews agrees. “Although it may seem counterintuitive, getting height into small gardens is essential,” he says. “The use of small trees, such as crab apples, amelanchier, or pollarded and topiarised trees, can help to make the garden feel bigger and more balanced. Without these, the space can feel flat and bare.”
Say yes to straight lines
It’s best to plan a straight-edged layout in your small garden, advises Green. “Generally, straight lines and angular shapes work well in a smaller space, as it can be hard to create pleasing curves if the area’s too tight. Having said that, there are many examples of beautiful small garden designs using curves.
“Small gardens can be harder to design than larger ones,” she adds, “as it’s essential all the details have been carefully thought through before any work commences – any mistakes are much easier to spot!”
It’s best to plan a straight-edged layout in your small garden, advises Green. “Generally, straight lines and angular shapes work well in a smaller space, as it can be hard to create pleasing curves if the area’s too tight. Having said that, there are many examples of beautiful small garden designs using curves.
“Small gardens can be harder to design than larger ones,” she adds, “as it’s essential all the details have been carefully thought through before any work commences – any mistakes are much easier to spot!”
Keep it simple
It’s tempting to try to squeeze as much as possible into your garden, but this can be a mistake in a compact area. “Prioritise what you want to use the garden for and don’t try to fit too much into a small space or it will look cluttered,” Hutchison says.
Lynne recommends deciding what you want from your garden first. “Will you be eating in it, or do you require storage?” she says. “Are you hoping for a place to sit and relax, or is an area where children can play safely required? Do you need to block a view or give your garden privacy?
“Avoid trying to add fussy, unnecessary details and cramming too much into the space,” she adds. “For example, ask yourself if you really need a dining table and chairs as well as a lounge space, given that it’s likely the kitchen will flow out into the garden and there will probably be a dining table there. Good design needs to have space around it for it to function well and look good.”
Learn how to beautify your tiny balcony garden
It’s tempting to try to squeeze as much as possible into your garden, but this can be a mistake in a compact area. “Prioritise what you want to use the garden for and don’t try to fit too much into a small space or it will look cluttered,” Hutchison says.
Lynne recommends deciding what you want from your garden first. “Will you be eating in it, or do you require storage?” she says. “Are you hoping for a place to sit and relax, or is an area where children can play safely required? Do you need to block a view or give your garden privacy?
“Avoid trying to add fussy, unnecessary details and cramming too much into the space,” she adds. “For example, ask yourself if you really need a dining table and chairs as well as a lounge space, given that it’s likely the kitchen will flow out into the garden and there will probably be a dining table there. Good design needs to have space around it for it to function well and look good.”
Learn how to beautify your tiny balcony garden
Avoid too many materials
When planning a small garden our experts also encourage simplicity with the materials you choose. “Don’t use too many materials, as this will make the space look smaller,” Hutchison cautions.
Green agrees. “It’s important to avoid using too many different materials, as this can make the garden seem busy and cluttered. A maximum of three materials works well, such as sandstone paving, brick and wood, or limestone paving, limestone setts and gravel.”
Check out these landscape paving materials
When planning a small garden our experts also encourage simplicity with the materials you choose. “Don’t use too many materials, as this will make the space look smaller,” Hutchison cautions.
Green agrees. “It’s important to avoid using too many different materials, as this can make the garden seem busy and cluttered. A maximum of three materials works well, such as sandstone paving, brick and wood, or limestone paving, limestone setts and gravel.”
Check out these landscape paving materials
Plan the boundaries
One of Green’s top tips is to pay attention to the boundaries. “These are critical,” she says “as a well-thought-through boundary solution can make a garden seem larger and more spacious. Evergreen climbers or pleached trees are a great way of covering boundary fences and screening in an elegant and attractive manner.
“Painting a fence or screen black or a dark charcoal grey before you plant helps to make the boundary recede, again giving a feeling of space.”
Read more:
How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger
Tell us:
Are you planning out your small garden? Did you find this advice useful, and do you have any tips of your own? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
One of Green’s top tips is to pay attention to the boundaries. “These are critical,” she says “as a well-thought-through boundary solution can make a garden seem larger and more spacious. Evergreen climbers or pleached trees are a great way of covering boundary fences and screening in an elegant and attractive manner.
“Painting a fence or screen black or a dark charcoal grey before you plant helps to make the boundary recede, again giving a feeling of space.”
Read more:
How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger
Tell us:
Are you planning out your small garden? Did you find this advice useful, and do you have any tips of your own? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Related Stories
Working with professionals
What is the Role of a Landscape Architect?
Discover the multiple roles played by a landscape architect during the design and beautification of the outdoor spaces
Full Story
Outdoors
7 Expert Tips for a Lush, Green Terrace Garden
A gardening expert gives insightful and essential steps on how to go about setting up a thriving rooftop garden
Full Story
Outdoors
8 Best Sun-Loving Plants for Indian Gardens
Want carefree colour? Fill your garden with a wide range of plants that thrive in full sun, and enjoy the colour show
Full Story
Balconies
8 Climbing Plants Great for Indian Balconies & Gardens
Wish to add some vertical interest to your balcony garden? These eight climbers & creepers can be your pick
Full Story
Outdoors
8 Most Effective Water-Saving Techniques for Your Garden
Is your garden water-conscious? Adopt these strategies to save a precious resource and lower your water bill at the same time
Full Story
Outdoors
Outdoor Plant: A Guide to Growing the Golden Bamboo
Introduce this gorgeous plant in your garden as a soother for sore eyes and tired minds
Full Story
Outdoors
Covered Terraces, Patios & Balconies: 10 Outdoor Ceilings to Love
An outdoor space can be more than juts an outdoor space. Which of these spectacular ceilings are your favourite?
Full Story
Balconies
7 Magical Ways to Enhance Your Garden With Orbs & Mirrors
Here are clever hacks that use the versatility of reflective surfaces to transform garden spaces
Full Story
Outdoors
Add Volume to Your Garden With These Fast-Growing, Hassle-Free Plants
Plump up your garden's flat look with these beautiful, enticing grasses
Full Story
Outdoors
A Guide to Landscaping With 5 Types of Gravel & Stones
Give your garden design some textural bam with pebbles, granite, river rocks and other permeable materials
Full Story
Hi all, I’d love some advice on the question of curves in a small garden. The article suggests straight lines are best but I’ve also been advised that curves break up the space and create interest. I’m quite keen on creating a sense of abundance and a cottage garden feel (not a fan of the architectural minimalism), trouble is we have a very square, north facing space! We are pretty decided on a straight, raised limestone patio (to lead straight out from the back door which is quite high above the ground), but I thought I could add some curves on the beds on both sides of the garden. Current pic of the design shows straight line beds - what do people think of making the beds more curvy?
This is great advice I’m in the middle of digging up my own garden as the cost was just to much for me so will defo use so of this advice and photos to follow
Does anyone know why I can see pictures on some people's post but not on others?