9 Creative Ways to Make the Most of a Small Urban Garden
If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor space in the city, check out these ideas to help you make the most of it
Having a piece of green space in the city, no matter how small, is something to treasure. But urban outdoor spaces are notorious for being oddly shaped, not so sunny and, yes, small. Here are nine creative ways to work with what you’ve got - whether it’s a tiny balcony or a townhouse garden.
Fake grass (yes, really)
Kind of silly or sort of cool? You decide. But when real grass is not a realistic option, a bit of fake green underfoot can be a cheerful addition to an urban outdoor space.
Kind of silly or sort of cool? You decide. But when real grass is not a realistic option, a bit of fake green underfoot can be a cheerful addition to an urban outdoor space.
Split-level decking
Try decking with a few levels to create the feeling of different zones in a small outdoor space – even a slight shift in height can add a lot of visual interest. Perhaps put seating on one level, a barbecue on another and leave one open as walk-through space.
Try decking with a few levels to create the feeling of different zones in a small outdoor space – even a slight shift in height can add a lot of visual interest. Perhaps put seating on one level, a barbecue on another and leave one open as walk-through space.
Linked outdoor rooms
This garden packs a lot of living into a modest space. A hot tub, dining table and fire pit each get a zone, defined by concrete slabs bordered in a mossy ground cover. A maple tree planted near the centre of the garden provides shade and a focal point.
See more of this project
This garden packs a lot of living into a modest space. A hot tub, dining table and fire pit each get a zone, defined by concrete slabs bordered in a mossy ground cover. A maple tree planted near the centre of the garden provides shade and a focal point.
See more of this project
Urban playground
Keep active kids busy with a play structure and room to run around. Benches on either side of the garden plus a dining zone provide plenty of places for grown-ups to enjoy too. This garden is already pretty low maintenance, but if you want to make something like this totally hands-off, opt for artificial grass.
Keep active kids busy with a play structure and room to run around. Benches on either side of the garden plus a dining zone provide plenty of places for grown-ups to enjoy too. This garden is already pretty low maintenance, but if you want to make something like this totally hands-off, opt for artificial grass.
Mini zen garden
Simple wood-plank decking is bisected by a ‘river’ of stones and boulders on this courtyard patio. More wood planks mounted on the wall provide organic warmth as well as a place to hang potted plants.
Check out how to design a calming minimalist garden
Simple wood-plank decking is bisected by a ‘river’ of stones and boulders on this courtyard patio. More wood planks mounted on the wall provide organic warmth as well as a place to hang potted plants.
Check out how to design a calming minimalist garden
Wall garden
Save floor space in a compact city patio and get your greens too, by installing a wall of planters. Choose succulents for low-maintenance beauty or fill pots with tender lettuces and herbs for an edible urban feast. Tend the plants with a hose extension if you have one, or just an old fashioned watering can. Keep a ladder handy for when you need to get a closer look at the plants.
Browse living walls
Save floor space in a compact city patio and get your greens too, by installing a wall of planters. Choose succulents for low-maintenance beauty or fill pots with tender lettuces and herbs for an edible urban feast. Tend the plants with a hose extension if you have one, or just an old fashioned watering can. Keep a ladder handy for when you need to get a closer look at the plants.
Browse living walls
Rooftop oasis
A green roof, an outdoor dining zone and weathered wooden decking make this city rooftop equal parts liveable and eco-friendly. Clumps of tall grasses and native flowers offer a welcome counterpoint to the tall buildings all around.
TELL US…
What have you done with your urban balcony, patio or garden? Share a photo in the Comments below.
A green roof, an outdoor dining zone and weathered wooden decking make this city rooftop equal parts liveable and eco-friendly. Clumps of tall grasses and native flowers offer a welcome counterpoint to the tall buildings all around.
TELL US…
What have you done with your urban balcony, patio or garden? Share a photo in the Comments below.
Turn a narrow garden into an enchanting passage by lining the walls with wood trellises and climbing plants. A gravel path is an affordable and chic way to finish the space.