In the post-pandemic world, your own outdoor space is more cherished than ever. But not everyone has a large garden. Here’s how to maximise a small outdoor space.

Think vertical

Vertical gardens take up much less room than plant pots and beds. By growing plants vertically on walls or fences you add depth, colour and visual appeal to your garden. Consider how much sunlight and shade your wall or fence will get before you decide on your plant types. Sun-loving plants should be grown in a north-south direction, so one side gets sun from the east and the other from the west. Vines, ferns and succulents make excellent vertical plants. Herbs such as mint, basil and parsley all mature quickly and need low light and provide delicious flavouring for home cooking.

colourful verticle wall in small garden in putnety

Vertical wall planters can give your garden depth

Add lighting

If used wisely, small gardens provide your home with an ‘extra room’ especially when they’re well-lit on summer evenings. Clever lighting can visually expand a dark, confined space, making it appear more inviting. Use solar lights as they don’t require power packs or cables. And even if you are sitting inside, well-placed lighting draws the eye outside so you can enjoy the garden features in a different way at night. Use downlights on walls to make your wall garden a feature at night by emphasising its dimensions and layering.

Layer your plants

By planting only smaller flowers you emphasise how small your garden is, so add different heights, thicknesses and varieties. Start with shorter plants and increase in height as you work backwards. Foot-level plants such as Scotch heather work well as does a cascading, colourful shrub such as bearberry cotoneaster. Create a mid-section of taller but narrow plants such as regal lily and alpine sea holly that allow you to see right to the back of your garden. In a smaller garden, you’re unlikely to have space for trees – or they may be too overwhelming – so a purple Japanese barberry does the trick of framing your garden and defining its boundaries while providing year-round colour.

functional seating in small garden

Permanent garden furniture takes up valuable space

Choose versatile furniture

With less room to work with, make sure your furniture pieces maximise your space. Think storage baskets that double as seating, fold-away seats and tables and an awning rather than a pergola or umbrella. Foldable outdoor furniture comes in lots of shapes and sizes – from rattan folding chairs to metal bistro tables. Or try cube furniture with seats that tuck under tables when not being used. Stackable chairs are another option as are outdoor cushions and rugs that can be stored, keeping the garden clutter-free.