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Home Beautiful
Home Beautiful
Rebecca Hooton

4 small garden ideas so your outdoor space packs a punch

Even if you’re lacking outdoor space, you can turn your alfresco zone into an area you’ll love and get lots of use out of with some smart-thinking small garden ideas. You’d be surprised how much you can fit in with a bit of planning.

Tiers can help on a small sloping block, while varying heights also help increase the number of ‘zones’ you can squeeze in. While you might think a pool, cubby house and entertaining area are never going to fit, think again. There’s a way to do it, just on a smaller scale.

Here are some ideas for your small garden.

This garden space may be compact, but they’ve included a pool, dining zone and garden that feels bountiful with some smart design decisions. (Photography: Chris Warnes)

Small garden ideas

Take your tight outdoor area from poky to perfection with a little inspiration…

1. The wonder of water

Yes, you can fit a pool into a small garden. There’s a range of beautiful options, with Plungie pools a popular one. Interior designer Darren Palmer installed one during the recent renovation of his Bondi home. Kyal and Kara’s Bay Builds project also features a round pool in the garden design of each duplex. Increasingly popular, an outdoor shower is also brilliant in a garden with a pool or for washing off sandy kids after a day at the beach, and can be squeezed into a compact corner.

Kyal and Kara Bay Builds home pool
Kyal and Kara’s Bay Builds project features a round pool in a corner of each duplex backyard, with smart use of wraparound decking to maximise seating. (Image: RealEstate.com.au)

2. Multiple zones

This wonderful family garden packs a pool, lawn area, cubby, outdoor kitchen and outdoor shower into an urban-sized space. The use of different heights helps them squeeze an array of zones into a pint-sized backyard.

Small outdoor area with cubby on tier above decked area.
By creating levels, this small garden takes visitors on a journey through each zone. (Photography: Chris Warnes)

3. Planting plans

Layering plants of different heights adds depth to a narrow bed, while a framework on the back wall uses every inch. Think pretty climbing vines creeping up walls, along awnings and even over handrails for a garden that feels full and lush, without the need for large garden beds.

Going up rather than out with your planting helps add greenery to a garden with less ground space. (Photography: Jody D’Arcy)

4. Perfect for hanging around

A swinging chair is a gorgeous way to give your outdoor space some love, and adds impact without taking up much room. A comfortable swinging chair instantly turns this deck into a cosy retreat.

Every area can be made into a moment to relax and unwind, from small decks to patios and courtyards. (Photography: Brigid Arnott / Styling: Lisa Hilton)

This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.

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