Having a small garden space doesn't mean missing out. You can still make the most of your tiny but perfectly formed outdoor space with some space-efficient solutions and a lot of careful planning.
Experts at Gardening Express suggest creating raised beds and adding a focal point to create the illusion of a longer and bigger garden. It's also important to choose the right colour schemes and lighting as well as paying attention to how you position your plants.
Even if you only have a patio area or balcony to work with, you can still enjoy a spot of gardening - think vertical gardening, containers and hanging baskets.
And while small gardens pose some challenges but they also have their benefits, being easier to maintain and also more budget-friendly.
Chris Bonnett, the founder of Gardening Express, said: “Your gardening plans shouldn’t be hampered by limited outdoor space, even a small garden has plenty of potential and can be turned into a cosy haven. Even if you live in an apartment, all you need to start gardening is a sunny spot on your balcony or patio, a few containers and some quality soil.
“With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and revamp your outdoor space so it’s ready for sunny days."
Here are his top nine gardening hacks for small spaces. And more small-space gardening ideas can be found HERE.
Use containers
Containers are perfect for small gardens because they take up minimal space. The best thing about containers is that they are portable, so you can move them around your garden as needed.
Vertical gardening
Vertical gardening will allow you to make full use of all of the space you’ve got. You can use upright structures like walls, fences and balconies for growing plants by adding shelving, hanging baskets, trellises and living walls to them.
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Create raised beds
Raised beds are perfect for small gardens because they allow you to grow more plants in a smaller space. You can build your own raised bed or buy one from a garden centre. Raised beds are also great for controlling soil quality and drainage.
Choose the right colours
Choosing the right colour scheme can make a small space look bigger. Vibrant flowers, shrubs and features can make small gardens appear lighter and bigger. If you want a more intimate look opt for warm colours, if you want to add depth and serenity then go for cool tones.
Choose the right lighting
The best lighting options for small gardens should be subtle and highlight specimen plants to create shadows and give the garden depth. To avoid taking up too much floor space you can opt for wall, hanging and fairy lights.
Positioning of the plants
Use perspective to your advantage by carefully positioning small, medium and larger plants in sequence. This creates an optical illusion and makes the garden look larger.
Grow herbs
Herbs are easy to grow and take up minimal space in the garden. You can plant herbs in containers or directly in the ground. Herbs are also great for vertical gardening.
Choose space-efficient furniture
Compact and flexible garden furniture will allow you to still create cosy dining and relaxing areas even if you don’t have much space. Opt for furniture that can be folded or stacked away when not in use.
Add a focal point
Draw the eye towards the longest axis in the garden, normally a diagonal, by adding a focal point into the furthest corner from the seating area.
