Prioritize Your Must-Haves
Planning a small garden requires thoughtful consideration of what you truly need versus what would be nice to have. Start by identifying essential features such as an outdoor living room for relaxation, a dining space for meals.
Go for an Outdoor Built-In
When it comes to furnishing a patio garden, June Scott of June Scott Design recommends integrating furniture into retaining walls to optimize space usage. For example, building a sectional couch into a retaining wall not only saves.
Stick to a Minimalist Color Palette
Choosing a color scheme for a small garden is critical to maximizing the sense of space and visual harmony. Garden designer June Scott advises using a minimalist color palette.
Group Like Plants for Visual Flow
Organizing plants strategically can significantly impact the perception of space in a small garden. Craig Wilson suggests grouping similar plants or repeating specific varieties throughout.
Don’t Shy Away from Large Furniture Pieces
In small outdoor spaces like patios, the instinct might be to opt for small bistro sets to avoid overcrowding. However, Cory Monji suggests the opposite approach: choosing fewer.
Grow Produce in the Side Yard
For those with limited backyard space, utilizing side yards for practical purposes like growing vegetables or herbs can be a game-changer. Kevin Lenhart, Director of Design at Yardzen, emphasizes the trend of maximizing side yards.
Create an All-Season Oasis
Integrating a fire feature into your garden design can extend its usability well beyond the warmer months. According to Kevin Lenhart, fire pits are excellent additions that transform outdoor social spaces into cozy retreats.
Make Use of Vertical Space
Maximizing vertical space is a smart strategy for small gardens, as it allows you to add greenery without sacrificing precious floor space. Craig Wilson from Gardeners Dream recommends using wall planters, trellises, and hanging.