We all have dreams of gardens thick with lush greenery, colorful blooms springing from every corner, and endless space to cultivate that growing green finger. But, sadly, for many of us, this vision is nothing more than that: a dream. And a dream that our tiny shoebox gardens struggle to live up to. But even in the tiniest of outdoor spaces, there are still plenty of opportunities to include some much-needed greenery.
It's at this time of year that our social media feeds become overtaken by gloating videos of sprawling backyards, overflowing with lush hydrangeas and bountiful vegetable crops, and, as a result, our small gardens seem to pale in comparison. But just because you're working with less space doesn't mean your garden isn't equally deserving of some beautiful blooms and foliage of its own.
You see, planting in a small garden versus one brimming with space does require a slightly different approach, but it's by no means impossible. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve to make it work, and luckily, these expert top tips will have you covered.
1. Hanging Planters
One of the best methods for bringing some greenery into even the tiniest of outdoor spaces is by using some handy hanging baskets. Perfect for a little courtyard garden and apartment balcony alike, this method of planting brings a lovely layered finish to your outdoor area.
"Hanging baskets have really evolved over the past few years. They’re no longer just a traditional feature, but a simple, really high-impact way to add color, texture, and even fresh produce to your space," adds B&Q's horticulture expert Mark Sage. "Whether you’ve got a large garden or just a small balcony, hanging baskets are an easy way to make the most of vertical space and create something that feels full and abundant."
There's plenty of space to experiment with what you include within those baskets, too, with Mark suggesting, "For that really full, cascading look, you want a combination of trailing plants, upright varieties and something to fill the gaps. That layering is what gives baskets that lush, overflowing feel as they grow."
This clever hanging planter has a built-in reservoir, so it can go 14 days without watering - perfect for frequent travellers.
This lovely woven, rattan planter from IKEA would look gorgeous grouped together at varying heights, and the affordable price point makes that all the more doable.
For a slightly more luxe look, these bronze planters bring a touch of glam to your outdoor area.
2. The Only Way Is Up
In a tiny garden where there isn't enough room to plant out, there's only one other option: plant up.
"First — think vertically," encourages landscape designer Kat Aul Cervoni. "An obelisk planted up with a vine gives fullness and dimension without taking up too much space. Same goes for a trellis or lattice."
Making use of climbing plants and wall trellises is an easy way to create a green oasis in your backyard without eating into your floor space. You can use some scented climbers for a more atmospheric effect, or, if you want some protection against your nosy neighbors, a selection of fast-growing climbing plants for privacy is just what you need.
Give your climbing plants the support they need with this lovely arched wall trellis.
Let your garden design grow alongside your plants with this genius expandable garden trellis.
This elegant, arched trellis is decoration enough, even without climbing plants running across it.
3. Tiered Displays
The key to a lush, fairy tale garden is not just in the sheer amount of plants you have, but in how you use them. What you're searching for is a way to create depth without needing too much space, and for that, a tiered planting scheme will be your best friend.
"It's about finding creative ways of bringing as much green into a small space as possible," says landscape designer Tom Howard, who designed the garden above to feel like you're "surrounded" by plants. "When you plant up larger gardens, you choose big herbaceous borders and taller plants at the back, then taller grasses and perennials, getting smaller the closer you get to the lawn or path."
"Here, you've got your low-level plants, then planting at a high level as well in the raised bed," he adds. "It's about trying to draw the eye up to the rest of the planting."
There are various ways to achieve this, too. From plant ladders, like this clever Wooden Plant Stand, or for a more dramatic effect, you could try a stacked design, like this 5-Tier Stackable Strawberry Planter Tower.
This modern, tiered planter is perfect for a contemporary garden design.
A genius solution for smaller gardens, with this stackable planter, your plants can grow up rather than out.
Simple yet striking, this tiered planter stand with terracotta pots would look as good inside your home as it would in your garden.
4. Opt for Larger, Taller Planters
When choosing garden furniture and accessories for a smaller space, it's easy to fall for the idea that the smaller, the better. It's only logical, after all. However, this approach could be the very thing keeping your garden from reaching its full potential.
"Don’t be tricked into thinking that a small space means you should use small pots — in fact, you’re better off using a few larger planters for a bigger impact and to keep the space from feeling cluttered," explains Kat.
A larger pot allows for more dramatic, impactful plant growth, which, in the long run, will have a greater effect than a bunch of weedy, little plants.
Don't just look for width, though; for the best outdoor planters, Kat encourages finding ones that bring some extra height, too. The added height will help exaggerate the planting presence in your garden, while a smaller, lower pot can easily fade into obscurity.
As Kat says, the risk with these low pots is that "you’ll barely see them, especially if you have furniture in the space." Instead, you'd be better off seeking out a few larger, taller planters, and allowing these to take center stage.
These lovely hourglass planters look great grouped together, or on their own. Plus, if you prefer a more contemporary look, the chrome finish is particularly striking.
Thanks to the stand, this plant pot provides plenty of height for your blooms.
Beautifully textured and rugged, this cement planter is coated in a matte, acrylic paint for a cool Mediterranean feel.
5. Wall-Mounted Planters
Want to make the most of your garden walls, but can't be bothered with the hassle of a climbing plant? We've got the solution for you.
A newer, less-traditional style of planting, these wall-mounted pots are the perfect way to add a little more greenery to a small patio garden, without taking up any room.
They look gorgeous hanging off your exterior walls, especially when used around an outdoor dining setup or an intimate entertaining area; they bring just the right amount of color and interest, and are an easy, low-maintenance solution for those of us who haven't yet developed our gardening skills.
Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden this summer with these gorgeous, wall-mounted terracotta pots.
This grooved design brings textural interest to your garden walls, in a way that feels modern and sleek.
If you're looking to bring some more color into your backyard, this lovely blue glazed wall pot is the perfect thing.
Unfortunately, there's far more to designing a small garden than just the planting, but thanks to our experts, we've got all the ideas and advice you could need. And, for more design ideas for your garden and beyond, subscribe to our newsletter.
