Need help making the most of a small outdoor area?
Believe it or not… you’re not alone. Urban and patio gardens are more popular than ever as homeowners around the country are looking to make beautiful outdoor spaces, no matter the size.
Here’s the problem…
Designing a small space is totally different than working with a larger area. Without proper planning everything gets cramped up quickly and looks messy.
Luckily, small-space landscape design is…
- Free to plan
- Easy to start
- Surprisingly rewarding
…and will change the way any outdoor area looks and functions.
Let’s dig in.
You’re going to learn:
- Why Small-Space Landscape Design Is Important
- The 3 Biggest Mistakes Made by Urban Gardeners
- 5x Actionable Design Tips For Tiny Outdoor Areas
- How To Choose The Right Features For Any Space
Why Small-Space Landscape Design Is Important
When you take the time to craft a beautiful landscape for a small area it can have an impact beyond just curb appeal.
Your landscaping can increase your property value, make day-to-day life better, and help you destress after a long day.
Here are a couple reasons why small-space landscaping is important.
A well-executed landscape can increase your property value by 10% to 20%. Yep, you read that right. Landscaping matters just as much on small lots as it does large estates.
Partnering with a full-service landscaping company makes all the difference. When you work with trained professionals who specialise in Landscape Design in Tacoma they know exactly what will and won’t work in your space.
Whether you have a half acre lot or a 10ft x 10ft courtyard. They’ll take care of everything from landscaping design tips to picking the right plants.
72% of millennials are interested in growing their own food gardens this year. The majority of which will be located in small spaces that utilise raised garden beds and plant containers.
Bottom line: Small-space landscape design is crucial if you want to make the most out of any outdoor area.
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Made by Urban Gardeners
Before diving into some helpful design tips. Here’s what causes gardens in small spaces to fall flat.
Urban gardeners make these same 3 mistakes again and again.
Here’s what you DON’T want to do:
- Overcrowding. When you run out of room horizontally, look up. There’s lots of space above ground that can be used.
- One big planter. Instead of using one large planter section think about dividing it up. Not only will this allow you to grow more plants, but it will create visual interest.
- No Planning. Going into a project without a layout is never a good idea. Spend a few minutes mapping things out before jumping in.
Once you know what NOT to do. Start implementing a few of the design tips below.
5x Actionable Design Tips For Tiny Outdoor Areas
All of the tips below will help you make the most out of any small outdoor area. Implement one or two and you’ll see results instantly.
Maximize Vertical Space
This is by far the number one tip for gardeners trying to maximize space. Take advantage of everything above ground.
Here’s how: Use trellises, wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets. Create layers of greenery by going vertical, and you’ll immediately transform the space.
Create “Zones”
It may sound crazy, but even a tiny patio or courtyard can benefit from having zones.
Picture this. A small outdoor dining area with a bench for seating. A designated planting space filled with raised beds. A fire pit area with chairs surround.
Simple barriers like low planters or even a change in floor material can separate the zones without building walls.
Choose Multi-Purpose Features
Less is more when you’re gardening in small spaces.
Every feature should serve more than one purpose. Think about furniture with built-in storage or planters that double as privacy screens.
You get the idea. Pick things that have dual functionality.
Stick To Low Maintenance Plants
When gardening outdoors on a small scale it’s important to choose plants that don’t require constant care.
By sticking with native plants, succulents, and drought tolerant plants you’ll never have to worry about watering or pruning very often.
Bonus… plants that require less attention look nicer too because they don’t get overrun with weeds or pesky insects.
Pick Light Colors and Use Lighting
Paint your fence white. Get a light colored outdoor set. Choose cream or grey planters.
Light colors make a small space feel bigger because they reflect sunlight. Dark colors absorb sunlight and make a small area feel smaller.
Invest in some solar lights or string lights. There are tons of creative outdoor lighting ideas that can make even the smallest space feel like a nighttime hangout.
How To Choose the Right Features For Any Space
There are a few things to consider when picking out the “stuff” you want in your small garden.
- Does it fit? This should be pretty obvious, but measure your space before you buy anything. So many gardeners skip this step and regret it later.
- Does it serve a purpose? Will this planter look nice? Will this bench be used as extra seating or is there enough chairs? If something doesn’t look pretty or serve a purpose don’t clutter your space with it.
- Is it low maintenance? Small spaces are easier to maintain than larger ones, but only if you pick the right plants and furniture.
Partnering with a landscaping company can help you pick the right features. They’ll have creative design ideas you may not have thought of and can create a cohesive landscape plan to bring your vision to life.
Making it Happen
There you have it. Small-space landscape design can change the entire look and feel of any outdoor area. You don’t need a sprawling yard or farmhouse patio.
What you need is a game plan that incorporates these tips:
- Go vertical first. Don’t run out of room? Think up!
- Create zones to make your space appear larger than it is.
- Only purchase furniture and decor that has more than one use.
- Pick plants that don’t need constant watering and pruning.
- Lighter colors and smart outdoor lighting will open up your space.
Urban gardening isn’t going anywhere. Don’t be left out in the cold. Start making improvements to your small outdoor area today.
You’ve got this!