Your garden may be defined by a fairly small space, be it a balcony, courtyard, corner or even a wall. But there is plenty of gardening you can do with some space-saving tricks.
The first goal should be maximising the area you already have. Find the best parts and make the most of their benefits. For example, small urban plots offer a warmer, protected microclimate, great for tender vegetation.
There are a few hacks you can try to make the most of your garden space. Find functionality alongside form and select furniture which doubles up as seating and storage. Also, try to maintain negative space (unoccupied areas) to avoid crowding.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/7361242727.jpg]
Consider your garden space as an open box. Once you fold down the sides, you have a lot more space at your disposal. Therefore, try to include mirrors for the illusion of a larger space, murals, and other wall decorations.
You can also incorporate vertical climbing plants too. These add interest at height but don't take up much space.
I am particularly fond of climbers with a gentle habit, rather than being too dense. Clematis 'Frances Rivis' or star jasmine are wonderful for adding interest, with dainty leaves that aren't imposing. For some nice, variegated foliage, try ivy - I recommend Hedera helix 'Ceridwen'.
Consider growing some productive climbing crops for vertical interest too. Some great options include cucumbers, climbing beans and peas, or vine tomatoes. If you have the space, espalier or fan-trained fruit trees are also a great space-saving, productive option. Consider fan-trained cherry trees, espalier apple trees, or even cordon pear trees.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/2172912226.jpg]
Finding plants which are suitable for darker, shaded places in the garden is also ideal, particularly if you have disused corners, perhaps on balconies, which could be utilised.
Colourful plants are a wonderful way to lift these corners. Add some shelving if you can, perhaps painted in light colours, with statement pots positioned on each of them. Plant up some lovely Heuchera and Dicentra spectabilis (bleeding heart) for a striking focal point.
There can be some hesitation with including structure in smaller spaces for the fear of taking up too much space. But this doesn't have to be the case.
Structural plants can be discreet while also offering privacy for your small garden.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/2599279215.jpg]
Dwarf, compact, or columnar tree varieties are fantastic space-savers, such as Prunus 'Amanogawa', or Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'.
Ornamental grasses are also ideal, providing height and interest, which moves in the wind. Not only do they look stunning but they can ...
The first goal should be maximising the area you already have. Find the best parts and make the most of their benefits. For example, small urban plots offer a warmer, protected microclimate, great for tender vegetation.
There are a few hacks you can try to make the most of your garden space. Find functionality alongside form and select furniture which doubles up as seating and storage. Also, try to maintain negative space (unoccupied areas) to avoid crowding.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/7361242727.jpg]
Consider your garden space as an open box. Once you fold down the sides, you have a lot more space at your disposal. Therefore, try to include mirrors for the illusion of a larger space, murals, and other wall decorations.
You can also incorporate vertical climbing plants too. These add interest at height but don't take up much space.
I am particularly fond of climbers with a gentle habit, rather than being too dense. Clematis 'Frances Rivis' or star jasmine are wonderful for adding interest, with dainty leaves that aren't imposing. For some nice, variegated foliage, try ivy - I recommend Hedera helix 'Ceridwen'.
Consider growing some productive climbing crops for vertical interest too. Some great options include cucumbers, climbing beans and peas, or vine tomatoes. If you have the space, espalier or fan-trained fruit trees are also a great space-saving, productive option. Consider fan-trained cherry trees, espalier apple trees, or even cordon pear trees.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/2172912226.jpg]
Finding plants which are suitable for darker, shaded places in the garden is also ideal, particularly if you have disused corners, perhaps on balconies, which could be utilised.
Colourful plants are a wonderful way to lift these corners. Add some shelving if you can, perhaps painted in light colours, with statement pots positioned on each of them. Plant up some lovely Heuchera and Dicentra spectabilis (bleeding heart) for a striking focal point.
There can be some hesitation with including structure in smaller spaces for the fear of taking up too much space. But this doesn't have to be the case.
Structural plants can be discreet while also offering privacy for your small garden.
image [https://cdn.magzter.com/1583517504/1742610876/articles/gfuTi4CiWp4Yi8cF0bsys/2599279215.jpg]
Dwarf, compact, or columnar tree varieties are fantastic space-savers, such as Prunus 'Amanogawa', or Acer palmatum 'Dissectum'.
Ornamental grasses are also ideal, providing height and interest, which moves in the wind. Not only do they look stunning but they can ...
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 22, 2025