Small Garden Ideas: Tips & Tricks From Experts

Never has it been so important to have a space to relax and where you can leave the world outside for a moment than now. Having a little outsides space, terrace or garden, is now a real blessing and it is sometimes surprising how much can be done with these spaces, never mind big or small. You always dreamed of a vegetable garden, love flowers?

We spoke to garden designer Trish Potter who gave us some clever ways you can transform your small garden into an outdoor space you love. But as garden lovers, this is not enough, we also listed some of the top tips from David Domoney as he has some great ideas on how to transform a space. And should all of this not have given you enough inspiration then the beautiful gardens in House & Home, surely will. Happy gardening!

 

David Domoney is Britain’s only Chartered Horticulturist presenter on TV. David has become a household name over the years, not only for his TV appearances but he is also a decorated garden designer and the mastermind behind UK-wide gardening competitions, such as Cultivation Street and Young Gardeners of the Year

1. Use height

2. Compartmentalise

3. Pave diagonally

4. Add Trees

5. Keep it bright

6. Attract Wildlife

7. Be clever with furniture

8. Use containers

9. Sound and movement

10. Create privacy

 

'I am a garden designer and mother of 9 year old twins Edie and Tom. I love the creative process of designing gardens; chatting with the clients and coming up with ideas together, drawing the plans, the physical aspect of working outside with the plants. It’s wonderful to help create a space that makes people feel calm and happy.'

You don’t need a huge amount of outside space to create an area of calm in which to sit and enjoy a book. If you have a balcony, or even a window box, you can create something to raise the spirits. My top tip is to keep it simple. If you know nothing about gardening, ask a member of staff in a garden nursery. In my experience, anyone who works in the gardening world is a bit of a plant obsessive and you’ll find that they will be happy to advise you on what will work for your space.

Right plant, right place. I know everything on sale looks pretty and exciting, but the truth is, if you plant lavender in heavy clay in a shady spot, it won’t be there next year! Work out whether you have full sun or a shady garden, heavy soil or sandy soil and buy what will survive.

Try not to let your outside space become too cluttered. I know, plastic toys and footballs and trampolines are the realities of a family garden despite what instagram seems to suggest, however, being disciplined in getting rid of grown up clutter helps enormously. That hideous plant pot you were given ages ago?Bin it. The garden gnome you inherited with the house and have always hated but the kids thought it was funny? Bin it. Look at what you have with fresh eyes and don’t be scared to change it. Bit like life really!

We also found some wonderful ideas in one of the House & Garden issues along with some lovely imagery of gardens that make you dream.

(image Simon Brown)