Clever landscaping ideas for small backyards

Go vertical

A great way to get the maximum value from your outdoor space (with bonus cooling and environmental benefits) is by installing a vertical garden. Vertical gardens can be created in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from a variety of materials – and you don’t have to stick to one – if you’ve got a wall, you’ve got a potential space for a vertical garden.

Since gaining serious popularity, vertical garden design has come a long way, and the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can achieve with one – create a zen vibe or an explosion of colour or go for a streamlined architectural focal point that gives some height to the space. Get added value from your vertical garden by creating an outdoor kitchen garden or highly perfumed plants to scent the area.

In terms of structure, you can create your garden with a kit, a trellis, by attaching planters to the wall or DIY pallet planter. Pro tip, ensure you use suitably weighted fixings to attach them to the wall. Depending on your chosen structure, you may need containers or pockets to hold the soil and plants. These can be fabric pockets, plastic pots, or even recycled bottles.

Ensure you locate your vertical garden in a spot that receives the right amount of sunlight for the plants you intend to grow. Most vertical gardens need several hours of direct sunlight or bright, indirect light per day.

Choose your furniture wisely

When working with limited space, plump for furniture that maximises space and functionality. A cohesive look also creates a less cluttered look, so choose a style that suits the overall look of the outdoor space. Style aside, space saving furniture options include:

• Folding or stackable furniture can accommodate extra guests but be stacked out of sight between uses.
• Bistro sets; typically consisting of a small table and two chairs are perfect for compact spaces.
• Incorporating built-in benches or seating walls along the edges of your garden can be integrated with planters (or can incorporate storage for your foldable chairs or other outdoor extras.
• Wall-mounted or fold-down tables can be attached to walls or fences and used for dining or as work surfaces when needed.
• Hanging chairs or swings can provide seating without taking up precious ground space. These can be hung from sturdy overhead structures or on a freestanding frame.
• If you enjoy outdoor dining, choose a compact dining set with a small table and chairs that can be pushed in when not in use.
• Modular furniture pieces can be rearranged to fit your space and needs. They often include sectional sofas or lounge sets and have the added bonus of being flexible, allowing you to adapt the arrangement to different occasions.
• If your budget allows, consider custom-built furniture that is tailored to your garden’s specific dimensions and style.

Clear the clutter

While clearing away clutter – including overgrown grass and hedges and unused furniture is an obvious fix for small gardens, keeping the space clutter free can be made easier by ensuring you have adequate storage (bonus tip: furniture with built in storage can do double duty.)

Sheds come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so look for skinny or small spaces that are otherwise unusable and put them to good use with a slimline or custom shed.
Design tips to trick the eye

There are a host of ways to make a small space seem larger, and while a landscape designer is a great investment for the less confident garden designer, if you’re DIY-ing, try:

• Installing a focal point like a sculpture or water feature to draw attention away from the size of the garden and make it appear more expansive.
• Distracting the eye with bright colours – place yellow, orange and red plants front and centre and cooler colours around the perimeter, near fences and borders. Likewise, tropical plants with big leaves add visual interest and create an illusion of depth.
• Extending the design elements of your indoor space – including colour schemes, materials, and décor, into the garden to blur the boundaries and makes the garden feel like an extension of your home.
• Placing larger objects or plant taller trees at the back of the garden, gradually decreasing in size toward the front to create the illusion of depth.
• Minimising the amount of paving and hardscape to create more planting space – greenery can visually expand the garden.
• Raised beds, terraced planters, or tiered garden boxes create different levels for planting, maximising planting space and adding visual interest.