Small garden design

Designing a small space can be very tricky, but if done correctly it can offer a garden that provides peace, tranquility and a place where those long summer evenings can be enjoyed, as well as being a safe place for children to play.

Important factors which should be taken into account in the design of a small garden include:

1. Control of the movement of the eyes through the garden to give more of an impression of space.
2. Ensuring features compliment one another.
3. Having one or two focal points.
4. Three phase planting.
5. Using as much green as possible.
6. Using curves and smooth flowing lines.
7. Using sensory stimulants.
8. Keeping hard landscaped areas to a minimum.
9. Implementing raised beds which add interest and depth.
10. Using light, feathery textured plants next to broader leaved plants.
11. Highlighting the borders and lawn with edgings.

Many designers make the mistake of over complicating a garden with too many features; a few key features will ensure a smooth flowing design. The choice of planting can really bring a design to life; textural complimentation is simply the term used for placing plants that have delicate foliage next to broader leaved plants such as a Photinia or Choisya, providing a foliage contrast.

With small gardens it is especially important to use different levels, with smaller plants at the front of the border and increasing in height towards the back. This will give the impression that the area is bigger than it actually is.

Curves are not a necessity in a garden but they can allow the designer to open up the garden, creating the illusion that the area is larger than it actually is.

Each garden is different so there are no set rules.

Please see our Products for more information on the available products, or Design Installations Costings to give you some idea as to how much designs cost.