Does your tiny/RV garden have you at the end of your tether?
You’ve come to the right place. RV gardens, tiny terraces and petite patios may require a little more thought than larger spaces, but even the tiniest plot can be transformed into an elegant outdoor retreat. After all, they do say that good things come in small packages.
Tiny gardens have lots of advantages – the big one is that they’re wonderfully low-maintenance. They’re also great spaces to be creative, as even the smallest additions, from colorful cushions to stylish garden lighting, will have a dramatic effect.
Whether you’re looking to create an impressive balcony garden, want to squeeze in some garden furniture or love to be surrounded by greenery, you’ll be inspired by the article below. And if you’re working to a tight budget, we have plenty of tiny garden plans you can try without spending a fortune.
Check out these 27 ideas… and you might be inspired to create more!
1. Squeeze in a mini greenhouse
Even the most modest outdoor space can include a greenhouse for growing plants. This tall cabinet-style design comes from Ikea – position and fix against a wall in a sun-drenched spot outside. But there are tons of other options to choose from.
2. Fix planters under the kitchen window
Use sleepers to built a simple trough that can be fitted directly under your kitchen window. It’s a great place to grow herbs. Just open the glass and reach out to grab what you need.
3. Relax in a hammock
The ultimate in alfresco relaxation, a hammock can be squeezed into the smallest patch. Plus, it will instantly transform your garden or patio into a chilled-out scene to rival any beach bar in Ibiza. Hang under shade for a protected snoozing spot.
4. Introduce low walls that double as seating
You might only have room for a chair or two, so what happens when friends come over? By adding raised beds surrounded by walls, not only will your plants be easier to look after, you’ll also create extra places for people to perch. Add some cushions for comfort, in colors to match your plants.
5. Put up some shelves
Create extra precious surface area for pots and pretty accessories by putting up some shelves. Ideally they should be mounted into brick, as your garden fence might not be able to take the weight.
Old railway sleepers are an inexpensive solution, supported by wrought iron brackets that you can pick up for a few pounds from your nearest DIY store.
6. Create a living wall
Living, or green, walls, once the domain of designer installations and pioneering commercial sites, are increasingly making their way into residential gardens, and more importantly, small gardens.
These gloriously textured plantings make great use of limited space. To create these vertical gardens, plants are rooted into a structure that is attached to a wall.
A range of herbaceous perennials, grasses, small shrubs, herbs and even fruit and vegetables can be used.
Try including scented plants, seasonal flowers and bulbs, but talk to your local garden nursery about plants that will suit the aspect and micro climate of the wall on which they will be grown.
7. Paint walls white
Think of your exterior like you would an interior. White paint is often used to make the most of a small space because of its brightening and lightening properties, and gardens can benefit from this trick, too.
With white painted brickwork and white garden furniture, this is a beautifully summery scheme that has serious style.
8. Plant a garden in pots
You don’t need a lawn to create a lush garden – and flower beds aren’t necessary either. A low-maintenance ‘flooring’ option such as gravel is great for small gardens.
Add lots of pots, filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to tall and bushy trees. Finish off with some garden furniture and you’ll have the perfect spot to enjoy a summer’s day.
9. Trail plants up a fence
Make use of a fence to add color and greenery. Climbing plants and trellises are a great solution for small gardens, as they lift flowers and foliage up off the ground.
A pretty fence will do a lot to detract attention from a teeny plot – after all, if you or your visitors are focusing on beautiful roses or a hot-pink trellis, who’s going to notice a garden’s dimensions?
10. Brighten up with colorful furniture
Even the tiniest terrace can be transformed into something exceptional. If your garden is short on square footage, a planted terrace can be a good solution, combining elegance with low maintenance.
Simple paving such as travertine or traditional stone creates a sleek or rustic look, while clever planting will soften and provide privacy.
Just add comfortable seating to create an ideal outside room. Here, it’s the garden furniture paint that makes the space special.
Take note, your seating colors don’t have to match – bright hues like the orange and pink here go really well together and an aqua bench would work brilliantly, too, as you can see from the accessories.