11. Plan a multitasking garden
If space is tight, make sure that what you have is working hard for you. This well-planned garden has a raised flower bed, garden wall and garden seat all rolled into one.
Greenery provides shade, privacy and interest up high, while the wall offers a handy ledge for lanterns, plus practical built-in seating. Cushions bring the comfort of indoor living outside and add a lovely hit of color.
12. Mix your media
Make a small space attractive and ensure a crisp contemporary look with strong landscaped lines.
Create interesting interlocking zones with distinctive materials, such as woodstained decking, pale patio slabs and decorative stones or chippings.
Then plant up to let lush foliage burst through, filling the space with structural greenery for a controlled finish that’s easy to maintain.
13. Simplify with symmetry
Be inspired by formal gardens to bring organisation to a small space.
Design a classic layout with a central lawn and symmetrical borders for a garden that feels elegant and formal, spacious and organised.
Use planting to draw the eye to a central element, such as the brick port-hole window shown here.
Line brick paths with classic lavender and the pink and purple spires of foxglove.
Here, trained plane trees and lollipop standards add the final flourish.
14. Revive an underused space
Even the smallest of areas can be turned into a decorative outdoor space.
Enhance yours with a run of stepped concrete slabs and use a narrow rustic-style table or bench to create a central focal point.
Keep the look chic and low-maintenance with shingle, clipped topiary and flowering plants in orange and yellow.
Add elegance with aluminium and stone planters and carefully chosen pieces, such as the over-sized lantern and unusual bird sculptures.
15. Focus on furniture
Place objects of interest at the end of your garden and create the illusion that your space is bigger than it is.
Choose white garden furniture and position it towards the back of a paved area.
Play hide and seek by strategically planting large shrubs to partially obstruct the view; your mind will think there is more beyond to see.
Add interest with plants at all heights and in all areas – with climbers and ramblers, evergreen shrubs, sculptural grasses and ground cover, all enlivened by color-heavy cottage-garden favorites such as foxglove and delphinium.
16. Go tropical
When you have a small internal courtyard or outside space, leave the wow factor to the plants. Look for tropical varieties hardy enough to withstand the vagaries of the British weather and plant up your own jungle oasis.
Add instant drama with towering palms, strappy phormium and cordyline and feather-leaved tree ferns like dicksonia.
Be aware that some may need a bit of protection over the winter and add slate chippings to help retain moisture in the summer and make maintenance easier.
17. Aim high
Turn a small courtyard into a lush habitat with a tactile and towering living wall.
Plant up a natural focal point for a super contemporary way to add interest while keeping much-needed floor space clear for patio slabs and super-sociable seating.
Balance the domineering wall with a trio of large pots with small fruit trees and bedding plants.
18. Try chalet chic
Create a smart decked area with the look of a chalet balcony. Choose pale wood to boost the sense of space and furnish for a chic outdoor living room feel.
Position a teak modular sofa centrally and make the space social with complementary Adirondack-style chairs.
Connect with nature and frame the balcony with sculptured evergreens in organic box planters.
19. Make room for little ones
Come up with an ingenious small space that will appeal to both the design conscious and the fun conscious.
Build a playhouse that blends seamlessly with the garden perimeter – here, contemporary linear fencing.
Finish off the camouflage effect with a sedum roof so the little house blends perfectly into its environment.
Store brightly colored furniture inside so it’s easy to take out for play time and return again when not in use.
20. Build a cool cabana
Create a spot of shade in your small garden with a homemade sun lounger – a few square feet, budget materials and your imagination are all you need.
Take two branches, two pallets, and a fabric off cut and assemble them to create a bohemian lounger for two.
Make it comfortable and inviting with a bolster in funky geometric fabric.
If your garden is dominated by the overhang of a tree, angle the fabric so that it can also act as a canopy, protecting the area below.
21. Trick the eye
With space at a premium in city areas, create an illusion of space with a contemporary mirror panel.
Use it to visually double the amount of space you have and increase light levels in darker corners.
Choose a long sheet mirror to keep the look urban and complement it with contemporary linear fencing.
Enhance the sense of privacy with ornamental grasses, potted evergreens and climbing plants.
22. Rethink seating
Choosing outdoor furniture that folds or stacks when not in use is a great way to save on precious space in a small garden.
Mix and match your colors for a bright looking garden scheme.
23. Perfect your look
Create an outdoor living area for the summer months. Even if you have a small plot with not much natural greenery, you can create the look of a colorful garden with flower-filled pots and planters.
Just like indoors, opting for neutral walls and flooring can make a small garden feel lighter and brighter – perfect for a small garden.
24. Stay in the shade
We love this decked garden with an alfresco dining area, which comes complete with shaded seating space and barbecue. Add a bistro dining set for the perfect finishing touch.
Trailing flowers and potted plants give it a cosy feel, while the steps leading up to the second level add to the illusion of space.
25. Pretty up with soft furnishings
Urban gardens require careful planning if you’re going to make to most of a cosy corner.
A garden bench is a practical and stylish way to make an impact – if you don’t mind relinquishing some precious floor space – and will be perfect for lounging should the sun make an appearance this summer!
Choose a streamlined modern design and give it a colorful makeover with exotic cushions.
26. Play with color
Us Brits love to get out in the garden rain or shine, but even if your outdoor space is super-small, there’s no reason why you can’t transform it into a vibrant alfresco dining area.
Choose a small round table and chairs and a large parasol. Dress the table with colorful pressed glass tableware to brighten up a sheltered spot.
27. Dare to do something different
Transform your small garden into a little piece of paradise.
Be honest, who hasn’t fantasied about taking a bath outside, sinking into a luxe tub and soaking up the surroundings? Mix chrome and brass for an eclectic touch.