Here, Julia’s tips on making the most of a small space
Less is more. It’s tempting to fill a small space with plants, but don’t overcrowd it. If you clutter it with lots of objects, it can feel overwhelming and busy. Keep it simple.
Think about scale – oversized objects or plants can often make a small garden feel larger. Here, we used heliconia, a large screening plant, to draw your eye up and out of the space.
Make sure everything has a use and can serve multiple purposes. Consider making retaining walls seat height so they can double as seating. Minimise materials. Too many mixed materials and plants can detract from the overall effect. Select a few simple, bold options: repeat for effect.
Work those verticals! Utilising walls and other verticals is very important as it can make the garden feel bigger.
A The entry from the rear lane into the garden features Barbosa lava stone stepping stones from Gather Co. B“The homeowners have busy schedules, so we wanted to provide them with a garden that would give them enjoyment all year round, with minimal maintenance,” Julia says of the layered raised garden beds featuring imperial bromeliad ( Alcanterea imperialis ‘Rubra’) and
Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ (foreground) and Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’, Philodendron
‘Xanadu’ and Heliconia ‘Hot Rio Nights’ (rear bed). C A cluster of potted plants includes (from left) woolly bush ( Adenanthos sericeus), mother-in-law’s tongue ( Sansevieria ‘Moonshine’) and Euphorbia tirucalli. D Madagascan jasmine ( Stephanotis floribunda) sprawls along the side fence, climbing up steel cables. At ground level, Julia planted Zoyzia tenuifolia a fine-leafed grass that grows in lush, velvety-soft mounds. #