SEAN’S TIPS FOR MAXIMISING SMALL SPACES

Plants Be selective and choose plants that are tall and narrow in habit with little basal growth. This will allow you to layer your planting with ease, increasing plant density and variety to extend the season of interest. Examples include echinacea, miscanthus, molinia, panicum, sanguisorba, thalictrum and veronicastrum. Structure Be bold with formal structure; use it to define areas, frame views and add drama while providing important contrast and anchoring loose perennial planting schemes. Layout Be generous with space when it comes to key features in the garden. Edit and keep it simple; aim for large focal points as opposed to cluttered corners. Boundaries Blend garden boundaries using climbing plants, such as Trachelospermum jasminoides and Wisteria sinensis. Use hedges, pergolas and trellis to frame desirable views of neighbouring features and provide privacy where required. Practicalities Ease maintenance by clearly defining edges within the garden and planting mixed herbaceous perennials in blocks or dedicated areas. Having a distinct line to work back to will help keep everything in order and tidy.