HOW-TO GUIDE
Consider these points when it comes to creating the perfect plot
1 Choose a style
When it comes to style, the sky’s the limit, provided it is simple and avoids lots of disparate elements. It’s important to try to have a fully integrated design in which every element is considered in the context of the others.
Consider exploring different gardening styles – minimalist, formal, contemporary, Mediterranean – to create something that you love. See our guide to the top outdoor trends this year on page 76 for all the inspiration you’ll need.
2 Stretch the space
Small spaces are defined by their boundary walls, fencing or hedging, which, while, affording privacy and protection, can be oppressive.
There may also be restrictions, such as doorways or essential access routes and driveways that cannot be blocked, and these must be incorporated into the layout.
When it comes to giving the space a light and airy feel, proportion, style and decoration come into play. Success lies in a variety of different measures such as choosing pale colour schemes, plants in pastel shades and elegant furniture with stackable chairs and small but extendable tables.
3 Vertical surfaces
Garden fences and walls are essential for defining the boundaries, but that doesn’t mean that they need to be dull and boring.
Far from it – vertical surfaces offer the chance to introduce even more interest into your space. Shelves can be fixed for groups of pelargoniums or succulents, or to display other garden ornaments.
You might even have a window overlooking your patio that is ideal for trelliswork, funky wall containers and window boxes.
4 Pots of fun
Use containers as you would ornaments to create potted displays that can be changed with the seasons. Ideally, set aside a work area for rearing and storing plants out of sight, ready to introduce at their peak.
Steps, if width allows, can be used as staging for pots of hostas or geraniums. Pots are infinitely adaptable, and the smaller the space, the larger a part they have to play.
Stepladders act as a platform for herbs and chillies, while old wooden wine crates can be stacked up to create a shelving unit for smaller pots of flowers.
5 Material world
For visual continuity, use the same, or closely co-ordinated, flooring materials throughout. Consider the effect of the courses between slabs or bricks – the shaping and pointing that define the overall shape. For example, courses that are laid from side to side, as in a brick basket-weave pattern, encourage the eye to linger, creating a static feel that suits tranquil areas.
The joints between long planks also have a profound influence, with decking laid side to side in a limited space having a widening effect.
6 Think big
Just because a space is tiny, it doesn’t meant that its contents must necessarily follow suit.
A single ornament that is large in relation to its surroundings is often more effective than a fussy display of smaller pieces. While furniture needs to be slender and lightweight, a single egg chair or swing seat makes a handsome centrepiece.
7 Useful planting
Every plant must earn its place, adding interest for as long as possible.
Topiary – box, rosemary, bay or Lonicera nitida – adds structure in winter, and in spring will act as a backdrop to bulbs and perennials. Choose flowers with added edible value such as pretty pink chives.
Evergreen foliage is a must, and shade-tolerant varieties include ferns,
camellias, skimmias, hybrid rhododendrons and fatsias.
8 Take shelter
Overhead space can be used for vertical planting to accommodate tree canopies or climbers supported on pergolas or arches. Small deciduous trees such as robinias can have their canopy raised to head height creating a living parasol to give shade in summer.
Remember, though, the smaller the space, the more valued the glimpses of the sky above, so tiny shady areas are sometimes best left open.
9 Let there be light
Light is vital for opening up a gloomy space. White paint will always give more light to a space, and this can be enhanced even further with a well-placed mirror. Try angling it carefully so it captures the sun and casts its reflection onto certain areas of planting.
Small areas tend to be dark by nature due to shadows cast by surrounding buildings, so you can also think about installing artificial lighting for use in the evenings.
10 Maintenance
Aftercare must be kept up in small spaces to keep plants healthy and under control, so they don’t outgrow their space and start to take over. Prune little and often to shape shrubs and climbers. Annuals and herbaceous perennials can be left as they will die back naturally in autumn.
Regularly sweep up dead leaves and inspect plants for signs of disease, treating issues promptly because any infestation will spread with limited airflow.