Outer space Six big ideas for small plots

THOSE of us with urban gardens are used to small spaces – but how can we make our outdoor areas seem bigger? If you want a sense of space, you may have to clear out your clutter, use vertical planting and be more mindful of the furniture you choose, say experts. Here are some tips ...

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

“To create the illusion of space in a small garden, it’s important to see your garden through a minimalist lens,” advises Furniturebox product developer, Laura Rich.

“Often we want to pack lots of features into our gardens – be that large shrubs and bushes or bulky pergola structures – but this will overcrowd a small garden. Keep it simple by incorporating a few purposeful elements and following a zoning plan,” she adds. “Divide your small garden into two sections: a paved or light gravelled patio and a lush green lawn framed by elevated planters.”

2. USE VERTICAL PLANTING

“Further separate these areas by placing a divider between them to gradually reveal the garden and conceal its true size. Vertical planting is a great technique for this,” Rich suggests. “Fast-growing climbers or potted plants can be added to sturdy wooden divider frames, to naturally obscure the lawn from the patio.”

Leigh Barnes of Jacksons Fencing adds: “When evaluating your outdoor space, whether it’s a garden or balcony, any vertical space is often disregarded. The façade of your home, garden walls, garages, balconies, and fence panels can all be used to curate and extend exterior spaces.

“Living garden walls are a great way to fill bare, unused areas. This contemporary and vertical look helps create a greater sense of space and adds an element of ‘wow’ factor to a garden or balcony.”

3. MAKE WAY FOR CLIMBERS

Barnes says: “Consider investing in climbing plants. Supporting these with trellis, a wooden pallet or fence panels will do wonders for their growth and development. Choosing a semi-solid fence panel will encourage plants to grow up in between the pales. Trellis or Venetian fence panels work particularly well since the spaces allow vines to gradually intertwine and climb up between the slats to form a green screen.”

4. ADD MIRRORS

Use accessories such as mirrors on your vertical space on your balcony to make it seem bigger through reflection, suggests gardening author and podcaster Ellen Mary, founder of People Plants Wellbeing and co-host of The Plant Based Podcast.

5. CHOOSE GARDEN FURNITURE CAREFULLY

“People often worry about garden furniture looking bulky or taking up too much space in a small garden, but clever outdoor furniture arrangements can actually make your garden feel larger and provide multipurpose hosting opportunities,” says Rich.

“Compact rattan furniture is my go-to for a light and breezy sense of summer. Specifically, open-weaved tub chairs paired with a small round bistro vibe table. These types of furniture are stylish and functional, fitting neatly on a patio without overcrowding your outdoor space,” Rich adds.

“A rattan egg chair placed on the lawn – ideally under a suntrap – is an effective individual alternative for a bulky pergola. The cocoon structure surrounds the chair, making for a cosy reading nook to be placed on the lawn throughout summer.”

6. CHANGE LEVELS

“Adding levels can help to give the impression of more space,” Barnes advises. He says installing a raised decking area not only provides a useable surface for entertaining yearround but it also allows for useful garden storage to be built in.

“Dividing a garden into sections and creating hidden areas or cosy hideaways will also make a limited area feel bigger. Decorate each segment with varied plants and garden furniture to differentiate each area.”