The ideal for any gardener is to have all the space she needs to create the grand planting scheme she’s always dreamed of. Manicured lawns, colourful sweeping borders, sculptured hedging and vast swathes of ornamental trees and orchards.

The reality for most of us is of course very different. But, even if you have only the smallest space available to hone your gardening skills, you can create a relaxing, joyous and colourful garden. From a tiny plant bed to a patio even to a balcony. You can always find space to plant. Even if it’s just a signal dwarf ornamental tree.

But, if space really is non-existent, or you’re just looking for a project to while away some time, planting a mini garden gives you all the enjoyment of a vast country house garden – indoors and in a tiny fraction of the space.

What is a mini garden?

A mini garden is more or less what is sounds like. A tiny version of the ‘real thing’. Think dolls house to mansion house. Basically, a mini garden is a number of plants and even structures in a single container rather than one large houseplant in a pot.

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Containers for planting mini gardens

One of the great things about miniature gardens is that you have a vast choice when it comes to containers and pots. You are able to use anything of any shape that will allow water to drain and will hold soil.

You can choose anything from a glass jar to terracotta pot to a wicker basket (be sure to line this with plastic) or perhaps a wood container. But you might also add smaller pots inside to create separate scenes. Even an old serving tray can be pressed into service.

Choosing a theme

It is far easier to create a themed garden when you are working in miniature because you don’t have to worry about installing large ornaments or huge trees.

However, it is a good idea to come up with a theme that you can stick to and one of the most popular is a fairy woodland theme; after all, fairies are said to inhabit these little gardens.

That said, you might go for a beach theme or something a little more fantastical including dragons. It can help to research suitable decorative items and go with a theme that will be easy to maintain. Let your imagination run wild.

Placing your mini garden

As well as deciding on the right container for your mini garden, you will also need to ensure that it is aptly placed. One of the first considerations is to put it somewhere it will be easily seen; after all, much of the purpose is for aesthetic reasons. And it doesn’t just have to be indoors.

It is also nice to pop your mini garden in an established area of the garden such as under a tree or shrub. Not only will this add to the visual appeal but it will also offer protection from the elements such as rainfall and strong winds which could damage this delicate feature.

The right soil

It can be tempting to take soil directly from your main garden and use this in your mini garden. However, this may not offer proper drainage so it is important to use a good quality potting mix that will allow water to drain through.

However, the type of potting mix you use will depend on what you have planted. For example, if you have succulents, use a potting mix designed for these. Your potting mix should also contain things like perlite, vermiculite and peat moss for the most nutritious environment for your plants.

Choose plants carefully

Certain plants do better in certain environments so one of the most important considerations when creating your mini garden is which types you will use. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices. You might choose dwarf trees, miniature ivy, a range of succulents and smaller flowering plants such as begonias, African violets and cyclamen.

For some plants, they will fit in perfectly well with the mini garden when they are young but may need repotting as they grow larger. But this is an excellent way of rotating your plants and breathing new life into the mini garden regularly.

Mini garden plant care

One of the most important things is to ensure that your plants are getting enough water. Since the mini garden is so small, it is a good idea to use a small spray bottle other handheld container for this. If you add too much water in one go, it could upset your decorative items and drown the plants.

You will only need to water the garden when the soil begins to dry down to around one inch unless you are growing succulents, in which case, you can leave it to get even drier. Of course, always ensure that your garden has drainage holes to let excess water out.

Dressing your mini garden

The joy of making a mini garden is that it certainly doesn’t only have to include plants. There is a wealth of mini decorations you can use to brighten up the space.

You’re bound to find items lying around the house you can use. The kids old toy box might be a good source of props for your new mini garden. You can also get creative and use things like blue marble to line a ‘garden pond’ or lay pathways using small stones and pebbles.

Some people also like to make mini fences; anything goes and this is a great opportunity to let your creative juices flow.

When it’s time to turn your thoughts back to your full size garden your should take a look at the vast array of plants, shrubs and trees we have available all year round.