Gardeners are a resourceful bunch and when faced with a problem more times than not they’ll come up with a solution. One problem many gardeners face to one degree or another is lack of space. We all want as large a garden as possible but if you’ve got a small garden there is still plenty you can do to make the most of the space. Here’s a few tips and tricks to maximise your space. 

Small garden planting ideas 

1 Layer up

If you don’t have a lot of space but still want a variety of plants then it’s all about creating layers. One of the best ways to do this is to plant some larger plants at the back; perhaps along the back fence. We’d recommend going to evergreen species here as it’ll keep the garden looking structured and green all year round. 

In front of these, you might then opt for shorter plants and containers. Getting a mix like this makes for a beautiful aesthetic and regardless of how much room you have you can tailor your planting scheme to the available space.

2 Make use of pots 

In a very small garden where there is no chance of planting anything in the ground, pots and containers become your new best friend. Let’s say you have a paved garden and patio; you can brighten up the space with a myriad of potted plants and flowers and even low maintenance garden pots. 

If you want to make the most of your space, we’d suggest going for bigger planters. It looks a lot tidier and you’ll give yourself more room to plant your favourite plants. Going for a similar theme throughout and choosing matching pots will also improve the look of the garden. 

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3 Climbing plants 

Where there isn’t space for ground plants or containers, all is not lost. Installing a trellis and growing climbing plants is a great way to include greenery in your garden without taking up much space. What’s more, there are a huge number of plants to choose from so you’re not limited. 

Climbing plants are of course a great way to add structure and height to any garden. They are also an excellent way to mask walls and fences. 

Do keep in mind that many climbing plants need regular pruning to prevent them from getting out of control and to encourage new growth. While they’re not super high maintenance, they do require some effort. 

4 Make outdoor shelving 

If the idea of installing a trellis doesn’t appeal to you then you could try installing some garden shelving. There are plenty of places to put this such as on a fence, on a wall or even attach it to the house. 

You can create some unique displays using different shelving materials and styles as well as creating mini ‘zones’ for different types of plant. You won’t use any floor space but your garden will still be gloriously green. 

Just remember to ensure that where you place your shelves provides the right light levels for your chosen plants. 

5 Try a small tree 

You could be forgiven for thinking that it would be impossible to have a tree in a small garden but that’s not the case. There are a lot of small and dwarf species you can plant that won’t take over the space and make for an interesting feature. 

You can choose a fruit tree if you want a harvest or something ornamental that changes appearance over the seasons. 

Some trees can be planted in a large container while others need to be in the ground; choose something that’s appropriate for your space and create a lovely shady spot to sit and relax. You can even create a mini orchard with a number of dwarf fruit trees in containers. 

6 Go for taller plants 

If you’re trying to make an oasis in a small garden then it’s no good going for wide spreading plants or those that don’t have a lot of height. When you walk into a small space that’s bordered by tall plants, it instantly makes a statement. 

What’s more, since these plants grow vertically rather than outwards, you won’t need to worry about eating into already precious space. We would recommend going for something colourful and eye-catching but do keep in mind the following point. 

7 Make your garden feel bigger with blue plants 

There’s a lot to be said for colour and how you use it can transform a space in either a good or a bad way. When it comes to planting in a small garden, the use of blue plants could make your space feel much larger. This is because of how the colour of these plants recedes into the distance. This gives the illusion of a much bigger space. 

However, there are some colours that should be avoided along the borders. These include bright hues like orange or red. They’ll instantly attract the eye to the boundary making the garden feel more enclosed. 

8 Put up a garden mirror 

Not a planting idea as such but adding a mirror is a great way to make your garden appear much larger than it is. Mirrors can add a lot of character and charm to a garden. Position them carefully so they reflect a planted area of the garden and you will instantly add depth to your small garden. 

We have all the plants and trees you need for your garden ready to be picked and packed for fast delivery to your door.