You don’t need acres and acres of land to be creative with your outdoor space. You know what they say: ‘the best things come in small packages.’ 

There are actually many benefits to having a small garden, they can be much easier to maintain and any minor changes can make a bigger impact than in a larger space.

So, whether you have a patio, a balcony or just a small grassy area – dig out your trowel and start turning it into a space you are proud to show off and want to spend time in.

First… the furniture

A small space doesn’t mean you can’t have any furniture in it, in fact outdoor bistro tables and wooden benches fit in perfectly and provide you with somewhere to sit and enjoy your garden. You could go for chairs that fold away, which will allow you to create extra space as and when you need it. 

Next… plants

When choosing your plants, it is important to consider how your outdoor area is positioned. If it is surrounded by tall buildings or tucked away, you may find that it is very shady – therefore you want to choose plants that are shade tolerant and require little to no sun. On the other hand if you garden is exposed and receives a lot of sun then you need to go for plants that can thrive in a range of elements including, of course, sunlight.

Once you have decided what you want to plant, pick up some flower bulbs – they are easy to grow and they thrive in almost any soil type.

Now you have picked the right plants for your area, you need to decide how you are going to display them. Both hanging baskets and pots are great for a small garden – top tip; go for quirky patterns and a mixture of colours to brighten up the space. 

Another way to show off plants in your garden is via an arch or trellis – this will enable you to lift the colour off the ground and also provide you with new opportunities to show off a range of flowers in wonderful shapes and beautiful colours. 

You could also try some quirkier ways to display your plants such as this ladder idea, with pots covering each step – which enables you to have more flowers in a small space. 

Finally… the finishing touches

Now you have your furniture and plants in place it is time for the finishing touches. Lights are perfect when it comes to achieving a cosy feel and showing off your space even after the sun goes down. How about winding fairy lights among the plants? Or using mason jars to fill with candles and hang from walls or fences? Similarly, mirrors are great for small gardens because they make them appear much bigger than they are. You may also want to include a few things to attract wildlife to the space, perhaps a small birdbath or just a bird feeder – your garden will be teaming with birds and butterflies before you know it.