Having a small garden doesn't mean you have to compromise on creating a beautiful outdoor oasis. You can still maximize your space by being creative and strategic with your layout and planting choices. Continue reading to learn easy ways to make your small garden look bigger with simple design tips and techniques.
Use Vertical Space
One of the easiest ways to make your garden look bigger is to use vertical space. Instead of spreading plants across the ground, use walls, trellises, and fences to grow climbing plants, vines, and creepers.
Catherine Boeckmann/ Almanac | Vertical gardening works best in small spaces
This will draw the eye up and create the illusion of height and depth in your garden. Moreover, hanging plants in baskets from tall trees or racks is also a great way to use your vertical space to bring greenery to your garden.
Plant Wisely
Rather than filling your garden with many small plants and making it feel cluttered, choose 2 or 3 larger plants to showcase. Go for the ones that suit your garden's style and look good against the backdrop of your garden. There are many plant varieties suitable for small gardens, like shrubs such as emerald and holly trees, which can help create the illusion of depth and structure without dominating the space.
Create a Focal Point
Creating a focal point is an excellent way to draw the eye into your small garden and make it appear larger. A focal point could be anything, be it a water feature, sculpture, decorative urn, or a striking arrangement of potted plants. Choose something that fits your style and complements the overall design of your garden. You can also use colors that draw the eye; a bright-colored watering can be a focal point.
DoDo PHANTHAMALY/ Pexels | Use a large circle or a series of circles to make a garden appear longer
Use Symmetry and Repetition
Symmetry and repetition are key design principles that can make your garden appear more extensive. Plant items, such as ornamental grasses, shrubs, and potted flowers, in symmetrical layouts along the edges of your garden and repeat this pattern throughout.
It will create the illusion of an elongated garden and make the space feel more organized and structured. You can also use repetition through color patterns or plants of the same variety.
Use Curves
If symmetry and straight lines don't appeal, add some curves to your garden. Curves add softness and create an illusion of movement in the garden. When done right, curvy paths, and plant beds can make the garden appear more extensive than it is.
Albert Parsons/ Blog Image | Curving lines can be emphasized for greater effect.
It will add diversity and depth, leading the eye in different directions and breaking the monotony of a straight line. Curves pair well with a focal point, vertical gardening, and symmetry, adding interest and style to your small garden.
Choose Furniture Carefully
Finally, selecting the right furniture is the icing on the cake for your garden design. Opting for a few pieces of sleek and compact outdoor furniture, like a couple of cozy chairs with an outdoor side table, pot stand, or a low bench, will help create the impression of additional space. Don't forget to fit furniture that matches the scale of your garden design; oversized pieces will overpower the space and make it feel even smaller.
