For keen gardeners, there’s nothing quite like having the freedom to roam and create in an expansive, green space. In a big garden, there’s always plenty of room for new flower beds and no trouble accommodating big goals like a thriving vegetable garden. Yet, what if you don’t have a space like this? What if the size of your yard can’t match the scope of your horticultural ambitions?
Well, the good news is that you absolutely can cheat your way to a bigger, better garden. It is all about perspective. You might not be able to add any extra room, but with some clever landscaping tricks, you can create the illusion of space. And, if your garden feels comfortable, it will bring you all of the joy and leafy, green delights that a beautiful outdoor haven should.
You’ll find a collection of landscaping ideas here, so keep reading to find out how you can take your garden from drab to fab.
- Use Paving Materials as a Border
Most homeowners restrict their use of paving stones and other materials to very neat, symmetrical paths and walkways. They are usually placed right in the middle of a garden and this has the effect of visually dissecting it. With the yard in pieces, the outdoor space will look smaller, so try this trick instead. Use paving materials around the edge of the garden, as a border, and add a light coloured gravel to cover the middle ground.
- Combine Privacy and Aesthetic
If you live in quite a built up neighbourhood, you probably don’t want to give up high fences and borders that have the power to keep curious eyes out. However, when used to contain fairly small yards, high fences can feel oppressive. To soften their impact and create the illusion of space, decorate them with tall, climbing creeper plants. This will not only beautify the borders, it will make them feel smaller by maintaining a connection between the very bottom and very top layers of the yard.
- Group Together Similar Shapes
Another clever trick is to use repetition to introduce a sense of cohesion and fluidity. This works very well in small spaces because you can foster continuity without filling the space full of clutter. For instance, if you have a curved pathway or curved borders and beds, enhance them by adding rounded, sinuous furniture.
- Bring the Outside Inside
For homeowners who want to commit to a large-scale landscaping project, it is worth considering the simple beauty of an expansive, open house front. In other words, you could make your garden look and feel much bigger, by replacing the external wall with glass or sliding doors. That way, when you open them up, the interior will flow into the outdoor space and make it feel like an extension of the house.
- Opt for Tall, Thin Shrubs and Trees
The term ‘pleached’ is used to describe trees and shrubs that have been trimmed in a particular way. They have tall, thin trunks and foliage that is neatly styled so that it grows upwards and outwards, instead of downwards. This makes them ideal for use in small gardens because they don’t block out light from above and they leave lots of room on the ground for other flowers and plants.
Why a Reliable Landscaping Company Could Help You
While it is true that there are all kinds of ways to enhance a small garden, cramped spaces do take more work. It is a good idea to think about whether a professional landscaping company could transform the space and turn it into a sustainable, attractive outdoor retreat. These days, landscaping costs are very affordable and you can be involved, every step of the way, so that your vision comes to life exactly as you want it to.
