Urban gardens in Britain are often on the smaller side, especially for those aged 25 to 44, with the average space coming in at just 12m².
Suburban gardens need to work hard for their owners, so they’re usually designed to be practical, stylish, and easy to maintain with clean lines, simple layouts, and unfussy planting that helps make the most of every inch.
Here are some tips to help you transform your small garden or balcony.
Create a cosy corner
Think of your garden as another room where even a small space can become a relaxing retreat with the right furniture.
Bistro sets or benches make it easy to enjoy your morning coffee or an evening drink outdoors, without crowding the area. And then enjoy relaxed moments with armchairs and stylish glass-topped tables, perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Make the most of pots
If space is tight, pots and containers are your best friends.
They’re perfect for patios and decks where digging isn’t an option, and if you move house, you can take your plants with you.
Play around with different sizes and groupings to add depth and interest by mixing large and small pots to create a layered look.
Choose plants that bring colour or texture, and don’t be afraid to cluster containers for a full effect.
Local garden centres will also have a range of terracotta, glazed and fibreclay planters to make sure your small garden footprint is fully maximised.
Grow upwards
When you can’t spread out, go up! Vertical gardening is a clever way to add greenery without taking up precious floor space.
Use trellises, arches, or wall-mounted planters to support climbers like jasmine or roses, which add scent and colour.
Living walls filled with hardy plants or succulents are a great option for brightening up fences or bare walls.
Play with light and mirrors
If your garden doesn’t get a lot of sun and is a little on the compact side, mirrors can help bounce light around and make the space feel larger.
Hanging a mirror on a wall or fence reflects greenery and sky, giving the illusion of extra room.
Outdoor lights, whether solar lights or strings of fairy lights, can be used to highlight features and create a cosy atmosphere as the sun goes down.
