Looking for small garden ideas? Working with less space doesn’t mean your options are limited – in fact, there are countless ways to design a petite garden.
Whether you’re thinking about how to plan a small garden from scratch or you’re looking for small patio ideas to spruce up your space, there’s plenty of room for creativity. You’ll just need a few planting and landscaping tips up your sleeve.
1. Make space for a cosy corner
(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd)
Plenty of small garden ideas hone in on the cosiness of a petite space, and carving out a corner for dining or relaxation is a brilliant way to maximise space, too.
‘Think of your garden as another room where even a small space can become a relaxing retreat with the right furniture,’ says Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres. ‘Bistro sets or benches make it easy to enjoy your morning coffee or an evening drink outdoors, without crowding the area.’
The Helsinki Circular 2 Seater Bistro Set, £50 at Dunelm, is a brilliant choice.
2. Create illusion with curved and diagonal paving
(Image credit: Future PLC/Polly Eltes Photography)
Many small garden ideas are centred around clever landscaping techniques to create the illusion of a larger space. If you’re on the hunt for garden path ideas, or even patio ideas, consider the laying pattern.
‘Curved and diagonal paving help to create an illusion and soften the look of the garden to create a sense of a larger space,’ explains Simon Wardle, paving expert at Armstrong Cheshire.
Whether you’re using paving stones, tiles or decking, laying them on the diagonal can add width and depth to a small garden.
‘It distracts the eyes, and you’ll feel that there is more space in the garden than if you were to look straight on,’ Simon says.
3. Establish a focal point
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme Photography Ltd)
Another brilliant way to add interest and depth to a small garden is by establishing a focal point, like a statue, water feature or tree.
‘Focal points can help to distract the eye from the size of the garden,’ explains Simon.
Where you place a focal point, exactly, depends on the shape of your garden. ‘If the garden is long and narrow, you may find it helpful to create a focal point to one side so your eyes go to the side, making it feel wider,’ Simon advises.
‘If a garden is wider but shorter, you may want to create a focal point at the back of the garden so it distracts from the length.’
4. Go minimal with edging
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
There are plenty of garden edging ideas to go around, but Simon thinks less is more if you’re looking for small garden ideas.
‘Making use of minimal edging styles to create a border can enhance the look of a garden without taking up too much space,’ he says. ‘Outlining an area like a flower bed can help to define a small garden by drawing attention to specific areas rather than the garden as a whole.’
Subtle edging like this Flexible Garden Edging from B&Q is simple, affordable and easy to lay, and it won’t take up valuable space in a small garden.
5. Make a feature of trailing plants
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Adding some of the best trailing plants for outdoors to your space can create a striking focal point in a small garden.
The beauty of trailing plants is that they can be planted in spaces you might not previously have considered filling, from nooks in stone walls to hanging baskets on fences. You can even plant them in window boxes for added charm.
‘Hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to display them, and cascading flowers are sensational to walk under,’ says Andy Ellis, former professional gardener and founder of Posh.co.uk. ‘You can also try hanging balcony displays and hanging terrariums if you’re feeling a little bolder!’
6. Be clever with lighting
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
If you’re searching for small garden ideas that make a space look larger, lighting can be a powerful tool.
‘Clever use of lighting can help small gardens look bigger than they are,’ says Rachel Morris of home and garden lighting firm 4lite. ‘Lighting the furthest points of the garden with spotlights and spike lights facing into shrubbery or uplighting trees and fencing will draw the eye into the distance.
‘Creating a sense of space while lighting boundaries throughout the garden, whether flower beds, steps or decking, will trick the eye into perceiving more depth. Any lights at ground level will create a secondary backdrop away from a seating or dining area, making the space feel bigger.’
So, consider which garden lighting ideas will work in the space you have when planning your small garden.
7. Make the most of pots
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Small gardens are often limited on lawn and border space, but a really easy garden idea is to compensate by adding pots and containers to the space.
‘If you don’t have the space for beds and borders, you can still achieve an impactful display with containers,’ says Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies.
‘Early season primroses, violas and pansies work well in pots for beautiful spring colour, and you can cluster these together for maximum effect. Hanging baskets and window boxes are another great space saver and can be filled with seasonal plants for a cheerful display.’
There are countless upcycled planter ideas for the garden, too.
8. Level up with flower beds
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
Experimenting with a few flower bed ideas can transform the look and feel of a small garden, especially when you’re looking to add some more greenery to the space.
‘Many small gardens lack lawn space and are dominated by stone patios,’ explains Tom Clifford, director at Gardenstone. ‘A lack of lawn can reduce the number of plants you can plant in your garden. This provides the perfect opportunity to create a zone for raised flower beds.
‘Not only will raised flower beds allow for extra planting opportunities, but they also provide different levels, making your garden appear more spacious.’
These Large Wooden Garden Planters from B&Q are perfect for borders or zoning areas of a small garden.
Tom Clifford is a director of Gardenstone, a leading garden landscaping supplier that specialises in garden edging, patio paving, gravel and walling materials. Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years, making him an expert in garden design and maintenance.
9. Use light colours
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
The colours you paint your garden in can completely transform the look and feel of the space. Light colours can create the illusion of a bigger garden.
‘Light-coloured fencing and furniture keeps the garden from feeling small and dingy,’ says Lee from Sustainable Furniture. ‘It reflects light, which makes it feel brighter and bigger.’
Playing around with different garden paint ideas is a fun way to set a brand-new colour scheme for your garden.
10. Add corner seating
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
When it comes to seating, use all of the space available to make the most of a smaller garden.
‘For small gardens, corner seating is a game-changer,’ says Jenny Davis, head of marketing at Forest Garden. ‘Think of it like a space-saving puzzle piece. By utilising those often-dead corners, you can create a surprisingly spacious and inviting seating area.
‘This frees up the centre of your garden for walkways, planting, or even a small water feature. Plus, corner sofas often seat more people than individual chairs, so they’re perfect for summer gatherings. It’s a win-win for maximising functionality and creating a cosy atmosphere in your outdoor haven.’
There’s a wide range of corner seating to suit every garden. We love these garden furniture sets at Dunelm.
11. Zone with rockeries
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Splitting your garden into zones can make the space feel like a bigger outdoor living area, with sections allocated for socialising, relaxation or even entertaining. Rockeries are a great way to double zoning with an alpine garden feel.
‘Rockeries are ideal for breaking up space in your garden, especially if the majority of your garden is made up of lawn,’ says Tom from Gardenstone. ‘Although large areas of lawn may seem like a great idea for expanding the space, they can actually have the opposite effect by exaggerating the limits of your garden.
‘Instead, use a small rockery to divide the space. Creating a rockery is as simple as taking a few large stones and surrounding them with your choice of perennial plants.
Rockeries require little maintenance, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for low-effort garden ideas.
12. Add a pond for wildlife
(Image credit: Heather Young/Future Publishing Ltd)
While you might think there isn’t room for a pond in a small garden, you’ll be surprised at just how many small garden pond ideas there are for compact spaces.
‘A pond makes a great addition to a small garden as it attracts an array of wildlife like birds, hedgehogs, frogs and even bats,’ says Tom from Gardenstone. ‘Small gardens often attract little wildlife due to a lack of plants and greenery, so a small pond is a great way to encourage animals into the space.
‘Ponds don’t always have to be big to attract a lot of wildlife — in fact, even a small container placed in a corner of your garden can do the trick.
Try the Swell Pond Liner from Amazon, available in various sizes.
13. Choose a multifunctional shed
(Image credit: Future PLC /Joanna Henderson)
Though you might hesitate to invest in a shed to free up room for other small garden ideas, sheds are a more versatile feature than you’d think, and there are plenty of small garden shed ideas to choose from.
‘Sheds have hidden potential! They can be your summer oasis and winter workhorse,’ says Jenny Davis from Forest Garden. ‘Here’s the secret: multifunctionality.
‘Think smart storage solutions like vertical shelving and mobile workbenches that fold away. This frees up space for a portable bar cart in the summer, stocked with all your entertaining essentials.’
14. Add a pergola
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Add another level to your garden with a pergola, which can be adorned with an array of climbing plants or covered to provide shade on hot summer days.
‘A pergola is perfect for garden zoning as it provides a designated area for you to relax and unwind,’ says Tom from Gardenstone. ‘The use of height provides more dimension to your garden and therefore maximises the appearance of space.
‘Make the most of this vertical space by planting climbing plants on the outside of the pergola. This will provide visual interest and help the pergola blend into its surroundings.’
The OutdoorGardens Wooden 2 x 2m Pergola from B&Q is a great place to start.
15. Create a living wall
(Image credit: Forest Garden)
Take inspiration from living wall ideas by using vertical wall space for thoughtful planting. This allows even the smallest of garden spaces to flourish and is particularly useful if you’re looking for decorative grassless garden ideas.
Living walls, or green walls, are increasingly making their way into residential gardens. Foliage is rooted into a structure attached to a wall.
A range of herbaceous perennials, grasses, small shrubs, herbs and even fruit and vegetables can be used to create these vertical small garden ideas. Try including scented plants, seasonal flowers and bulbs, but talk to your local garden nursery about plants that will suit the aspect and microclimate of the wall on which they will be grown.
‘Our slatted wall planters, £99.99 each at Forest Garden, are a fabulous accessory,’ says Jenny from Forest Garden. ‘Not only do they allow spaces to be partitioned, but in smaller gardens, they are great for creating a living plant wall, bringing greenery to exterior walls.’
16. Plant a potted orchard
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You don’t need a lawn to create a lush garden — and flower beds aren’t necessary either. A low-maintenance ‘flooring’ option such as gravel is great for small gardens, and it can provide the base for your very own potted orchard.
Add lots of pots, filled with everything from the tiniest flowering plants to the best fruit trees for small gardens. Finish off with some garden furniture and you’ll have the perfect spot to enjoy a summer’s day.
17. Don’t forget about trees
(Image credit: Future PLC/Alisdair Mcintosh)
One mistake people often make when it comes to small garden ideas is assuming they have to leave out trees and larger shrubs, when actually, small trees can be a great addition to these smaller spaces.
Some of the best trees for small gardens include blossoms like the Flowering Ornamental Cherry Tree Prunus ‘Kojo no Mai’ Standard from B&Q, and some evergreen varieties.
If your garden is overlooked, consider checking out the best privacy trees for smaller spaces.
18. Opt for flexible furniture
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
Finding the best garden furniture for your outdoor space is worth spending some time on, especially if space is at a premium.
‘Steer clear of cluttering up a petite patio area with furniture that sits unused most of the year,’ advises Francesca from Bridgman. ‘Think smart with stylish and space-saving flexible furniture.
‘Chairs, bar stools and even loungers that can be stacked on top of each other and stored away when not in use make perfect small garden ideas. Pair with a foldable table for a set you can effortlessly move to one side whenever you choose.’
19. Think vertically
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Save precious outdoor square footage by taking what you can off the ground. If you have a wall or strong fence available, this is the ideal spot to fix a slim shelving unit. Alternatively, DIY it using garden pallet ideas.
You can use these levels to display potted plants, keep smaller garden accessories, or hold your hat.
‘When it comes to designing a small garden, making the most of the space you have is essential, so vertical planting options are a great solution,’ says Marcus from Dobbies. ‘Not only will these free up room, they’ll also create instant impact and can be used to grow everything from flowering plants and perennials to herbs and leafy greens.’
20. Repurpose an old step ladder to display plants
(Image credit: Future)
This is another way to take pots and planters off the ground. By placing them on the steps of a step ladder, you’re freeing up the space below for more greenery. The well-worn appearance of an old wooden step ladder also adds rustic charm to a garden.
This planting solution creates extra space to showcase potted plants and garden accessories. No matter how small your space is, you can guarantee you’ll be using it as efficiently as possible with this small garden idea.
21. Attract wildlife
(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)
Just because a garden is small, it doesn’t mean it can’t provide a home for nature, and there are plenty of wildlife garden ideas to choose from.
Hang nut and seed feeders for birds on tree branches and leave a tray filled with water for them to drink and bathe in. Leave gaps in fences to create a hedgehog highway and fill your garden with colourful flowers to attract butterflies and other pollinators. It will not only make your garden a calming space, but it will delight little ones when they spot visiting wildlife, too.
22. Turn it into a tropical oasis
(Image credit: Future / Alasdair McIntosh)
Outdoor living is wonderful, but no one wants a garden that’s filled with furniture and devoid of life. When working with small garden ideas, incorporate plenty of pockets of foliage around paths or patios with hedges, shrubs and trees.
If your small garden doesn’t get much frost, grow species that thrive in warm weather such as grasses, palms and tree ferns (which like partial sun and shade). Tropical plants like these will give your garden a holiday feeling all summer long.
These living elements will make your garden more enjoyable for you and your family, too. ‘Trees bring several other benefits to your garden, such as the calming sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the ability to lower the volume of artificial noise in your garden,’ says Cass Heaphy from Paving Direct.
23. Use walls and fences for climbers
(Image credit: Future / David Giles)
Don’t forget to use walls and fences to show off greenery in small spaces. Climbing plants provide shade and create a lovely sense of enclosure. They’re good at absorbing noise and pollution, too.
‘One of the best small garden ideas is to plant vertically,’ advises Alix from Dig Club. ‘You can play with planting combinations and create interest and height with textures, colours and form. Use climbers such as the evergreen star jasmine to add interest and greenery without taking up too much space.’
24. Take the indoors out
(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)
Make a small garden feel bigger by making it feel like a continuation of your indoor space. Dress your small garden space with a furniture set and add decorative outdoor fairy light ideas to ensure it’s a space you want to spend time in.
‘Do not let attention to detail go amiss — the same principles apply externally as they do to an interior project,’ says Emmie Brookman, creative director of homeware brand Silver Mushroom. ‘Your outdoor space should be an extension of your home, so make it comfortable and accessorise the same way you would indoors by introducing cushions, throws, candles and bowls.’
Similarly, a plethora of potted plants add foliage, and as pots are moveable, you get a sense of freedom to change things around from time to time.
25. Create a mini herb garden
Herb gardens don’t have to exist on your windowsills or in a large dedicated vegetable patch. Upcycle a coffee table to create a homemade and bijou planting area, perfect for herbs.
As well as saving you space beneath for extra planting or storage, by having the plants higher, you’ll save your back a lot of strain from bending over veg beds.
‘As well as herbs, salad leaves and lettuce are also incredibly easy vegetables to grow,’ says Cass from Paving Direct. ‘Some plants come through within four weeks. Find seeds in your local shop and sow in regular intervals for a full salad bowl throughout summer.’
26. Grow your own veg in containers
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Not all crops require a large dedicated patch, and if you’re wondering how to start a small vegetable garden, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate one into a small space using containers.
‘Tomatoes are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in containers,’ says Cass from Paving Direct. ‘As long as you have a location that receives at least five to six hours of sunlight per day, you can learn how to grow tomatoes in pots with ease. There’s a large variety of tomatoes out there, but if you are limited for space, choose smaller cherry tomato varieties.
‘Runner beans, sugar snap peas, broad beans, and French beans can also be grown in containers, as long as they’re basking in the sun all day. All you need is a pot that is at least one foot deep and, if you have a climbing variety, a trellis-like structure for the vines to grow on. Make sure you sow seeds regularly so you get a succession of harvests over the summer.’
27. Choose slimline options
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Slot in a slimline plant stand in smaller outdoor spaces to fill in spaces and hide bare strips of fence or wall. There are plenty of pre-built models available to buy, like these elegant Tapered Planters from Waitrose Garden.
Or, add a ladder stand to add height to displays — it’s one of the easiest budget garden ideas and easy to move if you fancy a change.
28. Add a gallery wall
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)
Play with garden wall decor ideas by creating a display of frames and wall-hung planters. Utilise junk shop finds by hanging old wooden frames and upcycle old loaf tins as planters. Just drill holes in the base for drainage and the side for hooking onto the wall.
Hang them above a pretty garden bench as you would a sofa indoors and finish off with some cushions and a throw.
29. Create a mini outdoor kitchen
(Image credit: Future Plc/Carolyn Barber)
There are plenty of small outdoor kitchen ideas that can help you extend your cooking and dining area outdoors.
Potting tables can provide a slim, compact surface along one side of a patio for outside food prep. Choosing units with galvanised or zinc-topped surfaces will make wipe-down easier and protect wooden surfaces from weather damage, too.
Hang a bamboo pole above your units from cup hooks screwed into the wall or fence and use S-hooks to hang kitchen utensils along its length.
30. Double your space with mirrors
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)
When working out how to make a small garden look bigger, one foolproof idea is to use garden mirrors. Create your own using an old gate or some painted trellis mounted onto a piece of mirrored board.
This is not only an inexpensive alternative to an outdoor mirror, but it also prevents any danger through mirror breakage. Set a table close by so that you can enjoy a view of the garden wherever you are seated. Using a grid-style mirror means that birds are less likely to fly into it.
31. Create a kids corner
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)
Sacrifice a raised bed to create a section of deck with a giant blackboard and covered sandpit for some sunny day play. Try using old railway sleepers to create a barrier for sand and soil.
Finish by fixing a peg rail to the underside of the sandpit lid for hanging toys and tools.
32. Set up a private bar
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young)
Look to outdoor bar ideas to create your own little entertaining zone with a clever pull-down bar made from a couple of pallets and a length of chain. Cut the top section from the pallet to use as the flip down section and attach using two strong hinges and lengths of chain.
Adding an outdoor herb planter to the top section will keep them within easy reach for drinks and barbecues.
33. Hang furniture to free up floorspace
(Image credit: Future PLC /Tim Young/Charlie Young)
When working with small indoor spaces, designers will explain the importance of elevating furniture off the floor to create the illusion of more floor space. Wall-mounted bathroom units are a prime example of where this applies.
Use the same design as a small garden idea by choosing a hanging chair. A nook of a garden is all you need for a reading corner, and a hanging egg chair keeps the ground and sightline clear, giving the feeling of space in even the smallest of gardens.
34. Add new levels
(Image credit: Future PLC /David Giles)
Add interest to small garden ideas by creating different levels. A classic way to do this is to have a raised or sunken terrace, with the lawn sitting at a different height.
The ledges and steps will help open up how you can use the space, adding extra spots for plant pots to be arranged or furniture added to accommodate guests. You can also achieve this look with the clever use of raised beds.
35. Get creative with shelves and hooks
(Image credit: Future PLC /Jamie Mason)
Shelves and hooks aren’t just for indoors. Create extra precious surface area for pots and pretty accessories by putting up some shelves. Ideally, they should be mounted into brick, as your garden fence might not be able to take the weight.
Reclaimed scaffolding boards are an inexpensive solution, supported by cast iron brackets that you can pick up from your nearest DIY store, like the Vintage Style Cast Iron Hanging Bracket from B&Q. A recycled peg rail can also be used as the perfect place to hang outdoor lighting.
Get the look
Habitat Warm White Solar Stake Lights
Outsunny
Outsunny 3 Piece Outdoor Bistro Set
Pair of Sitting Lions Stone Garden Statues
FAQs
How can I make my small garden look bigger?
As we’ve already mentioned, a range of planting and landscaping techniques can transform the look of a small garden and help the space feel larger.
‘Making your garden seem bigger than it is can be as easy as utilising vertical spaces,’ says Simon from Armstrong Cheshire. ‘This can mean placing planters or climbing plants to incorporate greenery to your garden without taking up vital floor space.
‘It can also be as simple as painting your fence a lighter colour so that light reflects and makes the space feel more open.’
How to make a small garden look nice?
As well as using the creative small garden ideas on our list, it’s important to keep on top of tidying and maintenance to keep your garden looking its best.
‘All plants should be cared for efficiently, furniture should be looked after and maintained, the floor should be cleaned and the lawn should be mowed,’ says Lee from Sustainable Furniture.
Finding the right colour palette will also work wonders at transforming your space.
‘Just like for indoor spaces, choosing the right colour schemes will help make your outdoor space look amazing,’ says Chris Bonnet, owner of Gardening Express. ‘Vibrant flowers, shrubs and features can make small gardens appear lighter and bigger, warm colours make spaces feel more intimate, and cool tones add depth and serenity.’
No matter how petite your space is, there are plenty of ways to add style, function and design to your garden so you can make the most of it year-round.