Careful backyard landscaping can make your property more enjoyable and attractive. In a small yard it is important to consider how you envision using your outdoor space before making any changes. Use these tips to make the best use of the available space while achieving the look you want.
Open and Up
Try not to break up the space, think open and flowing. Decks are rarely used in a very small yard as they can take up valuable space with railings and posts. A brick or stone patio is an attractive, less bulky option. Also, keep the clutter in the garage or hidden out of sight (see Multipurpose below). The more open ground space visible to the eye, the larger the space will appear. Look for birdbaths that hang or wall fountains – you will have all the benefits of a water feature without sacrificing space.
Create an Illusion
The same tricks that people use indoors to give the impression of more space can be used when landscaping your yard. Carefully placed outdoor mirrors can double the appearance of your space. For planting, make the most of available space by building raised planters. Raised planters draw the eye up and give the illusion of more space. Staggering plants – planting taller grasses behind colorful perennials will give depth to shallow planters and can offer much needed privacy. When choosing plants for your yard, be sure to use caution with plants labeled invasive or aggressive. You do not want your small yard overrun.
Contain
If you must plant invasive plants such as English Ivy or Sweet Woodruff in your small space, limit them to containers. Aside from keeping rampant growers in check, containers take up less space and give you the option to rearrange your landscape. Make sure you choose containers that are correctly scaled to the size of your yard. Although a large pot may make a dramatic focal point, too many large containers will eat up precious space. Small containers grouped together have the same impact and are portable. They can be moved to make more room for a dinner party or to suit your changing tastes.
Multipurpose
If you are to enjoy your outdoor space, you will want to add seating. One of the biggest challenges with traditional outdoor furniture is fitting it into a small deck or patio area without making the space look cluttered. Instead opt for multipurpose furniture, such as solidly constructed wooden boxes, which provide storage and can be used as additional seating or tables. In a small yard, benches can be an attractive and useful addition. Incorporating benches into your planter design will provide useful seating as well as storage.
Landscaping a small yard doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty and function. If you implement your landscaping priorities using the tips above, you’ll achieve the look you want despite the small size of your yard.
