How to Design a Small Atrium Garden

Small home atriums often end up as eyesores: designing a small atrium garden for these homes can be difficult. Problems with light and drainage seem simple compared to deciding what to do with the space. The key to creating a pleasant atrium garden space is to keep in mind which rooms face the atrium and to work with the home’s architecture and the homeowner’s decorating style.

Most homes with an atrium are of a modern style; however, Asian or classically styled homes can also have atriums. Atriums in two-story homes are harder to design because less light penetrates into the space. When designing the space, investigate the light and drainage conditions in the atrium. Drainage problems in an atrium can adversely effect a home’s foundation, so any problems must be fixed before any designing or gardening begins.

Small atrium gardens can actually be designed with few or no plant materials. A gravel-filled space with favorite sculptures and a small bench provides good drainage, an interesting view from the home’s interior, and a protected spot to sit on fair days. Atriums can be paved to create a courtyard, as long as drainage is provided.

With a little light, plants can thrive in an atrium garden. Choosing shade-loving plants is required for an atrium garden, but there is a huge variety to choose from. If you want greenery and sculptures, consider installing topiary frames and training shade-loving vines over them. A single large “structural” shade plant such as a small understory tree can provide four seasons of interest. Consider a deciduous tree holly (Possumhaw) or a dogwood for an atrium garden. Interesting shade-loving shrubs such as Oakleaf Hydrangea, American Beautyberry, or azaleas can be planted around a small bench. A single sculpture or seating area in an atrium surrounded by a groundcover such as a shade-loving vine is simple an effective: try a deciduous vine like Boston ivy or Virginia creeper. Mondo grass makes a nice groundcover for an atrium garden, as do annuals such as coleus.

A small home atrium can be used for recreation. An atrium gardener can design a garden railroad that can be viewed and run from inside the house. Hobbies such as Japanese bonsai can make great use of a small home atrium’s space. Any hobby that requires a little fresh air can be done in an atrium, and the atrium can be designed to beautifully accommodate the activity.

Small atrium gardens can function as another room for the house. A gazebo dining area with vines can be created and used by the homeowner on pleasant days for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the open air. Atrium gardens can be used as hobby room, as suggested above, or as a sitting room. Providing an atrium garden with a comfortable chase lounge and a small table creates a reading nook. A small shade or umbrella provides shelter from a hot sun or light rain in an atrium, while a portable fan or space heater can make the temperature in the atrium more comfortable.

Growing herbs and vegetables in an atrium garden requires careful plant selection. Most edibles require full sun, but a kitchen garden can be designed for an atrium. Vegetables that will grow in part shade include peppers, greens and spinach (in hot climates), and some root vegetables like beets, radishes, and turnips. Any atrium garden can easily include a few containers of herbs such as basil, chives, oregano, and parsley. Some fruit can be grown in an atrium garden also: alpine strawberries, pawpaw trees, and many other types of lesser-known fruits would do well in an atrium garden.

The sound of moving water is a desirable addition to many homes. Water features can be included in a small atrium garden, providing soothing sounds and views as long as drainage is carefully planned. A burbling fountain or a small waterfall easily fit in the small space provided. Other garden atrium designs might want to include a tiny koi pond. Add small bench for fish watching and the atrium is an inviting and peaceful spot for the homeowner to enjoy.

An atrium garden can be designed with wildlife in mind. Beyond the koi pond, other wild visitors can be enticed to visit an atrium garden. Bird watching is a popular pastime, and a bird visiting an atrium can be viewed from all sides. Include bird feeders in the atrium garden, and the birds will soon find the atrium. If you do not often go you’re your atrium, try including a birdhouse. Undisturbed, birds may make their nest in the atrium garden, and the homeowners will enjoy viewing the baby birds grow up in the middle of their house. Certain flowers can attract hummingbirds and butterflies: resist the plants that need full shade and search out ones that can tolerate shade. Cross vine, a relative of the red trumpet vine, would do well in an atrium garden, and would be irresistible to hummingbirds. Lantana can be grown in the shade, and butterflies love it. Night-blooming flowers will attract beautiful moths to the atrium garden at night.

If the homeowner is usually absent during the day, design an atrium garden that can be enjoyed at night. Accent lights create beautiful nighttime views from the home’s interior. Up-light a sculpture or small tree, or use submersible lights in a water feature. Take care in ensuring that the lights are not too bright and that they can be easily turned off from inside the home. Night-blooming plants and plants with white flowers should be used in an atrium garden which will be viewed primarily at night.

Sometimes a homeowner will not wish to see through to the rooms on the other side of the atrium garden. Rather than covering the view with drapery or blinds, screen the view with tall plants or use mirror film on the windows. Mirror film will prevent visitors seeing through to more private areas of the house, and will also prevent birds from seeing the people in the house when they visit the atrium garden. Tropical-looking plants such as dwarf palmetto (sabal minor), pawpaw, and cannas will thrive in the atrium garden’s partial shade, and will effectively screen the view of the other rooms in the house.

Whatever is desired, remember that an atrium garden should be designed to be viewed from inside the home. The style of the atrium garden should complement the interior of the rooms looking out into it. Rather than being an eyesore, the atrium should function as a focal point for the home: providing pleasing views and a sheltered outdoor space to be enjoyed.