23 Dreamy Small Garden Ideas: Transform Your Outdoor Space
It doesn’t matter if you have a balcony garden or a small patch of patio, make the most of your space and create your ideal garden oasis. From vertical planters to mini storage solutions, get inspired by these small garden ideas to help you create your dream garden, no matter the size!
1. Go for an elegant
If you’re short on space, a small garden doesn’t mean you can’t create a beautiful and elegant outdoor area.
This small courtyard garden by Tom Howard Garden Design and Landscaping features a beautiful stone water feature surrounded by a raised bed, which is perfect for growing a variety of plants.
modern look
Create a modern garden look in a small space by sticking to a simple color scheme and using different textures and shapes. This small garden designed by Studio H Landscape Architecture also makes the most of every inch by including built-in planters and a bench.
The built-in planters create a living wall effect, which is a great way to add greenery to a small garden without taking up too much space. The plants also help to soften the look of the concrete and wood, while the bench provides a cozy spot to sit and enjoy the garden.
2. Create a small garden that’s also a lovely dining spot
If you have a tiny garden or courtyard, it can be hard to know how to make the most of the space. One great idea is to use it as a dining spot.
For this look, we’ve used a range of small garden ideas to create a lovely, lush spot where you can enjoy a morning coffee or a full meal. A small cafe table and chairs are perfect for small spaces, and we’ve added lots of potted plants to make the area feel very private and enclosed.
The color scheme is kept simple with dark wood and black metal furniture, plus a few pops of white and terracotta. We’ve also added a few gold accents to the scheme with the plant pots and candle holders.
3. Choose a small garden that’s low-maintenance
If you’re not a fan of gardening, then a low-maintenance garden is the perfect solution. Choose easy-care plants and opt for hard landscaping materials like stone and gravel.
Not only do they look great, but you won’t have to do much to keep them looking their best. This low-maintenance garden has a contemporary feel with a raised bed and bench built from railway sleepers.
The lush greenery is a mix of large and small plants, which add plenty of texture and interest. The garden is enclosed with a trellis fence, which is perfect for climbing plants like clematis and roses.
A high fence can make a small garden feel more private and create a cozy, enclosed feel.
4. Create a small garden that’s a play area for kids
This small garden is perfect for a family with young kids. The space is divided into two areas, one for play and one for relaxing.
The play area is full of fun things for kids to do and has been zoned with a bright blue outdoor rug. A playhouse, sandpit, and slide are all set up on the artificial grass and there’s a little table and chairs too.
The dining area is a lovely space for the grown-ups to relax and enjoy the garden. The patio has been painted with a fun, bright design and a dining set with a parasol provides a lovely spot to eat. There’s a little bench too, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to sit.
5. Use the vertical space
If you’re lacking in floor space, look to the walls and fences. You can use hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, or shelves to create a living wall.
Layering up the greenery like this is a great way to add a splash of color and interest to your garden, and it won’t take up any floor space at all.
Alternatively, you can use the space for garden mirrors, wall art, or even a living wall.
6. Create a small garden that’s also a work of art
The beauty of a small garden is that it’s the perfect size to lavish with the best-quality materials and plants. This small garden is a case in point, where every detail is perfection.
The garden is a work of art, with a central circular lawn edged with a circular stone pathway. The pathway is edged with a variety of colorful plants, while the lawn is framed by a pair of symmetrical borders.
The planting is a combination of evergreen shrubs and perennials, which provide color and texture all year round. The planting is kept low to the ground, which makes the garden feel larger, and it’s a good trick to use in a small garden.
A pair of evergreen trees in terracotta pots add height and help frame the garden. The garden is enclosed with a contemporary fence and trellis, which is softened with climbing plants.
7. Choose a small garden that’s a wildlife haven
If you’re a fan of wildlife, you can still create a small garden that’s a haven for birds, bees and other animals.
To attract wildlife, you’ll need to provide habitats and food sources. Bird boxes and feeders are a good place to start; you could also add a hedge or a tree for nesting opportunities.
Bees and other pollinators will be attracted to nectar-rich plants. A wildlife pond is another great addition to a small garden.
8. Choose a small garden that’s a perfect suntrap
What a perfect example of how to make the most of a small garden space. This small garden has been transformed into a stylish outdoor room that’s perfect for entertaining, and the sunken seating area is a real showstopper.
The seating area has been made with rendered blockwork walls, and the sunken bench was created with timber decking. The built-in bench is a great space-saving option, and it’s been topped with cushions and throws to make it feel extra cozy.
The area is surrounded by raised beds that have been made with the same rendered blockwork as the walls and have been painted in a soft, pale blue. They’ve been planted with a mix of shrubs, perennials, and climbers, and the planting has been kept low to make sure that it doesn’t block the light.
The garden is a real suntrap, and it’s been made even more inviting by the addition of a shade sail. The sail has been strung up between the house and the fence, and it’s a great way to create a bit of shelter and add a pop of color to the space.
The rest of the garden has been paved with pale stone, and the flooring has been laid in a linear pattern to make the space feel bigger. The linear design draws the eye down the garden and makes it feel longer, and the same effect has been achieved with the horizontal slats in the fence.
The garden has been finished with a mix of potted plants, and the pots have been arranged in small groups to create a sense of balance and harmony. The pots have been planted with a mix of shrubs, perennials, and climbers, and the planting has been kept low to make sure that it doesn’t block the light.
This small garden is a real suntrap, and it’s been made even more inviting by the addition of a shade sail. The sail has been strung up between the house and the fence, and it’s a great way to create a bit of shelter and add a pop of color to the space.
The rest of the garden has been paved with pale stone, and the flooring has been laid in a linear pattern to make the space feel bigger. The linear design draws the eye down the garden and makes it feel longer, and the same effect has been achieved with the horizontal slats in the fence.
The garden has been finished with a mix of potted plants, and the pots have been arranged in small groups to create a sense of balance and harmony. The pots have been planted with a mix of shrubs, perennials, and climbers, and the planting has been kept low to make sure that it doesn’t block the light.
9. Create a small garden that’s also a relaxing retreat
Even the smallest of gardens can be transformed into a tranquil space. This garden designed by Lucy Willcox is the perfect example of how to make the most of a small area.
A circular design creates a sense of flow and space, with a central area for a bistro table and chairs, and raised beds filled with scented herbs and flowers. A simple trellis at the back of the garden is covered in climbers, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion.
The arched doorway is a clever design trick that creates a sense of mystery, making you want to explore what lies beyond. A mirror hung on the wall reflects the garden, making it feel larger, and a simple window box adds a splash of color.
10. Go for a contemporary look
If you’re looking for a modern and convenient way to create a small garden, then the Urban Cedar Planting Table is the perfect solution.
The table is made from Western Red Cedar, which is naturally resistant to rot and decay, so you don’t have to worry about treating the wood. The planting area is lined with a waterproof membrane to protect the wood and the table has a slatted base to allow for drainage.
The table has a large planting area, and there’s also a lower shelf where you can store pots, tools, and other garden essentials. The top shelf is perfect for displaying your favorite plants.
This table is perfect for urban gardens, patios, and balconies, and it’s available in three different sizes.
11. Use the space for a water feature
If you’ve got a small garden, you might think that a water feature is out of the question. But, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate a small pond or fountain to create a relaxing focal point.
This garden by Green Tree Garden Design Ltd features a sleek raised pond with a simple water spout. The pond is surrounded by a small patio area, which makes the most of the space and creates a lovely spot for enjoying the garden.
12. Create a small garden that’s also a cozy outdoor room
If you have a small garden, you might not have room for a separate dining area, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy meals outside. This cozy small garden idea from @jessicajanes_home is perfect for small gardens and patios.
A small bistro set creates a perfect spot for breakfast and coffee, and a matching outdoor sofa and coffee table create a living room feel. The small garden is sectioned off with a stylish black fence, and a statement rug anchors the seating area. Add a few potted plants for a lush feel, and you have a perfect outdoor room.
13. Choose a small garden with a theme
If you’re not sure how to make the most of a small garden space, one of the best things you can do is to choose a theme. This will help to tie everything together and stop the space from feeling cluttered.
Here, the team behind this modern garden has chosen to make the most of the wall space with planters and has included a bench seat and table for alfresco dining. The garden is packed with plants that are perfect for pollinators, and the planting is designed to give a wildflower meadow look.
Plants include ox-eye daisies, field scabious, and knapweed, and the team have chosen a naturalistic color palette of purples, blues, and whites.
You could choose anything from a color theme to a Mediterranean look, or a city garden vibe.
14. Create a small garden that’s also a kitchen
Whether you have an entire garden to work with or just a small balcony, you can still create a space that’s perfect for growing your own fruit and veg.
This small garden has a lovely mix of herbs, fruit and veg. The raised beds provide a bit more growing space and keep the garden looking neat and organized.
15. Go for a Japanese Zen garden
If you love the idea of a low maintenance garden, then a Japanese Zen garden is the perfect choice. You can create a calming and serene space with just a few carefully chosen elements.
To create a Japanese Zen garden in a small space, you’ll need to focus on simplicity and minimalism. Start with a simple layout and use just a few carefully chosen plants, such as Japanese maple and bamboo. Add a water feature, such as a small pond or a simple water bowl, and finish with a gravel or sand mulch.
You can also add rocks and stone features to create a focal point in the garden. You can also add a simple wooden bench or a few stepping stones to create a focal point in the garden.
16. Create a small garden with a Mediterranean feel
If you want to create a more exotic feel in your small garden, why not give it a Mediterranean twist?
Choose plants that are often found in the Mediterranean, such as olive trees, lavender, rosemary and cistus, and combine them with terracotta pots and colorful tiles to create a relaxed, holiday vibe.
17. Choose a small garden that’s also a flower garden
This small garden idea is great if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outdoor space.
This garden is filled with flowers and even has a decorative garden fence to keep the blooms safe.
The best part? You can change up the flowers each year to keep your garden looking fresh.
18. Create a small garden that’s also a mini vegetable plot
If you want to create a small garden that’s also productive, then take inspiration from this lovely space. The small garden has been divided into two areas: a seating area with a bench and a small table and chairs, and a mini vegetable plot.
The veg plot is neatly defined by a low box hedge and is filled with raised beds. The raised beds have been positioned to create a lovely pattern and are filled with a variety of crops. We love how the beds have been edged with decorative bricks and the paths in between have been laid with gravel.
The seating area has been kept simple with a bench and a small table and chairs, so it doesn’t take up too much space. The area has been made more private with the addition of a trellis on one side, which is planted with a honeysuckle.
19. Choose a small garden that’s also an urban oasis
The owners of this small garden in London wanted to create an urban oasis that would provide a tranquil escape from city life. The garden is a symphony of green, with a simple palette of box, hornbeam, ivy, and ferns creating a calming yet dynamic space.
The garden is also packed with clever small garden ideas, including a living wall, a sunken seating area, and a hidden outdoor kitchen. The garden is divided into zones by the two paths that criss-cross the space, which gives the garden a sense of structure.
20. Create a small garden that’s also a mini orchard
If you want to make the most of your small garden, why not create an orchard? You can grow all sorts of fruits in the UK, from apples and pears to plums, cherries, and more.
You can also grow fruit among other plants. For example, strawberries can be grown in hanging baskets or containers, and raspberries can be trained up a trellis or fence.
The beauty of an orchard is that fruit trees can be pruned to fit the space, and you can grow them in containers if you don’t have room in the ground.
21. Choose a small garden that’s also a rose garden
If you love roses, you can still have a small garden that’s filled with them – just look at this garden. It may be tiny, but it’s packed with roses and the look is beautifully romantic.
The garden is also packed with other plants, including foxgloves, lupins, and geraniums, and the color scheme is kept to a soft pink and purple with green foliage.
22. Create a small garden that’s also a wildlife-friendly oasis
If you’re short on space but still want to create a wildlife-friendly garden, there are plenty of ways you can do so. This small garden design from The Greenery is a great example of how you can pack a lot of punch into a small space.
The garden is home to a variety of wildlife-friendly plants, including echinacea, buddleia, and lavender, which attract bees and butterflies. There’s also a small pond, which provides a water source for wildlife, and a bug hotel, which offers shelter for insects.
23. Choose a small garden with a water view
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond or lake in your garden, make the most of it by creating a seating area where you can sit and relax and enjoy the view.
This decked area has been created on the edge of a pond, with a simple wooden bench and a table. The area is surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers, which helps to blend the space into the garden.
Conclusion
The key to making a big impact in a small space is to simplify. You can also save money. You don’t need to buy expensive outdoor furniture or accessories. You can use items that you already have at home or that you can find for less. The key is to plan and prioritize. Your small garden will be transformed in no time.
