Landscaping – The Potential in Small Gardens

From time to time, I also get gardening-related questions submitted to us, so every now and then I’ll give you some general gardening tips and strategies too.  Since us plant lovers need to stick together!  So here’s a gardening-related article you should enjoy along with some tools that might help you out…

Today the majority of people have smaller gardens on smaller plots because of growing population and the need of space close to central points. This, however, should not prevent people from getting excited about their gardens, because even small gardens have the potential to be charming, welcoming and well designed. Less space can mean less costs and less work.

Small gardens have complete rules of their own when it comes to design and can actually make you attentive of more detail. A small garden does not have to be restricted to straight neat lines that can even make it seem smaller and cramped. Curves (in the form of stone walkways or curved flower beds) in small gardens create flow or motion and the illusion of more space. Old wood and rock gives texture to a garden while the division of the space into “compartments” by creating different levels can also expand your garden. This can be done by creating a sitting area on a raised platform or by raising some flowerbeds. You can also use bridges, gazebos or trellises to divide areas and placing interesting elements, such as groups of rocks or same coloured plants, in different areas, can ensure more pleasant experiences for you and visitors. To prevent the garden from looking cluttered, it is important to keep the same kinds of plants and rocks together so unity can be achieved.

Different colours, sizes, shapes and textures of plants can actually make a garden look more spacious. In these gardens, you should stick with few colours, preferably in the same shades, together with a lot of greenery. The size of plants should be in proportion to the garden as to not overwhelm it. Repeat certain plants throughout the garden and do not use many different tree species. Use smaller plants in front and bigger plants at the back to create the illusion of size.

Another way to create illusion of depth is to incorporate glass and even mirrors into the garden by placing them on garden walls or walls of the house. Splash pools are great alternatives to swimming pools that fit into larger gardens and fitting water features into small gardens are possible in some cases. It is important to “guide” visitors from the road to the door and through the backyard in an inviting way. The design of the front yard should make the first and striking impression.

It is a good idea to coordinate the outdoor design with the house and possibly around a single theme. Choosing a colour scheme and outdoor accessories that compliment indoor accessories can create a lasting impact.

Ultimately, designing a small garden is just as imaginative as and sometimes even more mysterious than a large garden. You do not need acres of grass and vast open spaces to create a welcoming, beautiful space. You will have to take care of your garden and would it not be mush easier to keep fewer acres attractive? Landscaping a small garden saves time and money while providing all the charm you need.

For the past 20 years, Creative Landscaping has been turning dull and dreary areas into perfectly crafted landscapes for both private and corporate clients in the greater Gauteng area (including Johannesburg & Pretoria). Our service offering includes, but is not limited to:

Exterior & Interior Landscaping – Water Features, Rock Features, Wooden Decking, Pathways, Landscape architecture

Irrigation & Estate Management (Maintenance) – Irrigation Systems, Garden Fertilizing & Treatment, Garden Maintenance, Estate Garden Management