How To Make The Most Of A Small Garden 

Ready to create a garden oasis that will leave your neighbours green with envy? It doesn’t matter if you have a tiny backyard or a small budget, with some clever planning and creativity, you can transform even the most compact outdoor space into a stunning garden paradise.

In fact, having a smaller outdoor area has its advantages – less space means less maintenance, which is ideal for those with busy schedules or who are new to gardening. 

Before you jump into your project, take some time to plan. Are you in search of a tranquil retreat to unwind or a place for your little ones and furry friends to play freely? Make a list of the features you want to include, such as living walls, water features, or vegetable patches. Consider your design scheme, whether you want a vibrant, energetic space or a peaceful, relaxing environment. 

With thought and creativity, you can turn your compact backyard into a bijou paradise. To help, we’ve put together a list of small garden ideas to inspire you, whatever your lifestyle, budget, or experience level. From an urban oasis to kitchen gardens, there’s something for everyone.

Let it grow 

Small gardens can benefit greatly from the addition of plants and flowers, which can provide a burst of colour while also supporting local wildlife. You don’t need to be an experienced gardener to incorporate a few well-chosen shrubs, plants, or bushes into your garden, and a raised bed is a great space-saving tip. With the right balance of sun and shade, your faithful foliage can be relatively low maintenance. 

Garden artwork 

Artwork is a great way to add interest to any small garden, particularly when space is at a premium. Abstract or modern sculptures can add a contemporary touch while stone or metal can add texture and depth. Functional pieces of art, such as fountains or water features add visual interest to your garden and also create a soothing and calming atmosphere. 

You can hang artwork on garden walls or fences, such as decorative wall hangings or mirrors (a portrait orientation to draw the eye upwards, creating a sense of height and spaciousness). Choose waterproof and weather-resistant materials to ensure your artwork will withstand the elements.

Feature flooring 

If you’re short on space, you can create heaps of interest with feature flooring. You could opt for jazzy decking, antique stone, or our favourite option, imprinted concrete. We offer a variety of styles and colours to choose from, such as basket weave and random stone, but our favourite is the versatile European Fan design – a stunning shell-like pattern complements both contemporary and traditional properties.

While a real stone version is an option, it can be time-consuming and costly to install. Imprinted concrete will help you to achieve a realistic look in less time and at a fraction of the cost. 

Think vertically

If you have a small garden, thinking vertically is a key tip to maximize your space. By adding a trellis, gazebo, artwork, planters, or lighting, you can create interest and add visual appeal to your garden. Moreover, wooden structures offer the opportunity to festoon twinkly fairy lights, adding to the overall charm.

A raised section on the ground can create a different zone for relaxation, dining, or as a suntrap for your loungers. By choosing versatile furniture, such as a sofa with a table that can be raised and lowered, you can double up your seating and dining area. Slimmer furniture options will also save space and make your garden feel more spacious.

Clever colour choices

Choosing lighter colours for the floors and fences in a small garden has multiple benefits. Not only do lighter colours reflect more natural light, making the space appear brighter and more open, but they also create a cohesive and harmonious design scheme. Lighter floors and fences provide a neutral backdrop that allows other elements, such as furniture, décor, plants, and flowers to stand out and make a statement.

Moreover, lighter colours are practical for outdoor spaces that are exposed to the elements. They are easier to maintain and keep clean, as they are less likely to show dirt, debris, or water marks. 

Flow into a path 

A garden path provides structure and movement to a small garden, making it easier to maintain and protecting delicate plants from foot traffic. Choosing the same materials and design for your path and patio creates a sense of flow, while a different design can make it a striking feature. Adding a well-designed path enhances the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space and adds value to your garden.

Imprinted concrete is a cost-effective and versatile material that offers a wide range of design possibilities to suit your personal style.

Low level walls 

Repurposing low-level walls can be a great way to be clever with space in a small garden. You can transform retaining walls into seating areas by adding all-weather cushions to create space-saving benches that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

Attract wildlife 

Small gardens can still be a haven for wildlife. By creating feeding areas, you can invite various animals, such as birds, squirrels, and hedgehogs, into your outdoor space. Bird tables and hanging feeders are effective in luring different bird species, while also keeping insects at bay. 

Outdoor lighting

Give your outdoor space some sparkle by adding lighting. If you don’t have access to electricity outdoors, don’t worry – solar lights are a fantastic alternative and will save on energy costs and consumption. 

String lights look lovely in gardens and can be festooned along fences, around sheds or added to parasols for entertaining under the stars. Wall and patio lights not only look great but can also act as an added security element, while lightbulbs on stakes are a cheap and easy way to shed some light on the situation.

Sheds, shacks and chalets 

Small gardens can benefit from sheds and Wendy houses, as they provide additional storage and versatile functionality. Sheds can serve as DIY workshops, bar spaces for summer garden parties, hideouts for children, and storage areas for garden furniture. 

To enhance the aesthetic of your garden, consider painting your shed a neutral colour to maintain a sense of calm and contemporary elegance, or add a brighter and more adventurous shade for a pop of colour and burst of energy.

Take a seat 

If you’ve got space to spare, you can create multiple zones for dining and relaxing, incorporating chairs and tables along with furniture for relaxation. But if your space is sparse, why not opt for statement seating? You could try deck chairs, hammocks, sun loungers and swing seats. The perfect way to relax and soak up the sun. 

Singapore Hanging Egg Chair from Dunelm 

Recycle and refashion 

There are many ways to spruce up your garden on a budget, and one of our favourites is by upcycling unwanted furniture or objects. Pallets are fantastic for repurposing – you can simply add a lick of weatherproof paint to create a plant stand, or even make yourself a lounger or table. Old sinks, furniture and even wellies can be used as planters. 

Image from Garden Organic 

Why choose imprinted concrete for your garden? 

Imprinted concrete is fantastic for small gardens. It’s affordable, long-lasting, and comes in a variety of designs that mimic traditional materials like wood, cobblestones, and slate. Plus, it’s resistant to weeds and sinkage, and the colours won’t fade over time. You can choose from a wide range of colours and patterns, and even create a custom design to fit a particular area in your garden.

Why use Avon Cobblestone? 

Avon Cobblestone is a family-run business with over 30 years of experience in installing imprinted concrete in gardens, patios, paths, and driveways. Our products perfectly balance aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, durability, and low maintenance. Our team of qualified professionals ensures that every installation is carried out with care and attention to detail, so you can enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting garden surface.

If you’re looking to use imprinted concrete to jazz up your garden for the summer, please contact us ASAP as we are getting booked up very quickly! 

For a no-obligation chat about our services please call 01454 633394 or use our contact form for a free quote.