Create a Small Garden For a Small Yard – How

Create a Small Garden For a Small Yard – How

April 22, 2011 by in garden design with Comments Off

Create a Small Garden For a Small Yard – How to Plan a Little Garden

You can create the garden of your dreams on a small scale when you turn your tiny back yard into a perfect garden.

The easiest way to begin is to assess what you already have in your yard. Maybe a small tree grows in the far corner. Maybe the former owners had a little vegetable plot. Perhaps, there is a small brick patio. Decide what you like about the yard and work around it.

Then, think about what you hate about the little yard. Maybe that tree appears sickly, or just on its last legs. In that case, cut it down. Maybe the whole yard is covered with cement. You can get into container gardening or break up some of that concrete (not as hard as it seems) to open up some ground. You can even use the broken concrete pieces as edging for a garden!

Design your garden around what you like about the yard. Is it a sunny place? You may want to plant a small tree for shake. Take advantage of that sunshine and buy sun-loving plants. If you get morning sun, all the better for all the plants. Where does the shade fall in the evening? The light that your yard receives can help the decision making process.

If you live in a townhouse, you can increase the apparent size of your yard by creating angled or rounded paths.

Next, you need to enrich the soil. If it’s packed hard, break it up. You can build raised beds where you not only enrich the soil but pile new soil on top. Many landfills offer free mulch and compost. It’s a bit of work to get it that way, but those bags you buy at the big box store really add up the cost of building a garden. And they are not easy to lug around either.

For an attractive, well-balanced garden, think of some simple design elements including your vertical and horizontal space. The right juxtaposition of these two elements adds visual interest to your garden. Trees, of course, make for the best vertical element. They provide shade and privacy. Many types of small trees are available for a small yard. Some shrubs resemble small trees, so check them out as well.

Don’t forget to include some shrubs in your garden design. They provide added interest and texture. Evergreen shrubs will keep your garden looking lush all year long.

Horizontal space can be filled with flowers, interesting grasses, herbs, vegetables, or a mix of all four. Just make sure that the plants you choose grow well in your area. Remember that perennial flowers come back every year so even though they cost more than annuals, a hardy perennial is worth the investment. Many perennial plants can be divided the next year so you not only get more bang for your buck, but the repeating element will enhance your garden design.

A lovely back yard garden will make the air smell sweeter. You can add to that delicious effect by using aromatic plants. Don’t get carried away with strong scented plants like Oriental lilies; too many can be overpowering and unpleasant.

But think of the scent factor when you purchase plants for your garden. Roses, for instance, can be almost scentless. The right kind of rose, however, can add a hint of sweetness and make you really feel like you are in a garden.

Climbing roses or vines can be used to enhance the vertical elements of your garden design. Buy or build a sturdy trellis to support these climbing plants and have yourself a wall of flowers. You can also build an archway or tall garden gate to add that vertical interest and also use to support climbing roses or vines.

Containers are a great for a small city garden. Plants in containers vary the height at which your herbaceous plants grow and add to the total impact of your design. If you like very large containers overturn an old bucket at the bottom of the container, then add your soil. You’ll need to use less soil that way.

Decorate your garden with special objects. A quaint, old chair can be used to support a small container of plants. A birdbath attracts birds and adds a small water element. (Make sure to change the water often so as not to grow mosquitoes) A small, splashing fountain attracts birds and adds a delightfully refreshing sound. Bird feeders hung from the trees add visual interest and the pleasure of hearing birdsong.

Visit botanical gardens in your area. Read books about gardening. Though botanical gardens and books might seem overwhelming and often feature very large, ornate gardens, you can get some great ideas. Research the kinds of plants that you like, and study how the plants are presented. Get a feel for what you like in a garden.

With a little research and a lot of elbow grease, you can create a garden sanctuary in your little back yard, a place to unwind and relax.




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