A garden is an important part of any household. It is your own private space in which you can enjoy the summer sunshine, admire the winter frost, listen to the morning birdsong, and watch the stars come out at night. It is a place to enjoy peace and quiet and feel at one with nature.
A beautiful garden not only makes you feel good, it also adds monumental value to any home. Studies show that a garden can increase a property’s value by around 20%. But what if you only have a tiny outdoor space? Does a small garden prohibit you from enjoying all the benefits that one would enjoy with a spacious backyard?
The answer is absolutely not. A homeowner with limited outdoor square footage can appreciate all the same advantages, while having to put in much less effort than someone with a larger garden. It may take a little more creativity and innovation to make the most of your space, but by following these five tips, you’ll be able to boost curb appeal and create a garden you can feel proud to spend time in.
Keep it tidy
Clutter is the one thing that will make any small space feel even smaller, so make the effort to keep your garden clean and tidy at all times. Get rid of any junk and keep kid’s toys and tools stored away rather than strewn across the grass. Ensure your lawn is mowed often and well-maintained, and any weeds are disposed of.
Create the illusion of space
Although you can’t actually expand your garden, there are ways to make it feel bigger than it really is. Planting species that grow vertically rather than outwards, such as climbers and tall, narrow trees, draws the eye upwards and creates this illusion. Using outdoor mirrors can also create a sense of depth, and adopting light colours for your paving and furniture can make your space feel brighter and more open.
Keep borders simple
The edges of your garden are the perfect place to grow plants, bushes, and trees but you don’t want to overdo it or you risk encroaching into your limited free space. You can easily keep borders simple and uncluttered while still ensuring they are full of attractive flowers and greenery. Get outside once a week to trim and maintain your borders, and don’t be afraid to change things up if it’s not working.
Create a focal point
Having a single focal point in your garden can make your space more interesting to look at, while also feeling more expansive. This could be anything, such as a water feature, a shed, or a bench at the end of the garden with a limestone gravel path leading towards it.
Invite nature in
The introduction of wildlife can turn the most basic of backyards into a bustling, tropical paradise. Installing a bird feeder will invite a wide variety of fluttering creatures into your outdoor space, while bright, colourful plants will increase the likelihood of spotting butterflies, caterpillars and other wonderful creatures.
What other tips can you think of to maximize a small garden?
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