Easy and Smart Ideas for Small Garden Design
Not everyone has a big garden. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it beautiful, functional, and enjoyable. In fact, small gardens have a special charm. With a few clever ideas and the right design, a small outdoor space can feel just as relaxing and welcoming as a larger one, sometimes even more so. It’s all about using the space wisely and focusing on what really matters to you.
In this post, we’ll share simple and practical tips to help you make the most of your small garden. Whether you want to create a modern look or a cosy, green retreat, we’ve got ideas that work. We’ll also explain why hiring a garden designer in Nottingham can save you time, reduce stress, and help you get the best results from your outdoor space.
Let’s get in and start designing your perfect small garden!
Keep It Low-Maintenance
Small gardens should be easy to take care of. This means you don’t want to spend hours every week pulling weeds or trimming plants. Keep your garden simple so you can enjoy it more.
Here’s how:
Use plants that don’t need much water or care.
Choose clean and modern layouts with less clutter.
Add stones, gravel, or paving to reduce muddy areas.
A low-maintenance garden will save you time and look tidy all year round.
Pick the Right Plants
Plants are the heart of any garden. But in a small space, you need to choose wisely. Go for plants that stay small or grow slowly. You can also mix flowers, herbs, and evergreens to keep your garden colourful throughout the year.
Great plant ideas for small gardens:
Lavender (smells nice and easy to grow)
Boxwood (great for shape and structure)
Dwarf roses (beautiful and compact)
Thyme or mint (good for cooking and ground cover)
Don’t forget to use native plants—they’re good for local bees and need less water.
Grow Up, Not Out
When your garden is small, every inch of space matters. If you don’t have much room on the ground, look up! One of the best ways to make a small garden feel bigger and greener is to use your walls, fences, and other vertical surfaces. This technique is called vertical gardening, and it’s both clever and stylish.
By growing plants upwards instead of outwards, you can enjoy more greenery without losing valuable floor space. Vertical gardens are also eye-catching and can turn a plain wall or fence into a beautiful, living feature.
Here are some easy vertical garden ideas to try:
Wall planters or hanging pots: These are perfect for flowers, herbs, or succulents.
Trellises or climbing frames: Support climbing plants like clematis, jasmine, ivy, or sweet peas.
Wooden pallet or ladder-style planters: Great for growing herbs, salad greens, or small flowers in tiers.
Vertical gardening works in almost any space—courtyards, patios, balconies, or narrow side gardens. It adds depth, colour, and interest while freeing up your ground area for seating or walking. It’s a simple way to bring more life and personality to your garden, no matter its size.
Save Water with Smart Tools
Watering a garden can take time, especially in summer. But there are smart ways to save water and still keep your garden healthy.
Tips to use water wisely:
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses
Set up a timer to water your plants automatically
Collect rainwater in a barrel and use it for watering
Add mulch around plants to keep the soil moist
These tools make your garden greener and reduce waste.
Use Containers for Flexibility
Pots and containers are perfect for small gardens. You can move them around and change the look of your space any time. Use containers for herbs, flowers, or even small trees.
Tips for container gardening:
Pick light, colourful pots that suit your garden’s style
Mix tall and short plants to create interest
Group pots in corners or near seating areas
Try seasonal flowers for fresh looks during the year
Container gardening is also great if your garden has poor soil or little ground space.
Add Paths and Patios
Even in a small garden, it helps to create different zones. A small path, deck, or patio can make your garden feel more open and neat. It also gives you a dry place to sit or walk.
Ideas for simple hardscaping:
Stone slabs or stepping stones
Wooden decking
Gravel areas for a natural look
Raised beds for planting
Choose materials that are easy to clean and last long. Light colours can make your space feel bigger.
Choose Small Furniture
Big, bulky furniture can quickly overwhelm a small garden and make it feel tight or cluttered. That’s why it’s important to choose furniture that suits the size and shape of your space. Look for items that are lightweight, compact, or foldable, so you can move or store them easily when not in use. This helps keep your garden open and flexible for different activities.
Some smart furniture choices for small gardens include:
A bistro table with two chairs – perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.
Built-in benches along a wall – these save space and can also act as planters.
Foldable chairs or stools – easy to bring out when you have guests.
Storage benches – great for seating and hiding away garden tools or cushions.
To make your outdoor area feel warm and inviting, add a few simple touches like seat cushions, lanterns, or a small coffee table.
Light It Up
Lighting is key if you want to enjoy your garden at night. It also makes the space feel safe and beautiful.
Try these lighting ideas:
Solar lights along paths
Fairy lights in trees or fences
Wall lights to brighten corners
Uplights to highlight plants or walls
Soft lighting makes your garden feel bigger and adds a lovely mood.
Add Small Features
Even a small garden can have a big personality. A simple feature like a tiny water fountain, a sculpture, or a bird feeder can bring charm to your garden.
Some ideas:
A small stone water bowl
A mirror to reflect light and space
A piece of garden art or ornament
Colourful pots or garden signs
These features make your garden feel special and inviting.
Keep It Clean and Tidy
Lastly, take a little time now and then to care for your garden. Remove dead leaves, trim plants, and wipe surfaces. A clean garden always looks better and feels peaceful.
Quick garden care checklist:
Water once or twice a week
Prune once a month
Remove weeds regularly
Add mulch twice a year
You don’t need to work hard—just keep it simple and regular.
Why Choose Aspen Garden Design
Aspen Garden Design is a trusted garden designer in Nottingham. We help people turn their small outdoor spaces into relaxing, beautiful gardens. We listen to your ideas, understand your needs, and create designs that fit your lifestyle. Whether you want a calm space, a play area, or a garden full of colour, we can help make it real.
We also focus on easy-care gardens, using smart layouts, great materials, and plants that last. Your dream garden is just a few steps away.
Visit Aspen Garden Design now to book a free consultation.
Final Thoughts
Small gardens can be beautiful, simple, and fun. With a little planning and the right design, you can create a space that feels peaceful, fresh, and full of life. Use containers, smart lighting, and vertical gardening to save space. Add features you love and keep it tidy.
And if you want expert help, work with a garden designer in Nottingham like Aspen Garden Design. They’ll bring your ideas to life and help you enjoy your garden all year round.
