Small backyards are found in both urban and suburban areas – they can be irregularly shaped, boxy, different elevations, or all one elevation. No matter what the backyard garden starts off as, there are so many ways to not only get the most out of your own usable space, but to make the space as a whole appear much larger than it actually is. Follow these great tips to plan out your perfect backyard garden.
1. Stay Aware of Color
Cool, light colored shades will let the area feel larger, while bright, bold, and darker shades will make the space feel smaller. The same principle works for plants – pale pinks, blues, and yellows should be placed at boundaries, evoking depth. Bolder blooms should be placed with focus in central areas. White foliage will work in the same way, so pay attention to which plants should go where.
2. Add Walkways Between Garden Beds
When you space gardens out 18 to 25 inches, this makes enough room for a usable walkway. It should be wider if you will be moving large equipment back and forth, but this is just a simple guideline. This will add usefulness to the overall space of the back yard and garden. You will not be limited to space, as guests will be able to move freely about on the walking path. Gardening is also fun, especially when you get the kids involved, incorporating this into the walking area will allow them to show it off.
3. Make Plans Keeping Proportions in Mind
Small gardens with large features will make the space appear even smaller and feel cramped. Opt for modestly sized feature items that are in proportion with the overall size of the space. Do not dwarf all items in the space like pots and paving, this will oddly have the opposite effect.
4. Include a Mirror
Mirrors have the ability to make smaller spaces appear larger, so they are especially useful in an awkwardly shaped area. They should be angled to highlight a visually appealing space, such as a feature or plants. Hiding the mirror’s edges will enhance the illusion – this can be done using tight-knit lattice or climbing plants. Opt for an acrylic mirror rather than a glass one, just in case it breaks.
5. Embrace the Surrounding Scenery
Utilizing the scenery that surrounds your yard will make it feel much larger. You’ll want to use similar shapes, colors, and plants to blend in with the wider landscape. Also, if there are plants flowing over from your neighbor’s yard, opt to incorporate them into your own landscape. Small spaces appear larger when the boundaries are blurred.
6. Add Decking
Smaller decks generally won’t cost an arm and a leg – a simple deck with basic materials won’t cost much and can be built in a weekend. Adding a deck will encourage a dedicated seating area around a feature, like a fire pit or will be a feature itself. This is a great way to add varying heights of features in your backyard.
7. Textures Should Vary
Texture has the ability to create distance and depth. Small, fine leaves should be position farther away, while bold leaved plants should be in the foreground to draw the eye. If you have a sloping, shallow area, this trick will work especially well. A deck provides more usable space in a backyard, perfect for when you host parties or barbecues.
8. Create Separate Spaces
Dividing a space into a series of smaller areas will obscure the real size of the area, making it feel larger than it is. This can be accomplished with freestanding walls, wooden trellis, or plantings. It will also create curiosity around what is beyond the boundaries.
9. Utilize Light Reflection
Natural light that reflects into a space will make it feel less claustrophobic. Quartzite, granite, and other light surfaces will really brighten up a space, along with glass tables that won’t take up a lot of visual space. Steel pots and glossy foliage will draw in more light as well.
