You may feel like your options for landscaping are limited If you have a small backyard. But the truth is, with a little creativity and careful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that maximises every inch of your property.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best ways to create a big impact in a small backyard, so you can enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical gardens have become one of the hottest trends in gardening, yet they are one of the oldest gardening techniques in existence. It involves using structures such as trellises or columnar trees to create garden rooms or define hidden spaces, making it a perfect solution for just about any garden, whether in- or outdoors. In addition to being a great space-saving option, vertical gardens can draw attention to a specific area or disguise an unattractive view. By attaching trellises to the ground or large containers, you can grow vines, flowers, and even vegetables in vertical garden pots using much less space than traditional gardening requires
Create layers
Layered gardens are a popular landscaping technique that can give your garden a lush and sophisticated look. To achieve a layered garden, plants are placed in a fore, middle and background configuration based on their size, shape, texture and colour. Layering also involves creating layers in the vertical plane, such as tall trees with bare trunks, medium hedges growing underneath, and groundcovers creeping out from the bottom. This technique is not only effective in wide garden beds but can also be used in narrow spaces to create a stunning display of foliage, texture and colour. While landscape layering can be tricky, with the right design and planning, you can create a beautiful and visually appealing garden in your own backyard.
Statement pot plants
When it comes to creating an instant garden courtyard on a patio or balcony, potted plants are a great solution. Since potted plants lose moisture much more quickly than in-ground plants, it’s important to monitor moisture levels regularly and reduce moisture loss by applying a few centimetres of fine bark mulch. Well-fed plants are also healthier and more productive, so consider using liquid plant foods or controlled-release fertilisers that release nutrients slowly over time. And if you’re looking for a stunning feature plant, the Australian tree fern with its slender trunk and arching fronds is a great choice. It thrives in tropical to subtropical conditions, full sun to part shade, in well-drained soil.
Maximise natural light
Designing a small garden or courtyard can be challenging, but understanding how light works in the space is crucial. It’s important to consider how the light changes throughout the day and year and select plants that thrive in those conditions. It’s also essential to understand the plant’s behaviour over time, including its growth rate and water requirements. While all plants can fail, giving them what they need and love is paramount. With careful consideration and planning, a small garden can be transformed into a beautiful oasis that maximises natural light and showcases flourishing plants.
Screening plants
With the right selection and placement of screening plants, you can enjoy your outdoor space in complete privacy. Your landscape specialist can help you to figure out how high and wide you want your plants to determine the type of screening plant that’s best for your space. For instance, a low-growing hedge might be ideal for planting behind a front fence to avoid completely hiding your home’s façade. Alternatively, a tall-growing tree could create a natural privacy screen around a pool. Popular screening plants include Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘James Stirling’, Viburnum odoratissimum (fast-growing), Viburnum tinus (slower growing), Buxus ‘Box hedge’, and Waterhouse floribunda (weeping lilli pilly).
Rooftop Garden
Rooftop gardens are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They offer numerous advantages, including the chance to enjoy outdoor living space and grow fresh food even if you live in a unit complex in the city. In addition, they add value to your property, clean the air, and give you the opportunity to reconnect with nature, all while offering beautiful views in the background. Create a rooftop featuring large garden beds filled with soft, textural plants in shades of green that make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Trellis the fence
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your yard, don’t overlook the potential of your fences. While plain white fences may provide a sense of enclosure, they can also be a bit bland. By adding decorative items or painting them, you can give your fences a whole new look and make them more visually appealing. One idea to consider is attaching planters to your fences to add more greenery to your yard. This is a simple yet effective way to add depth and interest to your space, while also creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. With a little creativity and some DIY know-how, you can transform your plain fences into a stunning and eye-catching feature in your yard.
Gold Coast Expert Landscapers
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in even the smallest of spaces. With the right design and planning, you can create a beautiful outdoor oasis that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
Call the experts in Gold Coast landscape design and construction at Lynx Landscaping. We offer a full range of services, including outdoor space landscaping and fencing.
If you are after friendly, cost-effective solutions and expert landscaping advice, contact us at 0406 819 620 to get a free quote and let us show you how we can transform your outdoor space.
