We all love our yards, but sometimes you might wish for a few more square feet. Your backyard is like an extension of your home. It’s a living space where you can entertain, relax, or share a meal with your family. However, when you have a small space, it might be hard to envision what you can do with it. Not to fear. Just because you have a small plot does not mean you are limited in ideas. On the contrary, you can transform that space to get the most out of every inch. Here are some backyard landscaping ideas for small spaces.
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Decorate Your Deck
If you have a small yard where it’s not realistic to run around, then a deck might be the perfect option for you. It would act as another room to your house and give you a place to hang out and relax when you want to. If you already have a deck, there are some things you can do to breathe new life into it. For instance, grow some perennials on a trellis to keep the prying eyes of the neighbors at bay. You can also have hanging plants from a canopy to provide shade and keep out the heat. Always remember to plan out a design and remember to make it to scale.
Perspective Is Everything
Try using the power of perspective to make your garden seem bigger than it actually is. Using long, straight lines in your design will help achieve that effect. If your garden is fenced in, then gradually make the opposing lines get closer together. You can do this with pathways and rows of flowers, too. Always have a focal point at the end of the lines that will unite them and make them feel like they are one. While it won’t actually grow your garden, it will give off the illusion.
Flowering Wall
Need more space for the garden of your dreams? You can always plant it on a wall in your yard. You can either create a wall, add flowers to your fence, or add a trellis. You can grow flowers, but another idea is to grow herbs. Grow bags or planters can be installed on the vertical space so you can grow thyme, sage, and anything else you enjoy. If you plant flowers, you can use various colors to create a visual feast. You get the benefit of a backyard garden without using the limited space in your yard.
Create Separate Sections
It might seem counterintuitive, but creating sections also creates the illusion of space. For instance, take your backyard furniture and move pieces in the appropriate areas. You can have a sitting area, a dining area, and a sunning area, for example. Other than the furniture, short shrubs are another great way to create separation. Short shrubs also add to the illusion and provide a rustic feeling that’s connected with nature.
Sanctuary
One area you can carve out is a little private space where you can read, take a nap, do yoga, or enjoy the sounds and smells of your yard. You can make this little private oasis by growing tall plants on trellises around it. Another option is to head to a plant and tree nursery and get some evergreens to plant around the perimeter. Being evergreens, they’ll provide that separation in every season. Then, when the temperature is right, you can mix in some colors, such as polka dot plants or lilies, that will contrast with the evergreens.
Light Up Your Life
Every yard needs some light in it. That goes for big yards and small yards. Incorporating a visually appealing lighting system into your landscaping can do wonders for the space. If you want to be dramatic, use a focus point, like a large tree. You can use recessed lighting, either on top or built into your deck for a more relaxed mood. Tiki torches and lanterns add a rustic feel. For a party vibe, hang some white Christmas lights on your fence, trellis, or deck railing. Finally, if you want to conserve energy, you can get solar lights that store power during the day so they can be turned on all night.
Plan For Your Pets
It’s hard when you have pets and a small yard. However, there are some ways that you can maximize the space they have and the enjoyment they get out of being outside. To start with, try to have your plants off the ground. You can hang them or use a floral wall. However, you want the plants to be low enough for your dog to get a scent. They love to be outside, smelling everything around them. If your pet loves to munch on your plants, consider some raised beds if they are small enough. When you have a small yard, pet waste suddenly seems overrunning, so clean it regularly or use synthetic grass for easy cleaning.
Moon Garden
If you’re off at your career working hard all day, there’s a good chance that you get home after the sun has gone down. You might not get to enjoy your yard in the sun, but you can still enjoy it in the dark. That’s what a mood garden is for. When you have a focal point, like your deck, patio, or sitting area, surround it with a reflective plant. Examples include azaleas, hydrangeas, and lamb’s ear. These plants have a stronger scent at night and will reflect the light you have in your garden to provide a peaceful glow. It’s very relaxing and a great backdrop for catching up with your family over drinks.
Don’t let your small yard get you down. Instead, incorporate some of these ideas into your backyard so you can get the most out of your space and to make it look and feel amazing.
