In a diverse environment such as Australia, not everyone has a big backyard. Many of us live in the city, with a small verandah that we use as our yard or garden.
In a diverse environment such as Australia, not everyone has a big backyard. Many of us live in the city, with a small verandah that we use as our yard or garden. If this is the case, we need to make the most of the space that we do have. If you have a love of gardening, but don’t have much of a yard to play around with, do not fear. There are plenty of ways that you can still have your gardening fix, all within the small area of the yard that you have to work with. Here are some simple tips and tricks you can utilise to ensure that the space you do have is used most effectively.
1. Think vertically
You don’t need a large garden to have beautiful shrubs and flowers on display. In fact, all you really need is a good old wall. More and more houses and units are utilising outdoor wall areas to be used as landscaping areas. Vertical gardens have increased in popularity over the past few years. Not only does it make use of vertical space, but it can also work to cover any unsightly walls that you would like to cover up. This is especially handy if you’re renting and don’t have the option to paint any of the outside walls.
2. Use garden towers
Need some height for your gardening needs, but can’t use your adjoining wall? That’s not a problem. All you need are some flower pots of varying sizes. By filling them with potting mix and stacking your flower pots within each other, you can have a stunning and beautiful floral tower. You can choose flowers as your main plant, but herbs are also a great addition, especially if you love cooking with fresh herbs. The best part is, this can be stacked outside on a balcony or small courtyard and easily accommodate a variety of plants and flowers.
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3. Use the pathways
Do you have pathways in your yard? Often, people will forget that these areas can be used for plants and landscaping. The edges of your pathways can be a great opportunity for planting small shrubs and flowers, which can certainly add interest to your garden path. Be creative! Use a variety of heights, textures and colours to line the path for optimum impact.
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4. Think in layers
Often when a slope is involved in a yard, people think this can’t or won’t be used very effectively for planting. The truth is, this can be a good opportunity to layer your landscape. By adding various steps or levels to your yard, you can have a multi-surface textured area to add plants to. Flat surfaces are ideal for flowers and shrubs, while areas that have inclines and declines are great for grassed areas. Of course, big landscaping changes might not be possible if you’re renting a property, but if you own your home, you may want to consider layering your yard to add extra space.
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5. Less can be more
Have a look at your space that you have available and consider the fact that less might be more. You don’t need to have copious amounts of flowers, plants, trees and shrubs with a huge outdoor dining setting for it to feel like home. Often, a smaller yard or patio area just needs a couple of plants, a small seating area and that’s enough to make your yard comfortable. Think about reducing clutter and sticking to the basics. This could be the key to getting your yard just right, especially if you don’t have much room to work with.
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6. Use planters where possible
If you don’t have much ground room for planting directly into the earth, consider using planters. They can be a great way to add some greenery to your yard, without having to dig into the ground. You can also use benches in your yard that have planter boxes attached. These are great space-saving furniture items that enable you to add some simple seating, as well as your favourite blooms.
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7. Use water features
Is your backyard basically just a decking area? Do you only have a verandah to work with? You might want to consider a small water feature or two. Water fountains add a wonderful touch to your landscaping, without adding extra maintenance to your design. There are various sized features available, from small versions that can rest on top of your outdoor dining table, to larger features that sit prominently in the yard or take up a whole wall. Depending on the size of your yard or balcony, and what you have available to you, you may be able to add a stunning touch to your yard with a simple water feature. As a bonus, the sound of it running can be very relaxing!
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You don’t need to have acres of land available to you to be able to have your landscape the way you want. Even if you wish to have plenty of plants and flowers, you can use a small space to have the flora you so desire. With careful planning and a review of the area you have available, you’ll be able to have a stunning yard within a compact space.
