by Glenn Curtis
Let’s dispel the myth of size once and for all: no matter how small your garden is, you have the space you need to create an inspired outdoor living area. Are you making do with an uninteresting, non-functional yard thinking it is too tiny to landscape? You are not alone. Popular photos of expansive, meticulously landscaped estates often overshadow the exceptional results that can be achieved by those with humbler homes, such as condos and bungalows. Diminutive spaces are often perfect canvases for landscaping elements and design techniques that really impress when used creatively and in close proximity to each other.
Interested in a personal oasis? A relaxing outdoor nook? An intimate, upscale entertainment area? Success when landscaping small yards usually comes down to the experience of the designer and the expertise that goes into realizing a vision specifically tailored to your space. However, there are common techniques that landscape professionals use to transform a small yard into something much greater.
Designing to scale
Designing a small outdoor space is not a matter of scaling down a plan that works on a larger property. Smaller areas have inherent limitations that often necessitate prioritizing and trimming down your landscaping wish list. No matter how well designed, your little yard might not fit that huge storage shed, gazebo, outdoor kitchen, spa, water garden, sculpture and fire pit that you always dreamed of.
Prioritizing your needs will help you to distinguish “must-have” from “would be nice”. A good designer will intuitively recognize the inherent limitations and opportunities to realize your big vision within a small footprint in a way that just feels right.
Defining key areas and a multifunctional space
Dividing your total space into distinct areas ensures maximum enjoyment and value for your investment. You can realize a great deal of functionality in a smaller yard by first clearly defining key areas (such as an entertainment zone, dining, garden and lounging areas) and then designing each of them with creativity, care, and attention to detail.
Delighting in the details
By necessity, small landscapes are very detail-oriented because you will invariably be close to every design element. Be prepared to invest in quality materials that will be featured prominently. Whether you love country-cottage style or modern-urban chic, plan to have every inch of your space accounted for in the design to avoid having incomplete or poorly executed aspects that become undesirable focal points.
Taking it to the next level
Where you see a boring, flat rectangular lot, a landscape design professional can see a host of possibilities for interesting, engaging vertical design elements. Creative carpentry, custom privacy screens and fencing, architectural stone walls and plants of varying heights, colors and textures are just some ways to create a dynamic landscape that works on every level.
Employing focus and perspective
An elegant water feature. A charming pergola. A corten steel flower-filled planter. A natural stone pathway that culminates into an inviting patio or decking. When tastefully incorporated into your landscape, eye-catching elements create natural focal points and destinations for the eye. They can make your small yard feel more spacious while conveniently drawing attention away from your neighbour’s old and neglected shed.
Just as train tracks appear to converge with distance, landscape designs can use straight lines that subtly slant inward toward focus points to create the illusion of a longer yard. Integrating diagonally-oriented elements into a rectangular space is another way to make a space seem larger.
Embracing color and texture
When you use vibrant, attention-grabbing colours at the front of your space, less colourful components behind them will seemingly recede to give your landscape an added sense of depth and size. Different species of plants and flowers can add unique character, while a tasteful balance of stone, wood and metal materials can create enchanting textural contrasts.
Unlike those who own larger properties, you have the opportunity to transform your ordinary small yard into a truly outstanding, inspired space with significantly less work and investment. Whether your objective is to enjoy an intimate backyard “staycation”, or simply upgrade your home’s curb appeal, no yard is ever too small to benefit from a thoughtfully crafted, professionally designed landscape.
“Garden design is all about concealment and surprise.”
― Andrew Crofts, Secrets of the Italian Gardener
Glenn Curtis is the President and co-founder of Plantenance Landscape Group & Design Plantenance. For more than 40 years, their award-winning designers, craftsmen, and horticulturists have been transforming ordinary spaces into exquisite outdoor escapes throughout Montreal and surrounding areas | www.plantenance.com