Small Garden Ideas - 10 Clever Design Tips to Maximise Every Inch

By Jamie Dobinson, Crafted Landscapes

Looking for small garden ideas that turn a tight space into something bold, beautiful, and functional?

Whether you’re working with a tiny backyard, a narrow city courtyard, or a side return garden, good design can completely transform it. At Crafted Landscapes, we specialise in small garden design that balances form and function—creating stunning, low-maintenance spaces that feel bigger than they are.

Here’s how you can maximise every square metre of your outdoor space—whether you’re doing it yourself or looking for inspiration to hire a professional garden designer.

1. Start With a Clear Purpose

Every great small garden starts with a focused goal.

Do you want a relaxing outdoor retreat? A small garden for entertaining? A low-maintenance courtyard? Define your garden’s primary function early.

Write down your top 3 priorities for the space. Eliminate what doesn’t support those goals to avoid clutter.

2. Think Vertically to Save Space

When floor space is limited, use walls, fences, and even overhead structures.

Add vertical planters, trellises, hanging pots, or climbing plants like jasmine or clematis to bring height and visual interest. This makes the garden feel lush without taking up room.

Small Garden Vertical Design Tip - Install a trellis wall with herbs or climbers to combine greenery and privacy.

3. Stick to a Simple Material Palette

Too many surfaces in a small space can feel chaotic. Limit materials to 2–3 complementary textures (e.g., sandstone, cedar, and steel for a modern garden; reclaimed brick and gravel for rustic charm).

Keep contrast intentional, use variation in tone and texture, not material overload.

4. Use Built-In Features to Maximise Floor Area

Built-in benches, raised beds, and integrated storage free up usable space and create a clean, cohesive look. Every element should serve more than one function.

Example: A custom bench with under-seat storage saves space and adds utility.

5. Use Outdoor Lighting to Add Depth and Mood

A well-lit garden feels bigger, more welcoming, and usable all year round. Use uplights to highlight planting, wall lights to open up space, and smart systems for mood control.

Use mirrors or pale paving to reflect natural light into shaded corners.

6. Prioritise Flow Over Size

Great small gardens feel effortless to move through. Use curved lines, staggered planting, or diagonal paths to create a sense of openness.

Use stepping stones or change in texture (decking to gravel) to define zones without barriers.

7. Include a Bold Focal Point

Don’t clutter your garden with too many small details. Instead, choose one or two standout features—like a sculptural tree, water feature, or tiled wall—to ground the space.

Use large planters in bold colours or repeat a few key plants in mass for impact.

8. Design for Low Maintenance Living

Small gardens are easier to manage, but only if designed right. Use drought-tolerant plants, automatic irrigation, and durable materials like sealed porcelain or composite decking.

Group plants by water needs and include access points for hose or electric tools.

9. Create Privacy Without Feeling Boxed In

In dense urban areas, garden privacy is essential, but tall solid fences can feel oppressive. Use slatted screens, trellises with climbing plants, or layered planting for a softer, more natural barrier.

Blurring the boundary creates intimacy without claustrophobia.

10. Plan for All Seasons, Not Just Summer

Your small garden should look good year-round. Combine evergreen structure, ornamental grasses, and winter-interest shrubs like dogwood or mahonia. Add lighting and heating to extend usability.

Use plants with sculptural forms or bark textures for winter appeal.

Top Small Garden Plants That Work Hard

Want easy wins? Try these:

• Lavender (low maintenance + fragrance)

• Box balls or dwarf yew (year-round structure)

• Thyme or rosemary (edible and evergreen)

• Japanese maple (seasonal drama, compact form)

  
  

Final Thoughts - Transform Your Space With Purpose

The best small garden designs aren’t about size, they’re about clarity. When every element has purpose and every inch is used with intent, a compact garden can feel expansive, elegant, and effortless.

At Crafted Landscapes, we’ve turned tight corners, awkward plots, and shaded alleyways into bold outdoor experiences. Whether you want inspiration or hands-on help, we’re here to make every detail count.

Ready to Start Your Small Garden Project?

Whether you're dreaming or planning, we’d love to hear your ideas. Contact Crafted Landscapes to talk through your space, we'll help you make it something extraordinary.