Large, sprawling gardens often feature experimental landscaping techniques, combining hedges and flower beds with hardscape elements. One common notion is that landscaping isn't possible for small gardens. That is, however, untrue.
With strategic planning and clever design choices, you can transform a compact outdoor space into a visually appealing and inviting garden that feels expansive. Here are five simple design tricks to create the illusion of a sprawling landscape.
Create Height Using Raised Garden Beds
Raised garden beds not only add depth to your garden but also create visual interest. By elevating your plants, you draw the eye upward, making the space appear larger. Additionally, raised beds provide better drainage and easier access for gardening tasks, maximizing efficiency in a small area.
If you're planning to go this route, consider choosing statement-making containers and plants of differing heights.
Utilize Elements Around Your Yard
Incorporate existing features such as fences, walls, or pergolas into your garden design. If you have woods or mountains behind your property line, avoid obscuring the view by "hiding" your fences using climbing roses or trailing lines. You can also use your fences as structures to hang plants or install trellises for climbing vines. By utilizing vertical space, you can add depth and dimension to your garden without encroaching on valuable floor space. Doing so would also make any greenery beyond your property line feel like part of your design.
Plant Some Trees
Strategically planted trees can create a sense of scale and openness in a small garden. Opt for slender, columnar varieties or trees with an open canopy to allow sunlight to filter through. You can also plant multi-stemmed trees, crab apple trees, and olive trees. Position trees towards the perimeter of the garden to frame the space and provide privacy without overwhelming the area.
Select Open-Patterned Furniture
Choose furniture with open or slatted designs such as bistro chairs to maintain a sense of airiness in your garden. Avoid bulky or solid pieces that can visually clutter the space. Opt for lightweight materials such as wrought iron or rattan, which blend seamlessly into the surroundings and create an illusion of spaciousness.
Stick to Brightly Colored Flowers
Brightly colored flowers can create focal points and draw the eye towards specific areas of the garden. Choose vibrant hues such as yellows, oranges, and pinks to add pops of color and visual interest. Plant flowers in clusters or drifts rather than scattering them sporadically to create cohesive, eye-catching displays.
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