A large yard space leaves more room for design but only a few homeowners are lucky enough to have one. On the other hand, a small yard means there are less expenses to consider and maintenance is much lower than for an expansive garden. So what are the features that can be included for a superb transformation? All is revealed below.
Flower beds and potted plants
Scatter color with native flowers in pots or in flower beds. It’s a great way to achieve an instant pick-me-up at a very low cost. Planters and wall-mounted pots lend definition to otherwise dull corners and walls and if perennials are chosen, much of the maintenance work is already taken care of.
A fine quality about planters is that they don’t have to be store-bought. Many designers repurpose old items like water cans and paint buckets for a shabby chic look. If you go this route, you’ll save a lot of money and even do the environment some good.
A copse of dwarf conifers
A section in the corner of the yard can be turned into a valuable green space with dwarf conifers. Tall, majestic trees are always a great choice but small yards don’t have the space. Creating strata can have a big impact on design. For example, plant native flowers at the first stratum, shrubbery on the second and dwarf conifers on the third for a three-tier result.
Three-space design
Small yards can be made to look larger with proper planning. A simple technique is to break space up into sections. A dining area on the patio could look out onto a short walkway or lawn peppered by plants and flowers. At the farthest area, a wooded space containing trees, shrubs and a few hanging pots of flowers will make up the last section. This idea works well for urban real estate where expansive grounds are at a premium.
Create parallel lines
The idea of parallel lines is to give the illusion of more space. Think of a long arched walkway with creepers growing along the sides and top. The space around the walkway can contain more plantings, shrubbery and creepers to create a wooded look. The walkway, therefore, becomes the focal viewing area as the path converges into a point at the distance. The entrance to the walkway can have a small seating area with a table and two or four seating places.
Go diagonal
For a yard that isn’t suitable for wooded sections, a diagonal path across the garden creates the illusion of space. Pavers for the path, lined with flowers and small hedges promote tranquility and lessen the ‘concrete’ look. Birdbaths in the midst of the greenery and a lamp or two to light the way can complete the look.
Different elevations
A square or rectangular yard that’s difficult to work with shouldn’t be given up on. Rather, create texture and break the monotony with the use of a deck or trellis for creepers, a seating area and one or two dwarf walls. This irregular elevation design can also work on very small yards by scaling everything down.
These few landscaping ideas can be applied to large spaces too. The key is not to overdo but rather use the environment to influence design. The point of having a yard is so that it acts as a haven so incorporate plenty of natural elements interspersed with man-made components and landscaping.