Ideas for a tiny garden

10 years ago

We are downsizing from a 4 bed detached house to a 4 bed townhouse. We are going from a big garden to a tiny one ( although we will have a large park right opposite). Any ideas as to what we can do with this garden? My husbands hobbies are golf and and cooking but he hates gardening so it would have to be something that requires the minimum of effort. He has already decided to replace the lawn with artificial turf and the rest of the garden is up to me!

Featured Answer

Nancy Cooper

10 years ago

I would do something with the end of the triangle formed by the fences...a focal point. Maybe a statue or I like the mirror idea, with perhaps something of interest in front
...witch hazel tree is knarly and interesting in winter in Canada when it loses leaves.

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Comments (52)

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ASVInteriors
10 years ago
Hi tessy I do agree it is awkward but paving will mean you have to weed in between and in the uk they tend to get dirty quite quickly. That is why I was trying to maximise your awkward shape and play with perspective lines. Perhaps ask a local landscape Gardner to give it a look over. They can provide you with a plan ... And you pay then for a plan only. But they are trained in this type of challenge!
tessybear100
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes you are right about patios in UK. I will get a garden landscaper in, I just wanted a vague idea first of what I wanted. Thanks for your advice.
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Hi, love the stone walls. I’m not sure you need those wobbly raised beds. I would create a seating area with some paving and leave flower borders around it. If you’re going to use bricks, you really need to use proper brick pavers as they are frost hardy. You can get concrete or clay ones. If you use house bricks they are not for floors and the frost and water will make them eventually crumble. Then you can leave the borders around the terrace the same level as the patio. I also think a retractable washing line would be great so it can be reeled back into the container when not in use. You can get sandstone circles for about £400 as below and they may be a good idea if budget allows.
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Victoria
10 years ago
Can you remove the fence? Does it separate your garden from your neighbours? Normal practice in the UK is that one fence belongs to you, one to your neighbour. "Usually" you own the one to your right as you look out, check your plans , it will be marked with an inverted T pointing into your garden if it's your fence.

Love ASV's ideas. I'd consider changing the railing separating the lawn from the patio too. Also you could tile the paved area for a more contemporary look.
tessybear100 thanked Victoria
tessybear100
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes there are neighbours either side. We own the fence on the right but can't remove either as we have a small dog! Not sure what you mean by tiles on the paved area?
PRO
ASVInteriors
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I have been trying to find a link I posted a while back for another dilemma about playing with perspective in a garden. The other thought I had would be for you to purchase from The Plastic People a wall of mirrored perspex to visually double your garden space. It is not that expensive, but will bring in more light and open up your triangle in an interesting way. (Boy would I love to do this garden!)This is the idea I am thinking about - it looks lovely in the summer and gorgeous in the winter.
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Victoria
10 years ago
Use exterior floor tiles instead of paving slabs on the floor, you then have less of a problem with weed control.

http://www.wallsandfloors.co.uk/category/external-tiles/?gclid=cjp1ro250l0cfzdktaod-tsaoa
rinked
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Remove the fence in the front, add tiles so you can sit on the ledge. Add a border of rosemary (makes a nice smelling hedge!) or lavender, some bulbs inbetween (iris, tulip). Rhodondendron, for it stays green in winter. Maybe a climber on the fence in the back. Either true grass or fake, because it makes a nice patch to sit on a lounge pillow in summer and it's perfect for a small dog to play on. I hope you like the idea.
tessybear100
Original Author
10 years ago
Oh yes I love it and I'm very fond of lavender!
tessybear100
Original Author
10 years ago
I really like the idea of the external tiles too and thanks for the website.
inkwitch
10 years ago
A small area can be a blessing, and container gardening relieves you fere from mowing. Artificial turf is so -- well, excuse my bluntness, but it's tacky. And ugly. And if your small dog pees on it, will smell. Assuming you will be walking the dog in the park, but there will be days when you will not want to do that (snow? downpour? cold?).

Recommend removing the grass in favor of pavers similar to the existing patio, a water feature, and large containers in the upper section. (This also prevents your dog from digging under the fence!) Lower section can definitely be an outdoor entertaining space with a grill, seating, even a loggia if it gets a lot of sun.

Advise searching houzz for ideas and take your time about deciding. This space has a lot of potential. You'll find something you just love.
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10 years ago
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tessybear100
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm so glad you think it has potential I was thinking it was a bit of an eyesore! I feel much more optimistic now!
inkwitch
10 years ago
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inkwitch
10 years ago
It will be pretty much what you make of it. With imagination, it could end up being your favorite space! You are fortunate that you don't have to tear down anything!
ispoildogs
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Some inspiration:
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Luciana
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
More inspiration photos for you (UK gardens).

You obviously don't have the space for any of those, but you can borrow design elements - a smaller turf circle, or a triangular pergola at the back, triangular or semicircle raised beds, etc.

Also, have a look at this ideabook: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/12-ways-to-make-better-use-of-yard-corners-stsetivw-vs~5319158
Victoria
10 years ago
Love the idea book. Good find!
Jessica Kerry Mack
10 years ago
I think a circular area of lawn or turf (your choice) in the front with screening plants or raised beds along the walls. I'd plant a small flowering tree in that back corner to disguise the awkward shape and perhaps some trellises with climbing plants along the fence. Play with the triangular shape and perspective like they did in this garden pictured:
PRO
User
9 years ago
Hi Tessy,

Looking at the picture of your garden, I think it would be appropriate to install a rolling bench.
As you mentioned in your previous post, your husband loves to cook. Because you have limited space, you need furniture like the rolling bench that will offer you enough versatility. For example, you could enjoy sitting on the rolling bench around your BBQ, while eating or drinking a cup of tea.

Please find below a link to the website. Let me know what you think about it.

http://www.rollingbenches.com/

Best,

Amelie
PRO
Christmas Lights, Etc
9 years ago
Patio lights can be hung in the small space and really add some ambiance to the area. With such a small space, only a few lights can make a big difference! http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/pages/Outdoor-Patio-Lighting-Ideas.htm

A stone walkway that divides the small yard and allows for a little flower or plant garden, and a small cafe table or bench can make your yard feel like a secluded park space.
ambersarris
9 years ago
Definitely add seating and a fire pit, or something useable in the garden. Otherwise it will end up a dead space that no-one ever ventures into. Enhance the angular shape by making use of diagonally placed rectangles (this will make the garden seem longer).
The patio lights idea is great, they always make a space look more inviting.

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[houzz=
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kaatc
9 years ago
I agree with the small tree idea in the angled corner. I also agree with putting in a bench or seating area, too, although perhaps not as grand as some of the photos? Maybe with a paver/stone pathway through it to a bench or a couple of chairs. Dump the turf/grass altogether and throw in some flowering bushes (Viburnum carlesii "Diana" has the most wonderful scent) and some low-maintenance plants on either side of the pathway. What kind of sun do you have here? If its morning or late afternoon (but not mid-day), I'd consider some sun-tolerant hostas or heuchera/tiarella (which are essentially no maintenance at all and grow relatively quickly), or maybe some bleeding hearts for a little contrast. You can surf around for some great pictures of hosta gardens/beds. If you get more sun, consider daylilies or butterfly bush or bee balm? Consider a pathway or area with curves, which is a bit more soothing than straight angles (also harder to maintain in a garden).
Geneviève
9 years ago
Looking at your picture I felt that I was taken back to my childhood , we had a court yard and steps going into the garden too:) my father planted everything there from Leeks,to Peonies and roses on the front edge, then there were a couple rows of strawberries and Rhubarb and there was even a narrow trail of crushed stones to walk all around the perimeter and a Lilac shrub at the end on it yard . Yes it takes a lot of work ,but if you can do it its rewarding , .I just took pictures from our after the rain front lawn ,its postage stamp size , here it is .
Nancy Cooper
9 years ago
How did your poppies survive the rain? Mine went to ground in heavy rains in Ottawa. I love pavers with pots you can move to catchmore sun, and vines against the fence...
Nancy Cooper
9 years ago
Try flowers that stay compact and don't take too much space...eg charlies speedwell, which is a creeper, versus flax, which needs more room.
tessybear100
Original Author
9 years ago
Just thought I'd add a photo to show what I have done to my new garden. We have had the artificial grass put down which we are thrilled with.
Luciana
9 years ago
It looks wonderful! I'm sure you'd be spending a lot of time out there. Great job!
PRO
Soothing Company
9 years ago
A water fountain might help beautify your small garden. Check out more at http://www.soothingcompany.com/water-fountains/outdoor-fountains.html

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Primrose
9 years ago
A Birdbath, water feature or even an illusion mirror would fit in real nice :) Have a look at our range and see if there is anything to your fancy.
silyab53
9 years ago
Absolutely with you on Artificial Grass which I'm having installed asap, but I'm also having a patio area away from my main lawn in GREY, which ties in with a horizontal row of grey bricks in my redbrick Victorian house.
Was bowled over to discover this coloured grass - anyone fancy PINK??? Good luck, and do remove the fence. Topiary could be an option - I have five cone shaped bushes in my front garden - 1 large in the middle and 4 smaller around it, a diamond shape of old Victorian bricks around the large one, all in-filled with shingle. I've had so many favourable comments!
PRO
Primrose
9 years ago
What is your take on animal topiary as opposed to tradtional topiary? It reminds me of Night at The Museum somehow :)

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Direct Trade Supplies
9 years ago
Hi,

You still have a nice amount of room to work with!

Have you thought about implementing any garden lighting? The steps could benefit from some ground lights, for basic visibility at night time. There's also other options for garden lighting such as spike lights, bollards or even a wall light beside the steps.

Here's some examples which we could provide should you be interested in garden lights ->
PRO
Direct Trade Supplies
9 years ago
Cont...

Browse & Buy from here: http://www.directtradesupplies.co.uk/section.php/97/1/light-fittings
PRO
Direct Trade Supplies
9 years ago
I've just seen your up to date picture! Your garden looks lovely. I hope the seating area is a beautiful sun trap!
PRO
Jane Harries Garden Designs
8 years ago
Looks like you will enjoy your outdoor space! The seating area looks very inviting. To mask the irregular shape of the upper area, I would put some more plants up there - they are very useful to blur lines and will give you something to look at in the winter. How about the grasses someone else mentioned? Eg pampas grass? You can get smaller versions of that plant. And some climbing plants or a small tree, so the fence is broken up a bit? Grasses don't take a lot of maintenance and you could limit them to the far corner if you wanted. Hope you enjoy using it anyway.
Sven
8 years ago
"Normal practice in the UK is that one fence belongs to you, one to
your neighbour. "Usually" you own the one to your right as you look
out, check your plans , it will be marked with an inverted T pointing into your
garden if it's your fence."

That is incorrect advice. There is no UK practice considering there are 3
different legal systems, ownership and maintenance (which can be different)
depends on what it says in the deeds and location of the fence (which can be shared or owned by one property). The quickest way to permanently
destroy your relationship with neighbours is to change boundary features without consulting them, esp
as they may solely belong to them. To say that someone owns something due to
'practice' is dangerous.

In the picture above, as it is a new estate, it is likely that the fences
are boundary fences and equally shared between neighbours but check. So either can
paint or grow things up it. If in doubt check the legal pack.
Victoria
8 years ago
Which is what I said, check your plans, it will be marked with an inverted T if it's your responsibility.
Victoria
8 years ago
http://www.gardenlaw.co.uk/boundaries.html
PRO
Nandina Gardens Ltd
8 years ago
Lovely job....

Im also based in Surrey, please feel free to give me a call if you would like any further plant/ designs ideas etc. Hopefully you have enjoyed it with the wild winter we are having!?
PRO
Firewok
8 years ago
We've got some great products that would look good in your garden. http://www.firewok.co.uk/
PRO
Lanhydrock Garden Services
8 years ago
I would definately recommend hiring a professional for your Artificial turf.
PRO
Orchestrate
8 years ago
Personally I think the grass, yellow bricks and the fence are a bit too uninspiring. How about trying to break it up a bit - thin beds with climbers against fence and extra beds / pots / paths to add different levels. Think of cakes on a cake stand, the more levels, the better it looks. Red cedar slatted fence to replace the existing, trailing plants over the walls. Talk to a good gardener to talk about the right plants for their position and also consider doing a watering system to make it super low maintenance (they don't cost the earth).

Good luck with it - post some photos of the project!
PRO
Gardens of Smiles
8 years ago
tiny gardens can house big ideas, let your imagination run wild! your garden looks great by the way, hope its giving you lots of smiles! :)
steve3122
6 years ago
Have a look at ELementi fires

a lerge range of gas fire pits well built cosy and very sociable

Also try ARdosia slate for a range of slate and lime stoner paving
PRO
IQ Furniture
6 years ago
Globo light

Lyze chairs and table

Quadra planters
Y-Pot

IQ Furniture: Outdoor

Given that you have a park near your home in the city and a small courtyard, I would suggest to choose a metropolitan-industrial style. A couple of chairs with a table to have breakfast on sunny days or have a summer dinners. Using planters and lights to make an unique outdoor space. These are just few options from our wide outdoor range.

Please email me on angeles@texogroup.com and I will provide you with further options along with prices. In the meantime browse our website www.iqfurniture.co.uk

Regards,

Angeles
PRO
Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
6 years ago
Hi

Here are a few ideas. Is it an option to level out the two tiers?

Could use astro turf rather than grass or do without as the last picture demonstrates.

Would like to see the finished look you go for!
Shannon
Jonathan
6 years ago
Shannon- you should look at the post from August 2014 to see the final look
PRO
Bathroom + Kitchen Eleven
6 years ago
Thank you Jonathan, it came up an hour or so ago so I thought it was 'live'. Note to self, check dates! :)