Si tenemos la suerte de disfrutar en nuestro hogar de una parcela, patio o terraza, instalar un jardín siempre es una estupenda opción para sacarle el máximo partido. Además de permitirnos pasar el tiempo libre cuidando de él, las plantas animarán y darán un toque de color al lugar, lo que incrementará considerablemente el atractivo de nuestra vivienda y agradará a nuestras visitas.

However, the space we have may be quite limited, so in these cases, it’s essential to know how to design small gardens to make the most of the square meters we have available. After all, in addition to creating an attractive space, we also want it to be a welcoming place to spend time in when the weather permits.

So today at CULMIA, we’re offering you several tips on how to transform your outdoor space by creating and designing a small garden. Will you join us?

Ideas for Organizing Small Gardens

Keep in mind exactly where your garden will be located

First, assess the location of your small garden and its characteristics. Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between setting up your garden on a terrace or in a patio, since, obviously, on a terrace there’s no soil to plant in, so you’ll need to use pots. This will naturally influence both the types of plants you can grow and the pots you choose, since you’ll need to select the right ones based on the amount of potting mix required for each situation.

Also, on a terrace, everything will likely have to be much more compact, so you’ll need to be much more selective when choosing which plants to include. The fact is, the less space you have, the more important these tips for designing small gardens become.

Take measurements and draw a floor plan

If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, take your time and plan carefully. Since it’s a small garden, it won’t take long to measure the lot so you can get a clear idea of what will and won’t fit. Plus, you can then use this information to easily create a floor plan on paper that will help you make the best decisions regarding its layout.

What will you achieve by doing this? You’ll get an initial idea of the possibilities for your small garden and plan your next steps, so you don’t end up winging it or making mistakes. That way, you’ll be able to buy everything you need to organize and plant it, avoiding any surprises or unforeseen issues that could derail your plans.

Keep only what you’ll find useful in your garden

If you have limited space in your garden… make the most of it! Think about the things you want to do there regularly and focus on making the most of them. In other words, ask yourself what the purpose of this space is: Do you simply want a beautiful, pleasant-looking space? Or do you also want it to be a place to relax or to invite family and friends when the weather is nice?

If you want your garden to be a place for leisure and relaxation, leave enough space to furnish it with only the essentials: a table, chairs, or even a hammock. Choose furniture that’s functional, unobtrusive, and practical; or even consider foldable options that you can store away when not in use. And if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time there, make the most of the space by filling it with plants, but always make sure to leave a clear path so you can move around and tend to each of your plants and every corner of the garden.

Organize your small garden by starting with a focal point

What object or plant do you want to be the centerpiece of your garden? Defining a focal point and placing it in a prominent spot will help you arrange the rest of the elements around it and give the space a lot of character. So, you can choose a plant that you really like or that’s particularly eye-catching, or even a gazebo or a work of art.

Next, choose the spot where you’ll install this piece, taking into account all the angles from which it will be visible. For example, if you have a table and chairs in your small backyard, arrange them strategically so that people sitting there can admire that focal point. And don’t forget to make sure it looks good from inside your home as well.

Organize the small garden into zones

No matter how small your garden is, you can always organize it into different zones. As we just mentioned, create enough space so you can move comfortably from one area to another, and place your furniture in a specific zone. Also, if possible, set aside a space to store furniture and tools you’re not using, so you always have them close at hand and they don’t get in the way.

When it comes to plants and their care, keep in mind the sun’s path throughout the year and the areas where it shines the most. Then, use this information to arrange your plants so that those that need more sun are placed in the areas of the garden with the most direct light, while shade-loving plants can be placed in more sheltered spots.

Group similar plants together and play with colors

First, consider organizing your small garden by grouping plants of the same species or those that share some similarity. This will create a visual sense of spaciousness, because it will establish several points of interest for the eye, making the whole space appear larger.

On the other hand, apply your own color strategy and play with their properties. Darker shades have the power to make spaces appear larger than they actually are, and they also help create calm and relaxed atmospheres. So blue or pink plants can yield splendid results, making your small garden feel more spacious.

Try a vertical garden

A very interesting way to create space where there is practically none is to make use of walls with climbing plants and vines. These have the advantage of growing on surfaces, making them perfect for spreading vertically without taking up hardly any width. Plus, they help create a very natural atmosphere—something especially valuable if you want to create a small garden in a patio where you enjoy spending hours outdoors.

Another option is to install a vertical planter structure so you can arrange the plants of your choice along a wall. To do this with style and good taste, you can draw inspiration from the beautiful patios of Córdoba, as some of them are perfect examples of how vertical arrangement can be a highly effective way to organize small gardens.

Make the most of the space on the sides to grow your vegetables

If you have a small patio or garden and would love to use it to grow your own vegetables, consider doing so in the spaces along the sides. Along the walls and in the corners, you can set up raised planters of varying heights to grow and tend to compact vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, beets, peas, green beans, cucumbers, or zucchini.

Use plants to create privacy

If you have neighbors nearby or your small yard is visible from outside your home, you’ll probably want to create some privacy. The simplest option is to to install bamboo screens or latticework to block prying eyes, but you can also opt for a much more creative and attractive solution: using the layout and arrangement of your plants to conceal the interior. The aforementioned vertical gardens and climbing plants are perfect for achieving this result, but you can also use hedges to define and screen off the space you have available.

Summer: The Perfect Time to Tidy Up Small Gardens

At CULMIA, we care about your well-being and want you to enjoy your new home to the fullest, so we hope you’ll find these tips useful for organizing your small garden. As you can see, a little free time, some planning, and a bit of enthusiasm are all it takes to achieve truly spectacular results, so don’t hesitate—take advantage of the nice weather to put these tips into practice and transform your outdoor space.

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