The definition of a “small garden” can vary wildly depending on your individual outlook, ranging from a plot 50 feet long to a patch of grass the size of a parking space.
Regardless of your interpretation, if you view your own garden as “small”, chances are you would welcome a few tips to make it look a little bigger.
Luckily, we’ve can do just that with this handy guide on how to make a small garden look bigger.
Easily Make Your Garden Look Bigger
One of the coolest things about maximising space in your garden is that you don’t have to overstretch your boundaries in any way to do so.
So, before you begin tearing down your fence and declaring next door’s patio as your own, pump the brakes and listen up.
From optical illusions and visual trickery to strategic plant placement and clever furnishing, making the most of the space you have can be surprisingly easy. Something as simple as foldable furniture can be an instant space saver when not in use!
Here’s a few of the most effective ways to save space in your garden and make your garden look bigger as a result.
Level Up
Altering your outdoor space to include levels can transform your space completely. Not only will it provide a visually appealing alternative to a traditional flat garden, it also raises up your garden making it look more spacious as a result.
Incorporating varying levels into your garden design can provide a more dynamic appeal to your outdoor space, giving the illusion of additional space. This is particularly notable when each raised area comprises of a different type of surface material.
For example, if your garden begins with a patio, you could have steps leading up to grassy lawn area, followed by further steps leading to decking at the end. This essentially creates three different gardens in one, while also providing a visually impressive incremental effect.
Zone Out
Another great way to instantly make your garden seem more spacious is to divide your plot into specified areas or zones.
For example, if you were to divide your garden into three definitive sections, a patio area immediately outside your house could be used for dining and sitting, followed by a lawn which can lead to a feature at the end of your garden.
The far end of the garden can be used for anything from a lounge area or fire pit to a shed or Wendy House. Meanwhile, a path running down the garden can help split up the space even further, while also providing a logical journey through your outdoor space.
Reflection
While they are a staple of the home, mirrors are criminally underutilised outdoors. A spectacularly easy – and somewhat cheeky – shortcut to spaciousness, adding mirrors in strategic areas of your garden can create the impression that your outdoor space is far bigger than it actually is.
If you have a particularly cosy garden with very little wiggle-room, this shameless shortcut can be a great way to enhance any existing plants or flowers in your garden, creating the illusion that your flower bed spreads even further than it does.
This technique can add another dimension to your garden, while it can also brighten up your space by reflecting light into darker areas, particularly if the mirrors are angled just right.
High Standards
With so much emphasis on the groundwork, it’s easy to overlook the high walls that surround your garden. Whether they’re brick or fence, the perimeter enclosing your outdoor space can act as a blank canvas for you to create upon.
From wall-mounted plant pots to artsy wall displays, this often-neglected space is ideal for accessorising and decorating. Meanwhile, wall-mounted displays save floor space, allowing you to utilise your ground surface for other things.
Similarly, tall reaching plants and foliage can add an alluring touch of green to your garden without spreading out across your space. However, it’s important not to go overboard on either: a busy garden with too much going on can quickly become cluttered.
Trees a Crowd
While trees can be a visually impressive feature in any garden, with many benefits to both man and beast, they also take up a lot of space. What’s more, they can also block out a lot of natural light, particularly when the leaves are in full summer bloom.
Big trees in particular can reach out far over your garden in terms of both width and length, making your garden feel crowded and cramped. If you do want to have a tree in your garden, consider planting a smaller tree that won’t encroach too much on your space.
Meanwhile, if you already have a large tree in your garden and are considering removal, be sure to check you are legally allowed to do so. Some trees are protected under the Tree Preservation Order, so it’s worth a reaching out to your local council before you reach for an axe.
Patios and Pathways
One of the most effective ways to create additional space in your garden is the inclusion of a patio area. If you don’t already have one, this can be the ultimate upgrade, opening the door to many of the aforementioned tips in the section above.
Larger tiles tend to provide a better illusion of space than small pavers, so be sure to go big with your tile choice. Meanwhile, a sensible colour can also open up your garden, creating a sense of openness and width. Bright colours – like limestone and sandstone – can light up an area and instantly make it feel less claustrophobic.
Similarly, a garden path, particularly one that weaves and winds through your garden from feature to feature, can create an additional sense of space, without necessitating too many wholesale changes or upfront costs.
Finally, don’t be afraid to invest in your tiles if you do plump for a patio or pathway. Porcelain pavers may be a little more expensive, but the durability and low-maintenance properties of these tough tiles can be enduringly worth it.
For more information on outdoor tiles and porcelain pavers for your garden, give us a call today on 029 2080 3756. Alternatively, drop us a line using the button below for further information.
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