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Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden

Andreia Shelley

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    • If you’re dreaming of your perfect garden, but feel you don’t have enough room to turn it into something special, think again. Clever planting is key, whether you’re using pots, flower beds or trellises.

    Blur your garden’s boundaries by planting various plants and shrubs close together without gaps, not only will it create a stunning backdrop, it will automatically make the space look larger and well established.

    Clematis is a great climber and rambling roses will bring you colourful blooms, but also consider trees and bushes. When planning where to put everything, aim to have the tallest plants at the back and work down to smaller pots at the front.

    Bench surrounded by green plants | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
    Image credit: Allan Pollok-Morris
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    Bench surrounded by green plants

    Even with no lawn, it's possible to achieve a natural, outdoorsy feel with cleverly placed pots. Group lots close together to create a dense foliage effect. 
    As with the previous garden, taller plants are best placed at the back of your arrangement, with small ones at the front.  Or, why not create a potted herb garden with chives, mint and coriander? 

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    Garden seating with colourful cushions | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
    Image credit: Polly Wreford
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    Garden seating with colourful cushions

    Bright accessories can take a garden from ordinary to impressive in seconds. Pick one main colour, such as pink, then mix and match several patterns in the same shade for a cool combination. Zingy orange cushions create a colourful 'clash' that adds wow factor. 
    Raised bamboo beds behind the seating turn this terrace into a rainforest retreat, as does the pretty canopy, which is also handy for shielding sunlight. Choose exotic structural plants like potted aloe vera to complete the tropical look. 

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    Gravel garden with wall seat | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
    Image credit: Hannah Lewis
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    Gravel garden with wall seat

    If you want a low-maintenance garden, gravel could be for you. It's affordable, looks good and is easy to care for. 
    The clever wall seat adds a luxurious feel and makes a great storage solution for keeping blankets and garden cushions dry when not in use. 

    A white wash colour way against the grey gravel gives the garden a pretty Mediterranean feel.

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    Small outdoor space with hammock | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
    Image credit: Matthew Williams
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    Small outdoor space with hammock

    We love the laid-back feel of this space, with its swaying hammock. Artificial foliage fencing has been effectively used to screen off the space so that it's totally private, but also beautifully green. The bamboo grass adds a touch of the exotic while trees outside hang beautifully along the fence. There's also plenty of seating, thanks to the innovative bench made out of reclaimed wood.

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    Architectural patio | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
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    Architectural patio

    A monochrome 'scheme' isn't what you'd expect in an outdoor space, but it lets period features, such as the staircase and columns, stand out. Flooring laid in both rectangles is a clever trick, as it makes it hard to determine the size of the floor space. Sunken flower beds with  floor tiles dividing them are a cool feature, too.

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    Balcony with potted plants | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
    Image credit: Simon Scarborough
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    Balcony with potted plants

    Strictly speaking, this isn't a garden, but it's a great example of what you can do with even the tiniest of spaces. Group together plant pots in lots of different sizes and all kinds of finishes for an eclectic look. 

    The result is fresh and pretty display that brightens up your balcony garden even when you're looking at it from the inside. A good trick is to pop some small pots on a table to add interest at different heights.

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    Small patio with folding furniture | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
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    Small patio with folding furniture

    Beautiful wood screening not only provides a place for plants to grow, but is also a good way to section off an unsightly dustbin area. Fold-up furniture is ideal for a small space and colour has been added with a large green planter and blue chair cushions. It's a cool clash that modernises the space.

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    Low-level patio with hanging table | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
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    Low-level patio with hanging table

    It may be quirky, but there are some space-saving lessons to be learned. 
    Firstly - draw the eye upwards with interesting details, such as hanging baskets, tall potted plants, grass lettering and a striking wirework screen. 
    Number two - free up floor space with a hanging table (this will need a supporting structure above it, but, as this is a low-level patio with walls surrounding it, it's not impossible). 
    Lastly, white walls will keep your space feeling light, rather than boxed in.


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    Tiny patio with beachy feel | Simple ways to maximise space in a tiny garden | Garden | PHOTO GALLERY | Housetohome.co.uk Click or tap to zoom into this image
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    Tiny patio with beachy feel

    Pull up a deck chair in this coastal space. With its blue-painted walls and pebble flooring, it has a seaside charm about it. In the absence of flower beds, pots give you the chance to grow some greenery. These oversized square planters are a feature in themselves and have been topped with pebbles to match the flooring.

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    Inspired by these beautiful tiny gardens? Why not turn your attention to other outdoor areas of your home with these front garden ideas? Or, if you're inspired by city living take a look at these urban garden ideas

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