Think On Different Levels

When landscaping a small area, think not only horizontally, but also vertically.  You may not be able to go out, but you may be able to go up using an arbor, or hanging plants or raised beds to get different levels working visually and functionally.

You can also use containers to achieve different levels, with the added benefit that they can easily be moved around if necessary to accommodate your use of the area.  Containers are available in many shapes and sizes from very small to very large.

Coloring Small Landscaping Areas

Color can actually make your small landscaping area look larger than it really is.  By using colors that are in the cooler spectrum (like blues and purples) you can actually make an area look bigger.  There are many plants that you can use to get these colors.  Then use the hotter colors for accent.

Small Landscaping Plants

There are many dwarf varieties of landscape plants that look just like their larger cousins, but take up less space.  By using varieties that are specifically designed to grow smaller or slower you can get the affect of a large plant without taking up a lot of space.

Small Water Features

Just because you have a small landscaping area doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a pond or waterfall.  It just means it is going to have to be moderate in size and frankly that means it will require less maintenance and will cost less.  There are fountains and ponds available in many different sizes so try to find one that is proportional to your landscaping area.

Make Use of Lost Areas

With a small landscaping area to work with you need to make the most of every inch.  In most yards there are lost areas such as corners or sloped areas that generally get ignored or covered up.  Instead, make the most of these area by adding features that will enhance them or by changing the terrain to make it more useable.  You could terrace a sloped area to make it more usable or put a small waterfall in a corner to make the most of the available space.

When it comes to designing small landscaping areas the only real limit is your imagination.  You can do many of the things you can in a big yard; you just have to do it a little more creatively.

Visit our other posts to learn more about working with small landscaping.

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