8 Planting + Design Tips For Small Gardens

1. Think vertical

Clea Cregan, founder of Miniscape Projects says, ‘focus on maximising every inch of space vertically.’

By incorporating vertical layers of plants, you can create a lush tapestry of foliage that cascades along boundaries, effectively utilising walls and fences to provide support for climbing plants.

Clea’s suggestions for creeping plants:

Ficus pumilla (creeping fig)
Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston ivy)
Vitis vinifera (ornamental grapevine)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)

2. Grow your own vegetables

You can absolutely grow vegetables in a small garden, says Clea.

Invest in good soil preparation, and consider raised beds or containers with nutrient-rich soil. Wicking beds are also a good water-wise option for productive gardens. Try quick growing varieties such as lettuce, spinach, beans and herbs.

3. Work with your interiors

Fran Hale, of Peachy Green, says, ‘Choose beautiful sustainable materials that feel soft and luxurious underfoot and work with your interior surfaces and colours to bring cohesiveness and flow from indoors to out.’

Install or hang lighting so it looks pretty when viewed from anywhere in the home.

4. Make space for entertaining

Create a welcoming space for entertaining with plenty of lovely, lush planting, Fran advises.

Prioritise comfortable seating arrangements, ambient lighting and a focal point like an outdoor fire or pizza oven to draw visitors outdoors.

A barbecue for outdoor cooking is a necessity — build it in to save space if you can.

For smaller spaces, look for compact, moveable furniture that can be effortlessly rearranged to accommodate guests, and easily switched between relaxed lounge seating and a more structured dining setting.

5. Less is more

Fran’s advice for small backyards is to avoid clutter and filling up the space too much.

‘Tuck items such as bins, clotheslines, bikes, utility and service units down the side of the house, so the main courtyard or garden space can be all about beauty, ambience, great furniture and wonderful plants’, she says.

Ensure plant choices are the right size and shape for the space so they don’t grow too wide or tall.

6. Look beyond grass

If having a lawn isn’t an option, there are some great ground cover alternatives that will provide the same lush green carpet effect.

Fran’s favourite plants to use as an alternative to grass:

Dichondra repens (kidneyweed)
Viola hederacea (native violet)
Pratia pedunculata (white star creeper)
Zoysia tenuifolia (no mow grass)

7. Study your climate

‘One big problem small inner-city gardens face is limited space and sunlight,’ says Clea.

Soil quality poses another challenge; it might be compacted, polluted or there may be no soil at all.

Thoughtful plant selection is key to success. Clea suggests choosing plants that thrive in your local climate, sun and soil condition to foster a biodiverse and pollinator-friendly environment.

8. Play with scale

Create depth and texture by layering plants of different heights and forms.

Tall trees or shrubs can provide privacy and shade, while low-growing plants or ground covers can carpet walkways or fill gaps.

‘A focal point, such as a sculpture or feature tree will add interest without taking up too much space,’ Clea suggests.