Just because your front or back yard is small doesn’t mean that it can’t make a large impression. As the instance of urban dwellings grow, smaller yards are becoming more and more common and ideas are plentiful about how to create well designed spaces. It can be difficult to incorporate all of the elements that are required of a successful outdoor space into a small area. Barbecues, storage areas, flowers and other gardens and patio furniture are only some of the elements that we have to plan for. When designing any landscape it is important to have a plan. Here are some things to take into consideration when designing your small outdoor space – Is it going to have to be functional for pets? Is it going to have to have an area for children? What is going to be the coverage of choice? Many are opting for rocks rather than grass in their small space. Not only does this mean less upkeep, it also means that the options are endless.
When working with a small outdoor space it is important to create a focal point. This focal point could be one piece such as a large garden statue or fountain or it could be a rock garden, or a trellis that is filled with bright and colorful flowers.
In small outdoor spaces, we can make use of space and learn to build these focal points up rather than out. Consider a small focal point of a bird house, or bird bath, but something that is taller than the regular variety. In small spaces, these six feet tall towers that can house water for birds and other animals, as well as plants and other garden accents.
Working with a small space means that we should work with smaller scale items. Consider smaller lawn furniture if the space is in the back of the home, or is going to be used for entertaining.
Storage in a small outdoor living space should be multi-functional. Consider benches that have a spa like feel, such as treated wood with colorful cushions for hidden storage for hoses and other garden tools.
Gardening is possible in a small yard, but if the homeowner can make gardening work in layers that allows you to take full advantage of the space, vertically rather than horizontally. For example, does the yard have a wall – either against the home, or a fence? A trellis could be used for fruit, and other vegetables that will climb, and grow and flourish in that environment.
When working with a space it is important to keep it open. We do not want to close off any of the areas, and make them secluded. Fences, especially smaller version fences should be avoided, as should large walkways that take over the space. Make sure to incorporate green aspects into the space, as they add to the perception that the space is larger than it is.
The small space should include well balanced elements of green and urban atmospheres. This can be done by using stone, concrete and metal in conjunction with wood and natural occurring elements as plants to create a balanced atmosphere.
A plan is crucial with the small space, because we want to avoid clutter in the outdoor space.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.