Small space, big dreams

By Emma Peterson. 

Don’t let space limit your ability to give your clients their dream landscape.  

In many urban areas, residential outdoor spaces are often limited. Residents might only have a small balcony, courtyard or porch area. But this small space doesn’t mean that they can’t have a beautiful outdoor area. As an outdoor professional, it is key to help your customers make the most out of their available space.  

When designing a landscape in a smaller area, the biggest thing to remember is that you need to enhance the space and the home, not overpower it. Here’s a short list of tips on how to work with small spaces and structures to enhance any outdoor space, no matter the size.  

1 – Vertical space 

Often when people hear the word landscaping, they think horizontally. An example of this would be spacing plants out in a garden bed to grow. But when working in small spaces, it's important to help your client think vertically. Hanging plants, trailing vines and tall growths can be great ways to bring greenery into a space that might not be large in square footage. 

2 – Don't overcrowd it 

We might sound like a broken record, but it’s key to not overpower the house or space with a large plant. Be mindful of the space; often times there are dwarf varieties of classic shrubs, trees and perennials that are perfect for smaller spaces. 

3 – Be picky about the plants you use 

Because there isn’t as much space for a wide variety of plants, you need to be more careful and thoughtful about how you utilize the space. Garden designer Laura Najman Janney recommends finding plants that will bloom for longer period of time. She shares “You don’t want something that is going to bloom for just two weeks a year. You want your yard to look good for as long as possible.”   

4 – Keep it simple 

Just because you can, doesn't always mean you should. It might be tempting to try and pack as much color and texture into a landscape as possible, but in small spaces this can quickly become chaotic, cluttered and overwhelming. 

5 – Functionality is key 

If your client doesn’t just have a small outdoor area but also a smaller interior space, you can help them maximize their living area by creating a deck or patio space. Add some simple furniture like an ottoman, some vertical plants that create privacy, and you’ve built a miniature oasis for your client. 

6 – Consider container gardening 

Container gardening is a great alternative to full gardening that works better for small spaces, patios and balconies. This is a great way to utilize vertical space and give your client the ability to grow their own herbs and produce.  

7 – Think of the environment 

As always, remember that you are not landscaping in a vacuum. Make sure that you are avoiding invasive species and including plants that attract pollinators. Not only does this make the space more environmentally friendly, but it also helps keep it lower maintenance for the client.  

Learn more about landscaping in small spaces.