Small Garden Ideas
Small garden, big impact.
A small garden is the perfect way to transform any space and bring life to your home. Unsure where to begin? Browse our small garden ideas for all the inspiration you’ll need.
1. Hang a Vertical Garden
A vertical garden is ideal for maximizing floor space within small areas. Whether you’re lining your home’s exterior wall or a patio wall, create a vertical garden by using the hanging and wall-mounted planters featured above. Trellises are another great way to stack your plants vertically while adding texture to your space.
Container gardening is the ideal solution for growing plants in small spaces without a yard. Select a variety of pots for your favorite plants, flowers, or vegetables. To save even more space, arrange your container garden on a potting table. This method is perfect for growing a few favorite plants, and the layered design will dress up any compact outdoor areas.
Tip!
Looking for more Container Garden Ideas? Browse our guide for all the inspiration you'll need.
3. Deck Out the Balcony
Make your balcony a dual-purpose space with a small garden. Fasten hanging planters to your railing to save space, or incorporate wall-mounted planters to achieve a lush outdoor escape. We love the wooden plant stands featured above, and how they match the outdoor bench to enhance this balcony’s natural aesthetic.
Tip!
Check out our guide on Bold & Beautiful Balcony Decorating Ideas for more advice on styling your outdoor space.
4. Plant an Herb Garden
A small herb garden creates big rewards. Typically more compact than traditional gardens, an herb garden saves significant space. Use a window box or short planters to grow everything from basil to cilantro. A mini container herb garden is also perfect for adding a decorative touch to your kitchen or windowsill.
Tip!
Looking for more tips and tricks on How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden? Our comprehensive guide has you covered.
5. Pave a Path
Adding a path to your small garden area is a simple way to make it feel more structured and a bit larger. Whether you go for the wooden option featured above, a gravel alternative, or stepping stones, your pathway will guide visitors along your garden while lending it visual interest.
Tiered beds are perfect small garden ideas because they offer multiple spots for plants while taking up minimal space. Whether you’re growing herbs or flowers, tiered garden beds are space-efficient and allow you to more easily tend to your plants and soil since they’re raised off the ground. Plus, the unique design adds an eye-catching flair to your backyard or outdoor area.
Tip!
Curious to learn more about the Benefits of a Raised Garden Bed? Browse our guide for everything you need to know.
7. Pick a Potting Bench
A potting bench is among our favorite small garden ideas because it adds both decoration and function. Not only does it provide a dedicated space to store garden tools, soil, or extra pots, but it can double as a plant shelf to maximize your space. Choose a compact bench with built-in shelving, like the wooden selection featured above, to minimize clutter.
A fairy garden adds a touch of nature and whimsy to your outdoor area without taking up the space of a traditional garden. Fill a planter with soil or find a small corner of your yard to dress up. Then, choose miniature fairy and plant figurines to add an ethereal touch to your outdoor space. This is a great way to create a personalized (and hassle-free) garden in a space-efficient way.
Tip!
Check out our Fairy Garden Ideas to Create a Magical Space for more dreamy garden inspiration.
9. Select Succulents
Both compact and low-maintenance, succulents are ideal plants for small gardens. Go for a variety of sizes to add visual interest to your space, and choose planters that reflect your personality. Succulents are ideal for gardens in hot climates because they thrive under intense sunlight.
Adding a water feature like a sleek fountain to your garden space is a simple way to dress up a small outdoor area. The tranquil sounds of flowing water turn even a compact garden into a serene sanctuary. The resin fountain featured above, coupled with lanterns and light blue planters, creates a calming and modern design.
A mini greenhouse is a size-efficient way to garden all year long. No matter what you choose to grow, these compact structures protect your plants while conveniently fitting within any outdoor area. Their insulation also allows you to experiment with plants that don’t otherwise thrive in colder climates.
Tip!
Wondering How to Use a Mini Greenhouse? Read our guide for a step-by-step overview.
12. Add an Arbor
Arbors are a decorative small garden idea that doesn’t take up too much space. They provide a frame for your plants to grow on, resulting in a striking focal point. These structures can also be used as attachments for hanging planters, like the arbor featured above. No matter which flowers are featured in your garden, an arbor makes your outdoor space feel larger and more elegant.
