Five tips for how to work with a small garden

Sometimes choosing to live in an inner city suburb means you have to sacrifice space, especially when it comes to your alfresco.

Whether you're renting or living in your own home, here are five tips on how to maximise the potential of your minimal garden space.

Grow vertically

Planter boxes, outdoor shelving units or even ladders are a great way to display plants and greenery. Not only can you save space and create some interest in your garden, but these options are often cost effective and portable too in the event that you move.

Everything has its place

Whether you have a small balcony or courtyard, dedicate room for furniture or plant life so they don't overwhelm the entire space.

You can also minimise clutter by installing a retractable clothesline or using foldaway chairs to hide items when they're not in use.

These small changes can create more open space within your alfresco area, leaving room for kids or a fur-baby to play, or space for friends to socialise in summer.

Keep it low maintenance

Decorate your area with small terrariums, bonsai trees, potted fruit trees or faux grass. By keeping it simple there's less chance your garden will grow wild and unmanageable, encroaching on your precious space.

These options are also low maintenance, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor area.

Multitask

Utilise outdoor furniture or multitasking tools to cover a range of uses. For example, invest in benches that have storage underneath, tables with shelving or use door hooks to hang plants.

Consider your colour scheme

Vibrant flowers and features can brighten up a garden, giving the illusion of more space.

Neutral colours can also be used to hide features, such as flooring or fencing, drawing attention to other areas of interest.

Less permanent options can be used if you're living in a rental, such as potted flowers or bamboo fence screens, to add some colour and neaten up your garden.

If you're renting, be sure to speak to your REIWA property manager before making any permanent outdoor changes.