12 small garden design ideas — plus tips from award winning landscape designers

Small garden design ideas are vital if you're working with a limited outdoor space. Unlike those with sprawling lawns or patios to seat a hundred, every inch of space has to be considered when planning a small garden design. 

The key is not to feel limited by a compact outdoor space — as our experts will demonstrate, they often inspire some of the most elegant and interesting design solutions. 

As not every space is the same size or shape, we've collected a range of styles, designs and landscaping layouts so you can get started with all of the inspiration and ideas you will need. 

Scroll down to find everything from strategic planting tips, ingenious hardscaping ideas and simple, cost effective upgrades that will make the most of any awkward area. 

Small garden design ideas to maximise space

First things first, start by thinking about your priorities for your garden. Do you like planting in beds or pots? When designing beds and planters in a narrow garden, try to construct along just one side, rather than two to reduce the feeling of being boxed in. Pots are great as they can be moved out of the way as needed but consider adding one large, feature pot to create drama. 

Will a patio be required for entertaining guests and would a covered space for all-year-round use be helpful? Once you have a wish-list it is much easier to collect small garden design ideas that will suit your space that can be replicated for a sleek finish. 

1. Pack in as much greenery as possible

Harry Holding, who won first place in the 2024 SGD awards Big Ideas, Small Budget Award category, explains his approach to designing small garden ideas. "Imagine the garden as an entirely planted space and then carved out the hard landscape areas that are required for functional purposes."

"Being surrounded by planting is a joyful thing so ensuring a small space is packed full of plants and that your journey through takes you into the planting can have a powerful impact," he says.

When choosing a planting palette for small gardens he explains it's vital to always work with the conditions and be led by the environment and site. 

Harry Holding

Garden designer Harry Holding has won multiple awards for his work including the People's Choice award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023 as well as SGD awards for the past 3 years running.

2. Screen certain areas from view

Harry's aim was to bring "depth, mystery and intrigue" into the small garden space he transformed into an enchanting woodland garden.

He did this through multi-layered planting, a winding path and obscured views. "By screening aspects of the garden and avoiding reading the whole garden in one glance, you can create an immersive experience that makes you want to explore further into the space," Harry says.

Think about ways you can add garden screening ideas to your garden, either with planting or decorative screens. This is a way to create privacy from neighbours as well. 

3. Use a restricted colour palette 

In a small space, award winning landscape architect George Cullis's landscaping tip is to use limited colours to keep a cohesive space.

In the scheme above George explains that he "developed a restrained planting selection with a limited colour palette of greens, blue and white with textural interest to create cohesion in the small space."

He also introduced a rhythm and sense of calm within the planting scheme, by using large splashes of repeating flowers. 

This restrained approach also applied to the hardscaping. "By restricting the hard landscaping materials to soft greys and off whites there is a further sense of unity," explains George.

George Cullis

George studied landscape architecture at the University of Greenwich, London. After receiving his Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) George has led and delivered a wide range of projects both in the UK and abroad. 

4. Blur the boundaries

Professional landscape designer Adam Vetere, believes that a garden can extend beyond its own boundaries by 'borrowing' views from the surrounding area.

"Utilising views or landscapes beyond the garden can be integrated into the design," he says. Blur the boundaries using planting. "These design techniques can make the space appear larger than it actually is," says Adam.

He also suggests: "Providing points of interest/stopping points for the eye, as it wanders through the space". This can be done with planting, sculpture or water features.

Adam Vetere

A multi award winning garden and landscape designer and member of the APL Association of Professional Landscapers. He was awarded Designer of the Year by them in 2022.

5. Allow space for seating

"Somewhere to sit and enjoy the space you have created is key,' says Adam Vetere. "If space allows, a small area for a dining/cafe table. The area should be warm and welcoming, even on the coldest and darkest of days during the winter months," he advises.

If you are after a seating area for your small garden, consider buying foldaway furniture, or a narrow table that won't take up too much of the garden paving space. 

In this tiny outdoor space, extra storage can be found in the built-in seating while the steps also offer different levels to place plants — providing the illusion fluidity and space. 

6. Create an indoor/outdoor connection

A trick normally used to make interiors of houses feel bigger, using sliding glass, bifold or patio doors ideas to connect indoor and outdoor spaces can work both ways — making the areas feel like one large, usable living room. 

In this design George Cullis worked closely with the client to integrate the planting palette with the rest of the house decoration. "The meandering pockets of planting ensure there is a sense that there is always something beyond helping the space to feel deeper," says George.

7. Light up a cosy garden dining area

In a small garden which doesn't get much sun – for instance once which faces North or is over-shadowed by trees or neighbours – have a change of perspective and create the perfect outdoor spot for evening and nighttime entertaining. 

An essential feature of this is ensuring you've incorporated adequate garden lighting ideas. 

Solar LEDs hidden in beds, wired outdoor wall lights and festoon feature lights are all great options for creating a warm and welcoming environment. 

8. Use tricks for the illusion of a bigger garden

Installing a mirror along a garden wall to reflect the sky, greenery and create the illusion of extra space is a cheap trick that works wonders.

Other ingenious ideas along the walls could include adding shelving to increase potting potential and hanging baskets with creeping and drooping plants.

We like this industrial option Black Square Window Pane Outdoor Mirror at Lime Lace.

9. Transform a small shed into a covered seating area

This tiny, narrow garden uses every inch of space to create the ultimate cosy garden seating area but the real winner to us is the shallow shed at the end of the garden, welcoming visitors to shelter with a blanket and a glass of something tasty.

10. Create an outdoor living room

Take the principals of decorating interiors to a cosy outdoor corner to give a real sense of purpose in a small garden.

This garden is relaxed yet incredible welcoming — complete with fireplace (and firepit), trolley bar and comfy armchair.

11. Give a small garden design a makeover

If your small garden is feeling a little tired and in need of TLC, consider giving a new lease of life to exterior walls and fencing with a bright, vibrant colour (using the best masonry paint). 

By creating an identity associated with the space, it will feel renewed and ready for another year to host and entertain. Try Cuprinol 1L Garden Shades - Barleywood at Amazon.

12. Get on a different level

Looking at garden steps ideas, adding a sunken patio or creating a change in level will give opportunities to create a feeling of space, as well as a few extra spots for adding greenery, water features, and even a small sculpture. This can also help to create more useable space for sloping garden ideas. 

FAQs

What should I plan in a small garden?

Landscape architect George Cullis suggests having a tree as a focal point in a small garden. "Sculpture also adds another layer to the story and offers an opportunity to be a constant presence as the garden changes through the seasons," he says.

"Using water can add a peaceful dimension to a space if sited properly. This could be in the form of a deliberate trickling sound from a water feature or a reflective surface that can bounce light around," says George.

How can I make my garden beautiful in a small area?

"Encourage wildlife and improve the biodiversity in the garden by increasing the soft landscaping,' says Adam Vetere. "Try and minimise the hard landscaping within a small space and soften it by applying a relaxed planting scheme."

George Cullis says it's important to understand where the key views are from the house. "So that you can consider siting structural plants to make the most of the opportunities from within the house, and to balance this with how these plants will work when you're out in the garden. 

Landscape designer Harry Holding emphasises: "Water - every garden should have water, no matter the size!"

Small gardens can sometimes be a blessing in disguise in terms of cost, and maintenance requirements. It also means thinking outside the box with your garden design.