Flowering basket on a wrought iron hanger
Trees aren't an option in this small space. However, tall groomed shrubs, such as Alberta spruces provide a tailored finish to the landscape. Use the space above the ground wisely by strategically placing tall, slim plants to your advantage. Choosing a tall plant as a focal point and planting gradually smaller plants around it creates the illusion of height and more space.
Hanging planters use height to create a splash of color when suspended from a stationary hook or a freestanding iron hanger. Place double-sided hangers of varying heights for even more interest. Choose plants that match the color scheme and style of your garden so you don't detract too much from your focal point. Trailing vines or plants such as verbena or Wave petunias will gracefully fill the basket and spill over the rims for a beautiful addition to your garden.
Small water pond with simple aquatic plants
The small space in your back yard simply means you need to create a more planned oasis. Creating permanent landscape features, such as retaining walls or terraces raise the height of your gardens while providing an exceptionally groomed look to the landscape. You can't go big, though, due to limited space. You can install smaller 2- to 3-foot terrace sections framed by a brick retaining wall that matches the exterior design of the home. Red bricks, stone-hued pavers or wood landscaping ties can be used to complement your garden design. Tuck these creations around the edges of your yard to create the illusion of open space in the center.
Strip your plain cement patio and create a brick or slate patio. Incorporate the use of these same materials in garden borders or retaining walls to unify the landscape. When adding a patio, aim for a more free-form shape to crate the feeling of flow from one landscape element to another. Stark lines and drastic changes create divisions within the overall plan that simply don't work in small spaces. Blending color creates harmony within the landscape.
Adding a small pond or waterfall provides an excellent focal point. Pond and water features don't need to be elaborate and can be as simple as half-barrel with a single water lily. Place the barrel into a planting bed and choose plants that don't overpower this dramatic feature. Creating a more permanent small pond or watercourse that trickles through a small garden provides a beautiful focal point for simple plants, ornamental grasses and minimal flowering plants.
