Small garden? How to make the most of your outdoor space.
There are signs that summer is on its way, and therefore, we start spending more time outdoors. Potential buyers will be assessing your outdoor spaces with just as keen an eye as your home's interior. If you have a small garden, it can often be hard to decide how best to maximise its potential but transforming it into an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space doesn’t have to be a challenge. With just a few simple steps and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful and functional garden that will be the envy of your friends and neighbours. Our team have put together four garden ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor space with a style that will help sell your home.
1. Use containers – pots, planters, window boxes.
If you have limited space in your garden, using containers is an excellent way to add greenery and colour without taking up too much room. Pots are great for showcasing individual plants, whether it's a small tree, a colourful shrub, or a collection of herbs. Group several pots together in different sizes to create a stunning visual display that can be moved around easily. If you want to add some height to your container garden, try using tall pots that can hold climbers or vining plants like jasmine, wisteria, or ivy.
Planters are a popular choice for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables and are ideal for a small garden. Window boxes are another option for growing plants in small spaces, such as balconies or small outdoor areas, with limited floor space. Window boxes can hold a variety of plants, from trailing ivy to brightly coloured petunias, and can add a lovely pop of colour to any home's exterior.
By using containers, you can add beauty and colour to your small garden without sacrificing space. They are a great way to create a portable and versatile garden that you can move around as needed and enjoy all year round.
The pots and planters shown here are from The Consortium on Jewry Street.
2. vertical gardening – hanging baskets, wall planters.
Vertical gardening, growing plants upward rather than outward, is perfect for small gardens. Hanging baskets are the ideal solution for areas where there is no ground space available, such as patios or balconies. Wall planters are another great option for vertical gardening. They are perfect for creating living walls that are both beautiful and functional. Whether you choose hanging baskets or wall planters, just remember to choose plants that are suited to growing vertically and enjoy the beauty of your living walls.
3. Create focal points – water features, sculptures, lighting.
One way to make your small garden stand out is to incorporate focal points. This not only adds interest to the space but also helps to draw the eye and make the garden feel larger.
Water features can be a beautiful addition to a garden. Whether you opt for a small pond, fountain, or even a birdbath, the sound of flowing water creates a calming atmosphere. Sculptures can also be an interesting focal point. A unique piece of art can add character and eccentricity to your garden. Consider the style of your garden and choose a piece that complements it. You could also opt for a DIY sculpture using materials like driftwood or metal scraps.
Lighting is another key element to creating a focal point in your small garden. Solar-powered lights or string lights can add a warm and inviting feel to the space. You could also consider installing spotlights to highlight your favourite features.
Remember, it's important not to go overboard with too many focal points, as this can overwhelm the space. Choose one or two that work well together and enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.
4. Add some structure – trellis, pergola, arbour.
Adding some form to your garden can provide visual interest and practical use for growing plants. Trellises are perfect for growing climbing plants, such as vines or clematis - as shown in the image. They can be placed against a wall or fence, or used as a standalone feature. Pergolas are a beautiful addition to any garden and provide a shaded area for outdoor dining or lounging. They can be covered with climbing plants or vines to create a natural canopy. Arbours are another great option for creating a garden focal point. They can be placed at the entrance of your garden or used as a decorative divider. No matter what option you choose, adding a structure to your garden is an easy way to add depth and visual appeal to your outdoor space.
We’re here to help.
If you live in Winchester and you’re thinking of selling your home, you can enhance your property by ensuring that your outside spaces are beautifully presented. Even with a small garden, a balcony or patio, by utilising these ideas, you can ensure that buyers see a colourful haven, a space where they can relax and unwind.
If you would like more ideas on how to prepare your home for sale, contact our team on 01962 866 644.
