Small Garden Design

I’ve got the tiniest yard, but want to do something special with it. Help!
The overall design philosophy at Exterior Worlds states that the objective of any great landscape design, including small garden designs, is to create a space that is in relationship with your home and its surroundings. The essence of good landscape architecture is that your garden must functionally work together in every aspect and, at the same time, reveal your personal tastes and lifestyle.

As with all landscape design, the small garden design begins and ends with thoughtful, intelligent planning. Landscape designers or landscape architects can bring expertise and experience to this process. And always keep in mind: small does not mean limited. A small garden can still carry a big wallop.

What are the unique problems of a small garden design?
If you’ve recently remodeled your home, you may have changed its elevation or added a new room or otherwise reduced the size of your backyard and thus changed the spatial relationship of the house to the landscape. Perhaps your zero-lot line runs smack into the imposing three-story wall of a neighbor’s townhouse. Maybe your property is undersized and defined by boring straight lines. In other words: a small yard, but a big challenge.

Start by cataloging your assets and liabilities. For instance, list the large, immobile factors, such as a long fence-line, a stand of bamboo or an air-conditioning unit, and decide how you would categorize them—plus or minus. In this way, you test what is feasible for your site, with the ultimate goal of clarifying your landscape design options.

What are some of the architectural elements to put into my small garden design?

• Hardscapes. Pathways and gates can be used to help define a small space, break it up or create interest. Your deck design or patio design can increase your living space with an outdoor room. Material selections, such as patio pavers or gravel pathways, add texture, thus making the space more appealing.
• Luxury swimming pools or outdoor water fountains. Water features provide movement and pleasant sounds that increase your pleasure, whatever the size of your yard. Swimming pools can be custom-made to fit into small gardens and yards. We have, in fact, many clients who have created works of art with their smaller pools.
• Garden structures. Consider the use of a garden arch, pergola, rose pillar, trellis or antique architectural element such as a marble urn or stone bench.
• Irrigation systems and drainage systems. Our clients find that these systems save them money, time and worry. Sprinkler systems distribute water to plants during our long, hot summers and drainage systems carry away excess water when we get our famous downpours.
• Landscape lighting. If you’re looking for a touch of drama in a small yard, landscape lighting is your answer. In addition to the beauty it creates, our clients tell us that they enjoy being able to come home after dark and still enjoy their outdoor environment, courtesy of the landscape lighting design.