Applying landscape design principles to small spaces can be challenging because it’s more often the larger spaces that we see featured in case studies.  People often question whether it’s worth getting a landscape designer in to assist with their ‘little space’. The thing is if it’s the only space you’ve got then I’d argue it’s more important to get the design right.

As John Brooked states in his book Small Garden ‘ Gardens, first and foremost, are for people, not plants’. Plants are just one of many elements that can make an inviting space. Equally important, especially in small spaces, is the choice of furniture, planters, lighting and decoration in the form of sculpture, texture, colour etc. This is not to discount the value of planting in designing for a tight space but rather to suggest its kept in perspective.  Make sure the user, you, is catered to first and foremost and then build everything else around this. As always, good design prior to commencing construction will allow you to maximize the return on your opportunity.