How to Make Your Small Garden Appear Bigger: 17 Tips and Tricks

Do you wish your small garden had a bit more space? What if there were ways to make it appear larger than it actually is?

In this guide, we’ll explore different strategies and tips that can help transform your small garden into a seemingly expansive oasis. From plant selection to layout and design elements, let’s dive in and learn how to maximise your garden’s potential.

Keeping It Simple

In garden design, simplicity is key – especially for small gardens. An uncluttered, streamlined design doesn’t just make the space easier to maintain—it can also give the illusion of a larger area.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve a clean, simple garden:

• Limit the variety of plants: Stick to a few types of plants and repeat them throughout the garden.
• Choose matching pots: This creates a uniform look, reducing visual clutter.
• Keep decor minimal: Too many decorations can make the space feel smaller and chaotic.

Of course, as we go on you may start to realise that not all of these tips will resonate with you. Pick and choose the best tips as you see fit, because minimalism or simplicity won’t work for every garden designer.

Choosing the Right Plants

Choosing the right plants is crucial in making a small garden appear larger. Plants that grow upwards rather than outwards can create an illusion of more space by drawing the eye upwards. Meanwhile, mulch adds less interest than flowering ground covers where space is at a premium.

For example:

• Columnar varieties such as Cupressus sempervirens ‘Glauca’ (Italian Cypress) grow tall and narrow, perfect for small spaces.
• Climbers like Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) can be trained on trellises or walls, utilising vertical space.
• Fine leaf plants like poas can add texture without taking up much room.
• Instead of showing off your mulch, cover the ground in flowering ground-covering plants which are a better use of space when it’s limited.

Using Colour Wisely

Utilising colour effectively is another way to enhance the perception of space in your garden. Light colours, for instance, can make a space feel larger as they reflect light and create a sense of openness.

Here’s how to use colour to your advantage:

• Plant lighter coloured flowers at the edges of your garden and darker ones towards the centre. This creates a ‘fade out’ effect, giving the illusion of depth.
• Group similar colours together for a harmonious look, or use contrasting colours to add interest.
• Blues, purples and greens are cool colours and bring relaxed vibes, while warmer colours like red, yellow and orange embody passionate emotions.

Incorporating Different Textures

Different textures can add visual depth to your garden, making it appear larger. Australian native plants offer a range of textures that can create this effect:

• Fine texture: Plants like westringias have fine leaves that add a soft texture.
• Coarse texture: Plants like kangaroo paws provide contrast with their bold form and coarse texture.

Planting in Layers

Layering plants is an effective way to create depth in a small garden.

Here’s how:

• Start with taller plants at the back, medium-sized ones in the middle, and smaller ones up front.
• This technique not only creates an illusion of space but also adds interest to your garden by providing a variety of heights.

Utilising Vertical Spaces

Vertical gardening is a great solution for small spaces. But while green walls can bring a lush, verdant feel to your garden, they require proper knowledge of substrates, irrigation, feeding, and ongoing maintenance to keep them looking good for extended periods.

An easier way to achieve height in a small garden can be to incorporate climbers and columnar plants, as discussed earlier in this article.

Using Mirrors and Reflections

Mirrors can create an illusion of space by reflecting light and the surrounding plants. Place mirrors strategically so they reflect the most attractive parts of your garden, subtly hidden amongst the foliage for a more natural look.

Beware that mirrors can increase the sunlight and heat within a micro climate, so be careful not to position mirrors to cause foliage to burn.

Enhancing Perception of Space with Lighting

Landscape lighting can make a garden appear larger. Here are some tips for effective lighting in a small garden:

• Use uplighting: This draws the eye upwards, making the garden seem taller.
• Highlight features: Light up a tree or a feature plant to create depth.
• Use path lights: These help define the space and make it seem longer or wider.

Enhancing Perception of Space with Pathways

One clever trick to make a small garden appear larger is through diagonal paving. This technique involves laying your paving stones or bricks diagonally across the space, creating lines that lead the eye towards the farthest corners. This elongates the perceived distance, making the garden seem more spacious than it is.

Alternatively, you can use winding or curved paths which can also make the garden seem larger. Especially if the path is wider at the front of the garden, and becomes narrower at the back. This provides a sense of perspective.

Curved pathways create a sense of mystery and anticipation, drawing the eye around the bend and making the garden seem longer or deeper. Keep the curves gentle and sweeping rather than sharp and abrupt.

Creating Zones

Dividing a garden into different zones can create an illusion of space and depth. Each zone serves a specific purpose – be it for relaxation, dining, or growing certain types of plants. By doing so, you’re not just organising your space; you’re also leading the viewer’s eye on a journey, making the garden seem larger.

Creating effective garden zones involves careful planning. Start by identifying the different activities you want to accommodate in your garden. Then, use elements like planters, trellises, or low walls to delineate each zone.

Depending on just how small your garden is, this may be difficult to achieve but can be beneficial.

Creating a Focus Point

A well-chosen focus point can draw the eye and make a space appear larger. It could be a striking plant, a piece of garden art, a water feature, or even a brightly coloured wall.

Position your focal point so it’s visible from the main viewpoint, but not necessarily centrally placed. This will draw the eye across the garden, making it seem more expansive.

Multiple focal points can be difficult to achieve in successfully in a small garden, but not impossible. Vary the height of your focal points to add interest and depth.

Blurring Boundaries

Blurring or hiding the boundaries of your garden can help create an illusion of space. This technique involves using plants, trellises, or mirrors to obscure the edges of your garden, making it difficult to gauge its actual size.

To blur boundaries effectively, use tall plants or climbers at the edges of your garden. You can also paint fences or walls in dark, neutral colours to make them recede visually.

Incorporating Water Features

Water features can add a sense of depth and movement to your garden. Consider small-scale water features like a birdbath or a small fountain that won’t take up too much space.

The sound and touch elements are often overlooked in gardens, but incorporating water features can create a sensory experience for both touch and sound.

Strategically Placing Furniture

Well-placed furniture can also make your garden appear larger. By positioning your furniture towards the corners or edges, you’ll keep the central areas open and uncluttered, enhancing the sense of space.

Choose furniture that fits the scale of your garden. Too large, and it will overwhelm the space; too small, and it might look out of place. Remember not to overdo it – less is often more in a small garden.

Choosing the Right Size Decorations

The size of your decorations can significantly impact the perceived space in your garden. Larger elements can make the space seem smaller, while smaller decorations can make it feel cluttered.

Choose a few well-proportioned decorations that enhance your garden’s theme without dominating the space. Remember, these elements should complement, not compete with, the natural beauty of your garden.

Using Containers

Using containers and pots offers several benefits in a small garden. They provide flexibility, allowing you to change your plant display as seasons or preferences change. Plus, raised planters can give an illusion of multiple levels, adding depth to your garden.

Choose containers that match your garden’s style and scale. Group them together for a more significant impact, but avoid overcrowding the space. Remember to consider the plants’ growth habits and care requirements when selecting containers.

Earlier, we discussed that it can be a good idea to keep pots in a matching style, but having an eclectic mix of styles can also work well.

Daniel’s Wrap

In this guide, we’ve explored various strategies to make a small garden appear larger. From pathways and creating zones to blurring boundaries and strategic furniture placement, these tips offer practical, real-world advice to enhance your garden space.

So why wait?

Start experimenting with these tips in your own garden today, and watch as it transforms into a seemingly expansive oasis.

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