How to Transform a Small Garden Into The Perfect Living Space

Even though we are still in winter and many people have snowy yards, today I want to discuss making our gardens useful places to visit. If you have a small garden, and you might feel as though you can’t do much with it, but that isn’t true. With a few steps, you can plan and create a space for yourself and family.

Having your own private outdoor space is a great gift to yourself. It gives you the chance to get outdoors, relax and soak up some vitamin D. Be kind to yourself. Take a look at these ideas for transforming your garden into the perfect outdoor space.

I. Make a plan for the garden

How do you want to use your yard? Do you want a table for summer eating? Do you want to sit in a comfortable chair and relax? Need 2 or 3 chairs for socializing? Consider the space you have and write down your goal. If your garden is small, narrow goals to the most important one. If you have a small patio off the master bedroom, choose comfortable chair for morning coffee and a glass of wine after work.

If you have a large lawn, think of it in zones. One zone could be a grassed area where children can play. It might be that you have a patio or decked area for sitting and eating, an area to socialize near your home, or simply even a space to craft, or start your own herb and vegetable patch. Consider which parts of the garden get the most sun at different times of day and take this into account when deciding where to position key areas. Go to Garden Planning Guide With Printables to find forms to use to plan your garden zones. Include everything that is currently there and add your future goals of additions and subtractions.

II. Find furniture that fits your space

While you may not have the space to add a full dining set, lounger area and outdoor sofas and everything else you’ve seen on Pinterest, you will have space for some of these things. The key is finding furniture that fits your space. A stylish bistro area is a great idea for small gardens, or you can try a modular sofa set that will let you break it up to provide different types of seating should you have guests come over. Work with the space you’ve got and find the right products to fill it. Alternatively, why not make your own furniture? There’s a lot that can be done with wooden pallets. Below Funky Junk Interiors built a cozy loveseat from free pallet boards mixed in with some reclaimed wood. A $10 thrift store mattress inspired the project and dictated its dimensions. Covering the mattress in neutral fabric and accessorizing with throw pillows adds comfort.

III. Add lights to extend garden use into the evening

Having lights in your garden is a great feature, It makes your garden more usable at night. Solar lights can be a real inexpensive way of lighting up your garden without the fuss of wires or electricity. You can pick up some great designs, and they can be as simple as sticking in the ground. Sometimes I added a few around a bush or tree. When the sun goes down, they will light up automatically. I defined the flower bed by the front porch of my house with solar lights. Another lower cost option is adding lanterns around your patio, deck or pool. Use a good light made for outside. I would leave them up as long as possible. LIghts in the garden in winter is another way to enjoy your garden space.

IV. Cover up with the right type of shelter

Adding a little shelter to your outdoor space will help you enjoy it no matter what the weather does. The cheapest way to cover a patio is typically by using a tarp or shade sail, which can be secured to existing posts or structures. Another inexpensive option is building a simple pergola frame and covering it with inexpensive corrugated plastic roofing panels. For more shade with less coverage, consider a large patio umbrella and strategically placed potted plants. Installing retractable awnings is a great idea for small outdoor spaces – you simply expand the awning when you need it, and put it away when you don’t. If you love the idea of being able to use your garden more, then adding some awning could make all the difference, without taking up any additional space.

V. Get creative with plants and flowers

Adding too much greenery can overwhelm a small garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some plants and flowers. Some small planters look great with flowers and plants that are well cared for – something that is a lot easier to do in a smaller space. You could also look at some wall plants, adding a little color and detail without going overboard. Keep things simple to ensure you’ve still got enough space to relax, and remember to keep on top of the maintenance.

IV. Add some decorative touches

Finally, some decorative touches can make your garden feel a little more homely, becoming an extension of your home. From simple solar lights and lanterns to rugs, cushions and other textiles – those little touches can make a big difference to how your space looks and feels. If you can make space for a little storage too, you’ll have somewhere you can put everything away to keep your space looking neat when you’re not using it.

No matter the size of your backyard, there’s potential for it to become your favorite place in your home. Get creative and transform your garden into your perfect outdoor living area that you can make the most of – at any time of year.

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