Small Gardens: Big Effects
Townhouses, Units, Terrace houses all have one thing in common – small garden areas. But don’t let the challenge of a small area cramp your style – small gardens can be fabulous retreats if you put in a bit of forward planning.
The design of small garden aresa is crucial to meet the various needs of the owners and visitors. Use of inappropriate items, of the wrong size and for the wrong purpose can destroy an otherwise ideal entertaining area.
Furniture
- Tables and chairs take up a lot of space and should carefully be selected to suit the space available.
- A long narrow area will best utilise a narrow table, ideally placed against one side perimeter. This allows good access beside the table.
- A small round or square table is suited to courtyards and balconies where space is limited.
- Remember that when a person sits in a chair, they take up much more space than when the chair is empty and access around the chair is more restricted. So, don’t underestimate how much room you’ll need for each person sitting at the table.
- Some small areas may be better suited to a simple bench or bar at which you can sit and eat at rather than a complete table and chair set.
- Identify the importance and regularity of outdoor entertaining. If you rarely have people over or sit outdoors, then outdoor table and chairs may not be a wise investment.
HeatersOutdoor heaters can greatly increase the use of the area. Portable outdoor heaters are readily available from garden centres, hardware shops and barbeque shops. They include cherimas (mexican wood heaters), brassiers (metal frame block heaters) and oven-like barbeques. Modern alternatives are gas or electric outdoor heaters.
StatuesA single statue can make a wonderful statement in a small garden but it is important to remember that big is not necessarily the best. On the other hand, small statues can look fussy or simply may not be very noticeable.
Choose carefully as the wrong statue can make your garden look bad taste.
Structural ShapesOrnamental balls, pyramids and shapes are available for the home landscaper to brighten up or to add an architectural element to the garden.
Small Plants
- Small growing plants and plants with small foliage are ideal in small gardens. They make the garden look slightly bigger due to their small scale. Large foliaged plants tend to dominate a small area and look too big. In a small confined courtyard it is better to use Murraya paniculata ‘Min-a-Min’ rather than the more common larger leaf version of the same plant.
- Dwarf version plants are also better suited to small areas. For example, the compact ‘Paradise’ Camellias are better than other forms of Camellia in confined courtyards.
- Small sized plants are perfect for hedges and topiary work in small garden areas.
Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are ideal for growing plants in small spaces. The vertical garden achieved with hanging baskets can provide sprays of pendulous foliage and flowers and can give a small area a lush jungle feel.
Scale
Scale refers to the size of the area you are dealing with and how it relates to the other items in that space. For example in a small courtyard the scale will necessitate similar small scaled items to suit the space. In a large space, one would preferably place large sized items. In a small area it is important to place items that fit is size and scale to the rest of the garden.
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Commercial Hydroponics 3rd edition
One of the worlds best selling hydroponic books, first published in 1991 by Kangaroo Press. Dozens of colour photos, unique and rarely published advice on how to grow over 100 different types of plants (vegetables, herbs, flowers, indoor plants) in hydroponics. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2232-commercial-hydroponics-third-edition.aspx
The Environment of Play 2nd edition
A unique and inspirational view of designing play spaces for children. Full of photos, an inspiration for parents, child care workers, teachers, play leaders, landscape designers and park management professionals. First edition was published in the 1980’s by Leisure Press in New York. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2247-the-environment-of-play.aspx
Growing Trees and Shrubs for Small Gardens 2nd edition
First edition published by Kangaroo Press/Simon & Schuster. http://www.acsebook.com/products/1684-growing-trees-and-shrubs-for-small-gardens.aspx
Tropical Plants 2nd edition
http://www.acsebook.com/products/2245-tropical-plants.aspx
Trees and Shrubs for Warm Places First edition A valuable reference for growing plants not only in the tropics and sub tropics, but also greenhouses, inside the home or even hot courtyards in a temperate garden. Never before been published. The book contains colour photos of close to 300 plants and descriptions of many times that number (and largely different to the plants covered in our Tropical Plants book). http://acsebook.com/products/2238-trees-and-shrubs-for-warm-placescoming-soon.aspx
Garden Design Part 1 1st edition
A huge book with around 300 inspiring colour photos; that explains how to design a garden in a way that is able to be understood by a beginner, but full of tips and ideas that can help even seasoned professionals. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2242-garden-design-part-1.aspx
Garden Design Part 2 1st edition
Following on from Garden Design Part 1, this presents approximately 300 more photos, and a huge amount of inspirational reading to help you (in particular), understand the different styles of garden and the options open to you as a garden designer, or a home owner. http://acsebook.com/products/2244-garden-design-part-2.aspx
Starting a Garden or Landscape Business 2nd ed.
Previously published by Simon and Schuster; this is a must read for anyone wanting to set out on a career in horticulture. http://acsebook.com/products/2239-starting-a-garden-or-landscape-business.aspx
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