From lush green backyards to desert casitas, every outdoor space can benefit from smart landscape design. Learn how to use simple enhancements like pathways, water features, and color schemes to elevate your yard and create a sense of purpose.
1. Think Three-Dimensional
The tighter space of small yards demands more care in planning. Accurate measurements become critical, tolerances are narrower (an inch or two can make the difference in whether a deck footer will fit between a retaining wall and a home foundation), and different elements often are located right next to or on top of each other.
These limitations can be overcome by thoughtful manipulation of space. For example, by pushing some edges a bit toward the center to create narrow moments that feel like thresholds to pass through, or by curving reveals into wide spaces that feel welcoming and open to spend time in, it is possible to create the illusion of more expansive landscapes in smaller yards.
Another way to improve legibility in a small yard design is by limiting the number of plant species. This doesn’t mean sacrificing variety in texture, foliage color, or height, but rather that it is a good idea to avoid cramming too many different plants into the space if at all possible. Even better, choosing several species that perform the same function – such as three thoughtful plants that each peak in the spring or are suitable for low-maintenance ground cover – can look more natural and less cluttered than seven one-off choices.
If a homeowner is considering adding in-ground or raised beds for food production, consider growing space-saving vegetables and herbs, or using trellises to encourage vines to climb up fences and walls. This can help reduce the cost of buying food and also give a sense of ownership to a small yard design.
The first step in designing any landscape is to carefully plan. Sketch the entire yard on graph paper, or use a computer program to map it out. Be sure to locate all utilities, downspouts, drains, and other existing features. Then add your new plantings and furnishings, making notes on each as to size and placement. The more detailed your initial plan is, the easier it will be to spot problems before they become costly blunders. It is also a great idea to ask your designer to model the project, both in 2D and 3D, so that you can instantly compare different options, test sightlines, see how sun and shadow will play out in the yard throughout the day, and more.
2. Go Smart with Outdoor Furniture
The smallest details can help a garden feel complete and polished. That’s why it’s important to think through every element of a landscape design for small yards, from the layout of pathways and seating to the placement of water features and color schemes.
To make a backyard feel larger, opt for a curved pathway rather than a straight one. The curved shape will create a sense of depth, making your yard feel bigger. Another way to add a sense of dimension is by using stepping stones or concrete pavers. These materials also add visual interest and are durable enough for everyday use.
For a backyard that feels more like an extension of your home, incorporate built-in seating around a fire pit or dining area. This allows you to seat more guests without overcrowding the space and makes the area feel more cohesive.
To eliminate the feeling of clutter, choose furniture that is minimal in size and shape. For example, a round patio table takes up less square footage than a traditional rectangle, and its slim profile will reduce the amount of visual weight in the room.
Creating an organic vegetable garden is a popular landscaping trend that will benefit both your health and the environment. Instead of buying produce from the supermarket, grow your own food in a freestanding raised bed or vertical garden. You can even grow space-saving varieties of fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, beets and greens.
The right lighting can highlight the landscape and make a small backyard feel more intimate. Opt for a simple lighting scheme that will enhance the overall look of your garden while also allowing you to use your space after dark.
Backyards aren’t just for entertaining and relaxing—they can also provide the perfect setting for exercise, meditation or just quiet reflection. By choosing the right outdoor furniture and implementing smart landscape ideas, you can turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis that’s perfectly suited to your needs.
3. Think Vertical
A well-designed landscape is a beautiful addition to any home. But, while many people may dream of creating a spacious outdoor oasis in their backyard, they are often constrained by a small yard. Fortunately, townhomes, condos, apartments and zero-lot style homes can be designed with stunning gardens that maximize space. Embracing the following timeless landscaping tips for small yards will help homeowners create a gorgeous and functional space that they can enjoy for years to come.
The best way to make a small backyard feel expansive is by drawing the eye upwards. Planting a variety of vertical greenery, cleanly defining the space with steel edging and using open space can all help create the illusion of height. Tall trees, trellises and hanging plants can also be used to help the eye move up, creating a sense of openness in tighter spaces.
Another important consideration when designing a landscape for a small yard is to consider the climate, soil conditions and sun/shade patterns of your specific area. Selecting plants that will thrive in the existing environment can drastically cut down on upkeep, as can choosing smaller bushes and compact varieties of flowers. Additionally, choosing a variety of flower colors to add visual interest can help stretch the look of a small garden.
It is also important to be realistic about how much time you can devote to maintaining your landscape. If you do not have the time to spend tending your yard yourself, it is a good idea to choose low-maintenance hardscape materials and incorporate plantings that require little upkeep. Also, keeping the mulch about a foot away from the plants can simplify mowing and reduce the need for watering.
Doubling up on uses is also a great way to help stretch the space in a small backyard. Adding a patio that can be used for both dining and relaxing will make the most of your space and ensure that it is well-utilized. When designing a landscape for a small yard, it is also a good idea to include seating that can fold down when not in use.
4. Keep It Simple
A well-designed landscape can be as simple or as complex as you desire. It’s a matter of balancing the elements that you want to include and deciding what is truly important to you. If, for example, you want to add privacy with a fence but are limited on space, a combination of plantings and structures can be effective. The key is to choose plants that will look good from both sides and be tall enough to provide privacy while limiting visual clutter.
One of the easiest ways to make a small yard feel larger is to use walkways. Whether it’s concrete pavers from the front door to the back deck or simple stone steps connecting the yard to the house, walkways define spaces and give the impression of a large garden. Another way to add a sense of scale is to use built-in seating. Whether around a fire pit or at an outdoor dining table, built-in seating is both functional and visually appealing.
Another easy way to enlarge the feeling of your backyard is to unify decor colors and simplify landscaping elements, such as garden beds and lawns. This makes the space appear tidier and cleaner and creates a greater sense of openness.
Many older eastern cities have rows of townhouses with back yards that are 17 to 30 feet wide or less. When compared to the yard of a freestanding home, these spaces are often smaller and more difficult to design. A primary concern in these urban and historic areas is how to maximize the space without creating barriers that prevent accessing the property.
A professional designer can help you determine how much of your backyard can be used for play and what areas should be reserved for entertaining or relaxing. They can also advise you on how to best frame your house and set off your patio with a retaining wall or pergola. And they can help you determine the best way to blend the indoors and outdoors by creating a walkway that extends to your backdoor or a window seat that opens into a sitting area.
