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Ideas and inspiration needed for small garden

mesa_boogiemesa_boogie Posts: 2
in Garden design
Hi all, we have a very small low maintenance garden, and generally pleased with it. However, it's a bit boring and we're looking for some suggestions to make it more exciting. 

Annoyingly, there are 4 trees at the back, we feel should've been evergreen or screening trees as there are some flats overlooking the garden. What could be some options to replace them?



We are planning on extending the paving in front out 2 rows, and possible alongside the flower beds at the back (also considering extending out the existing stones/pebbles)

In the back left (outlined in blue) we're thinking of adding another flower bed or arrangement of potted plants



Open to any ideas or suggestions!

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,563
    Maybe turn the area where the two raised beds currently are into a full-width seating area, with space for outdoor sofas, dining set or whatever, defined with a single step up (a timber sleeper step). And plant up the little strip at the back, and the left over space in front which used to be a lawn. You won't miss a lawn if you have a generous paved space. It's a shame those storage units are so prominent but there's not a lot of space for screening...


  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,563
    Maybe break the big planting area up with an additional slabbed route

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,014
    Could you move the storage things to the end and then they would be easier to screen and you would have a more attractive area nearer to the house.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • GreenbirdGreenbird Posts: 237
    edited March 2021
    It depends what style you want really. You can definitely add more plants (especially shrubs/small trees) without it becoming high maintenance.

    I can't tell what trees they are, but I personally dislike most evergreens. They generally get big and ugly and a lot can't be pruned effectively. Usually less benefit to wildlife. No really interest i.e sway, leaf colors, bark texture, the gentle sound they make in the wind. You only really need screening in spring and summer when you actually use the garden - the trees you have will do the trick.

    I'd be tempted to remove the lawn (as that's using most the space in your garden without a purpose or interest) and replace with a centralized sitting area. 

    Having the back fence so visible is a constant reminder of how small the garden is, and could make your feel like your sitting in the box. Increasing the size of that raised bed would allow you to plant a dense layer of understory plants that would give an illusion of depth. 

    Then something to draw your eye away form the storage space. 





    inspiration stolen from google
  • mesa_boogiemesa_boogie Posts: 2
    Quick update!
  • Pauline 7Pauline 7 Posts: 2,231
    Is that really the same garden? It looks so much better. Well done. :)
    West Yorkshire
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