Design ideas for a very small garden

Lois Lane

Our garden is extremely small in the Surrey area. It's about 7.54 x 2.29mts or possible a bit more.

We would like to have an idea of design that includes a small play area and space for plants.

I'll be greateful to receive ideas about what the best thing to do is. Whether it is hiring a garden designer or architect or a landscape specialist. 

Help!

 

Thanks

 

Paula

 

 

Lois Lane

 

 Hi Verdun,

Thanks for your reply. I've just attached two pictures of the floor plan. We don't have a  picture of the garden but if you look at the plans, it'd give you an idea. The soil is quite rough and as the house was abandoned for several years, nothing has been done to the small garden. We've been trying to fight the weeds and the ground needs to be levelled. To the right side of the garden there is a fence that leads to a small river and there's one massive tree, which unfortunately blocks a bit of sunlight. Poor garden! Originally we wanted to deck it all to avoid hard work. But now we are open to other suggestions. 

As you can see in the first pic, we'll see if we can use the whole of our space, tkaing out the outhouse and drive. The second picture shows only the outhouse taken out. 

We need something easy as this is very small. I'm not very good a looking after plants but we need soemthing to make it look nice. We also need a play area as we have a toddler and a baby coming up. Not something big but something safe!

Hope this helps. I've been doing my research on garden designers but this garden is sooo small that I'd like some advice first. 

 

Thanks

Fairygirl

Hi lois. As Verd said, it  helps to know a bit more about the plot - ie aspect. Where is north? You mention a tree to the right blocking light. If that's the case decking wouldn't be a great idea as it'll be treacherous in wet conditions. It needs a good sunny aspect to be suitable. The soil ph is important too as it determines what will grow. Also, you mention a fence in one part. Does that go right round the garden and if so , what height?

If you have a look at other gardens round about you, that will help. Take some pictures from different angles -from upstairs windows too if possible - and it will give us a better idea of the plot., and makes it easier to offer suggestions. 

Lois Lane

Thank you for your suggestions! 

 

I think we might try to get tree out of the way because its shade takes a lot of the big part of the sun we could have but I don't know what kind of tree it is. Certainly, people around us have been having the idea of getting rid of those trees as well, which are not in our property. 

We won't do decking as we also heard it can be a bit of a hassle. We still need to put some slates or tiles outside and investigate what the best drain system is. 

 

QueSeraSera

Hi there,

I echo the thoughts above - avoid decking. When wet its dangerous and it needs so much maintenance compared to other options.

If it were me, due to the size, I think I'd use gravel or paving for most of it, and plan a container garden. This way you can have fun rearranging pots as well as furniture and maintain flexibility if you fancy a change.... I'd try to partition off a small section - maybe the part at the side - for a different surface (perhaps those recycled tyre chippings) for a play area - then you could fit a slide, wendy house, seesaw etc.

I don't know what you have marking your boundaries but if you have walls, then I'd encourage you to use them to plant up, clematis and roses are my favourites at the moment. You can also add baskets to them which makes use of the height.

HTH.

x

Ginglygangly

crumbs it does look weeny! Probably the best advice I can give you at this stage is to have a good look at other peoples' gardens, in gardening books (your local library is bound to have a selection) and in magazines. With such a small garden, design is going  to be really important because everything has to work for you and to earn its keep.Someone gave me a book called "Small Gardens" by John Brookes - there are lots of ideas in there, although not too many suitable for toddlers! It does help you start to focus what you really want out of a design. Browse your local garden centre and online to see what sort of plants you like. Probably a good idea to get a file of clippings together of gardens and plants you like. Then you can probably get a good planting plan and design done by a designer - the more information you are able to give the designer, the happier you will be with the result.

 

nutcutlet

the forum will do it for free Paula.

not  good forum etiquette to advertise Mike.

NewBoy2

Sorry Lois but I think you need a Superman !!

Cringing as I send this

Aliesh

Hi Lois, i find Pinterest very helpful, if you type in small garden ideas it will bring up lots of great pics. I agree with Patsy to try and encourage wildlife as children love to watch birds, butterflies and creepy crawlies. also pinterest have good ideas for fairy gardens for children.