As herb and vegetable gardens, composting and other aspects of green living become more popular, many people with limited outdoor space are looking for ways to squeeze the most out of it.
鈥淎 client in a modern high rise in downtown Chicago did not have a typical garden per se, but did have a large outdoor balcony with a beautiful view,鈥� says interior designer Edyta Czajkowska, founder of the design firm Edyta & Co. 鈥淲e created a garden space for her by using planters in varying sizes that she could plant flowers and herbs in. We stuck to one plant per planter, which created an organic yet tailored look, while still elevating something as simple as garlic or chives.鈥�
Even a small patio or balcony can be made useful and plant-friendly, interior designers say.
Here, Czajkowska and two other experts 鈥� sa国际传媒icut landscape architect and designer Janice Parker, and Atlanta interior designer Jen Sypeck 鈥� offer advice on creating a lush and plant-friendly area, even in a tiny space.
Map out your plan
Assess your space realistically, says Czajkowska, and then seek inspiration at a home and garden store or on Pinterest.
Decide what your goals are. Do you want to fill the space with beautiful blooms, cutting some for indoor flower arrangements throughout the summer? Or would you love to grow an ample crop of herbs for cooking or become a composter? Once you choose, get creative.
鈥淎 vertical garden is a great option for smaller spaces as it only utilizes wall space, and you can actually plant quite a bit in it,鈥� Czajkowska says. 鈥淛ust like with small interior spaces, you鈥檇 be surprised at what you can fit into a space that鈥檚 well thought out.鈥�
As you plan, consider which tools or equipment you鈥檒l need for gardening or other outdoor work. One space-saving solution: For seating, choose closed benches with storage space inside.
Choose plants strategically
If you鈥檙e a first-time gardener, Sypeck says: 鈥渟tart with a hardy plant such as rosemary or lavender. Both of these beauties offer a statement moment, an ornamental element, aromatic benefits and are hard to kill.鈥�
Another good option is buying pre-made container gardens with plants and flowers that work together. 鈥淐hances are a garden expert paired everything with similar needs,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat way, you can water accordingly and provide the correct amount of sunlight needed.鈥�
For vivid colour without too much effort, consider a pre-planted container of succulents such as cheveria, kalanchoe and sedum.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e hardy, Sypeck says, 鈥渂ut they don鈥檛 look like it, as they produce vibrant colours and flowers. When paired together, they create a striking container garden, with the same care requirements.鈥�
If you want colour and beauty during the warm season, Parker says, 鈥渟tick with annuals for high- impact colour from May to October.鈥�
If your outdoor space doesn鈥檛 get much sun, choose plants that do well in the shade.
And in a limited space, 鈥渃hoose plants that grow slowly and keep their form,鈥� Parker says, such as boxwood roses or Japanese maples.
Embrace colour and drama
In a small space, Parker says, don鈥檛 be afraid to go big. For example, instead of planting herbs or flowers in small planters, choose one large and dramatic planter as a design statement.
She and Sypeck say there are many beautiful, lightweight planters available made with a mix of fibreglass and zinc or bronze, so you can create a dramatic look that鈥檚 safe to use on rooftops or balconies where weight is an issue.
鈥淚 personally love mixing materials and styles with my outdoor containers,鈥� Sypeck says. 鈥淟ayering with a variety of heights and textures is my approach, and I tend to favour copper, cement and stone, all with a soft, modern sensibility.鈥�
She also recommends repurposing unexpected items as eye-catching containers: 鈥淎n old copper ice bucket was one of my latest victims turned into a now- thriving succulent garden,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e also been known to spray paint a pot or two if I鈥檓 craving a new colour and vibe.鈥�
Even a small composting bin can be hidden inside an attractive planter.
Make other details count
Think of a balcony or small patio as an outdoor room, Parker suggests. Choose a beautiful table as a focal point, even if it鈥檚 small and will have plants on it.
Also consider lighting, and how the space will look and feel at night, as well as during the day. If the outdoor space doesn鈥檛 have electricity, no problem. Use LED candles or battery-powered lights clustered around the space.
As a finishing touch, add a sculpture or other item 鈥� such as a decorative birdcage painted a bright colour 鈥� amid your plants.
