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These small garden ideas prove that there’s no limit when it comes to outdoor space upgrades. The next thing you know, your square footage plot now plays a bigger role in your property.
These garden design ideas don’t have to be expensive, either. A bit of creativity and a few tricks open new possibilities. Whether dealing with a narrow space or a cramped covered patio, this guide will give you the power to do so.
Small Budget Garden Ideas
Gardening doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but the rewards are tremendous. Seasonal fresh greens are served at the dining table and ecological benefits, to name a few.
But if you’re short on backyard space, you may find it challenging to grow on your own. That’s why being resourceful is key. Regardless of the plot size, there are still ways to create a beautiful yet low-cost garden. Keep reading to explore what you could come up with!
1. Planter with lattice trellis
Vertical gardens are among the popular growing methods to maximise compact spaces. This gardening technique involves cultivating on walls and roofs in various styles. A great example of this is using structures like trellises.
If you live in the city, a planter designed with a lattice trellis will look amazing in your urban garden. It has a 2-in-1 purpose: a planter for the herbs and a trellis for climbers, which also doubles as a privacy screen.
2. Corner pergola
Make use of every inch, including the corners, by creating an extra tucked seating space. For this, a mini pergola is your best bet – decorate it with terracotta pots with greenery to inject some colour. It’s a simple way to transform a plain nook into a relaxing hideaway!
3. Grass-filled landscape
Perfect for both front and backyards, a grass addition to the landscape is sure to create drama. Ornamental grasses, for example, add height and mix well with flowering plants. Or topiaries and square bushes, making tiny plots feel less enclosed with their tidy look.
4. Grow a wide range of garden plants
Use plants of different heights and colours to disguise boundary walls and fencing. This planting trick is a charming way to evoke a cottage garden vibe in your humble yard. You can add comfortable seating into the mix to admire the fruits of your labour.
5. Rustic garden steps
For a low-budget yet intriguing garden focal point, recreate these rustic garden steps. Recycle your old ones and use them as a base to achieve a tiered planting. The extra height means they’ll take up less space than regular garden beds. At the same time, you’ll have steps!
6. Outdoor mirror addition
A mirror does the magic of making your small outdoor living space appear bigger. It also reflects more light and thus makes your garden feel airier and less enclosed. Mirrors work in most garden layout ideas.
7. Middlesized garden deck
Different flooring styles help create defined areas and make them feel more spacious. Consider a decking for one of your budget garden ideas! Try a tiered look with a lawn spot for playing, and introduce brick paths in between, for instance.
8. Vertical space gardening
Take your planting off the ground with vertical gardening. Grow upwards instead of outwards, be it indoors or outdoors. Use shelving, trellis, or other systems to support evergreen garden plants.
9. Hanging colourful flowers
Brighten up an old colander with some paint and use it as your hanging basket. The draining holes are perfect for allowing excess water to seep through.
10. Vertical vegetable garden
Grow your own kitchen garden with herbs and veggies using a trellis or in window boxes. Be the living proof that vegetable gardens can thrive even without an actual plot to grow!
11. Small courtyard garden side
Create a comfortable spot to relax in a side yard. Use a light colour scheme to give a sense of space and airiness. And for a low-cost privacy option or covering a plain wall or garden fence, opt for bamboo screening.
12. Bricks and garden plants
Use asymmetrical planting to make your garden space feel less square and fussy. Bricks affordable materials and easy to work with for creating flower beds.
13. Incorporate outdoor furniture
You don’t need a large space to create a relaxing outdoor environment. All you need is a garden furniture piece to enjoy the summer months and get your garden decor done. Go for a comfortable sofa and a tidy lawn look for a minimalist approach.
14. Miniature Zen garden
The trickling sound of a water feature is perfect for helping you relax in your zen outdoor space. Add a variety of simple and colourful flowers and garden plants for a splash of greenery.
15. A living green wall
If you like greenery but have little room to plant on the floor, try the walls! Living wall structural plants can spruce up your outdoor space and add extra privacy.
16. Corner garden planters
Make the most of your humble yard space with corner garden planters. This thoughtful approach to planting would also look lively in balcony gardens.
17. Open simple garden
For your plain wall, brighten it with low garden maintenance plants and climbers. Add a bench so you can sit out and enjoy the serenity of your mini forest garden.
18. Rely on a mini garden shed
A tall, narrow shed is the perfect size for a middlesized garden. Keep all your gardening tools in one place, and never worry about clutter!
19. Picture frames display
A living picture frame adds extra natural touch with close to no upkeep needed. Such displays can breathe new life into a plain wall.
20. DIY vertical space planter
Design your own vertical planter to keep the cost down. All you need is some wood, and the results could be amazing! This is a great solution if you’re short on space for planting.
21. Cultivate on the balcony
The right small garden ideas can get you to a balcony gardening habit even with no pro-green thumb skills. A container garden is a great starting point, e.g. with seasonal flowers. Then decorate with cosy bench seating and an outdoor rug to make the most out of the tiny area.
22. Garden benches and beds
Build a bench into your bed borders to maximise the space and achieve a contemporary garden look!
23. Small garden cabin
Add a small log cabin to give yourself some sheltered feeling of space outside. With one, you can still enjoy your garden room when the weather isn’t great. Add some cosy touches to make it feel homely.
24. Simple side yard
Side yards are cosy by nature. Add comfortable seating paired with a DIY garden table using wooden crates. Decorate the space with bunting and flowers for a calming, peaceful touch.
25. DIY tiered planters
Use some leftover fencing to create your own planters. Go for a tiered-style planter if you’re trying to save space but still want to add some colour.
26. Wall string trellis
Inject cheery and bright colours to a rather boring wall with a string trellis! Your climber plants will surely love this growing spot. Even better, you can make one your own easily and get creative with the shapes.
27. Corner shed
A corner shed is an excellent way to make use of a small space and create additional storage. Tuck in one in your country garden and store all your equipment out of sight.
28. Custom stepping stones
Stones make perfect decorative garden path ideas. To create your own, get the kids to help you paint the pebbles for a fun weekend family activity.
29. L-shaped sofa
An L-shaped sofa will give your small alfresco dining a modern look. Have a look at this rattan 5-seater corner sofa set, for example. It’s a worthwhile investment that can furnish your small garden layout ideas in style.
30. Outdoor lighting solutions
Add soft lighting to your small backyard to make it feel a little cosier. For a magical touch, consider hanging fairy lights on the fence, railings or on the tree. If you’re considering investing soon, check out our garden lighting range today!
31. Minimalist modern backyard
Use minimalist furniture and light colours to make a small space feel less enclosed. Add tall trees to soften a harsh wall and for elongation.
32. Side flower beds
Leave the centre of your garden clear to give off a more spacious feel. Place all your container garden plants and flowers to the sides to brighten up plain fencing.
33. DIY garden bar
Create a little spot to serve drinks in your garden for summer gatherings with a foldaway bar. Or if you have a mini cabin, you can incorporate this BillyOh Nightjar and bar stools.
34. Zen fountain
Nothing beats relaxing in your garden while listening to the sound of running water. A modern bowl-style water feature fountain makes the perfect finishing touches. It’s easy to install and requires less maintenance than a pond and takes up much less space.
35. Floating plant pots
Make your plants look like they’re floating on the wall by using minimalist hangers. It’ll help to spruce up a plain white wall and give you back some ground space.
36. Pallet vertical garden
Or you may recycle an old wooden pallet to create a vertical floating yard to hang on your shed or fencing. Add some small blackboard pieces so you can keep a note of what you’re growing.
37. DIY wood pallet deck
Create your own patio decking using recycled pallets. Add some splashes of colour with planters, a lick of paint on the pallets, and a colourful umbrella for shade.
38. Pots on shelf
If you’re short on ground space, add a shelf along your wall or fence to give your potted plants a new home. Bunting and string lights will also add charm.
39. Herb garden on corner
Use simple planters and some old steps to create a tiered planter for your corner kitchen garden. It’s easy to set up, yet it adds some appeal and greenery to the space.
40. DIY bench and pergola
You’ll need a couple of wood and patience, but the outcome will be a nice place to sit in your sun garden and relax. Add climbing plants to shield yourself from the partial garden sun.
41. Gravel garden path and flowers
Gravel looks great as a substitute for grass and can make a small garden look very classy. It’s also an inexpensive way to transform your outdoor space.
42. Japanese lanterns
Transform the look of your garden with zen lanterns or sculptures to help you relax the moment you step outside.
43. Natural stone garden bed
A simple garden bed made of natural stone can be a landscape game-changer. It’s easy and inexpensive to make yourself too! A gravel base, for instance, is great for drainage and helps to keep weeds at bay. This concept also looks good in a courtyard or contemporary garden.
44. Pallet garden table
The possibilities are endless when it comes to wooden pallets. Build a patio dining or coffee table, for instance, to enjoy meals outside. Complete the look with soft and colourful cushions for added comfort.
45. Recycled junk garden
Got some old stuff in your shed? Use it to add some personality to your garden! For inspiration, have a look at these creative upcycling ideas.
46. Balcony hanging pots
If you live in an apartment or flat, introduce a potted garden to your balcony with hanging plant pots. A few attached to the metal rod will make them a great outdoor feature.
47. Relax in a hammock
If your outdoor space is too small for garden furniture, a hammock can serve the same purpose for relaxation. A stylish hammock adds that cosy factor to your space, best for an afternoon nap or getting lost in a good book.
48. Decorate it with globe string lights
No matter how small your patio is, string or fairy lights in the mix can light up the mood. Hang them on fences or under a pergola. For maintenance-free lighting solutions, go for solar lights.
49. Depend on garden sling chairs
Sling chairs are one of the best seating options for a garden with limited space. Its folding feature lets you free up space when not in use. Plus, they make the perfect companion for an impromptu yard game.
50. Dead landscape nooks makeover
In a small country garden, it’s easy to overlook the areas that don’t get a lot of attention. This includes the corners, but you can turn those spots into unexpected focal points. Add a centrepiece fruit tree, flower pots, box hedging and a wide range of plants for interest.
51. Repurposing an old shutter for the plants
Feature exterior wall with an old shutter installed and filled with edible plants. This is a creative way to introduce vertical gardening to your humble space and make use of an old item!
52. Welcome wildlife
Even a tiny bird bath with bird feeders can help attract birds, even better if you have a large one! To welcome more wildlife in your yard, add a bug hotel and pollinator-friendly plants.
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53. Stick with natural garden materials
Grey and green combinations would look naturally pleasing for your country garden. You also won’t need much materials or fixtures – lush foliage, shrubs, trees, and an alcove seating will do the magic!
54. Ultimate relaxation hub
One of the creative small garden layout ideas that will make your dream outdoor haven come true! An L-shaped corner couch is your best bet when it comes to outdoor seating. You can customise it to fit the available space you have. A small fire pit or the addition of a feature fireplace will complete the look.
55. Create a seasonal garden
No productive garden is complete without bedding for a veggie or herb garden or blooms. With a seasonal garden, you make the most of your plot all year round. You’ll also be able to see how much your garden has changed throughout the year!
Small Garden Ideas: Round-up
It can be a real challenge to revamp a small garden space when you’re on a tight budget. Let alone having to think of what you can do to make the most out of the limited plot you have available. But not anymore with these small garden ideas!
If you’re furniture and garden building hunting, why not add some pieces from BillyOh? Just click the button below to have a look around!
Shop The BillyOh RangeFAQs
How do I budget for a small garden design?
First, you need to plan; sketch what you have in mind, measure out the garden, and shop around for materials and reclaimed furniture.
Set your budget, get creative on the cheap and maximise the space.
How do you make a small garden look nice?
Transforming a small outdoor space is way easier than larger gardens. All you need is plenty of inspiring design ideas like the ones in this guide to to make more of your backyard.
What can you do in a small garden?
The possibilities are endless for small garden design ideas! Dedicate a blank wall for your art and make it a gallery wall.
Or create a mini kitchen garden, mini yard cinema spot with outdoor lighting, set up a private bar, or a kid's corner.
What colours make a garden look bigger?
Light, cool-coloured coat of paint shades can help make a small landscape design feel larger. While bright, hot colours and darker shades can make the space feel the opposite.
The same goes with plants.
How do you add height to a small garden?
Planting a tree, large shrubs, or vines for green walls is one of the budget garden ideas to add height to the landscape. You'll have to wait for a while for the plants to grow, though.
We recommend opting for fast-growing and low-maintenance plants. Not only can they add height to your small space, but also shade and privacy.
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