How to make a small backyard look larger: These 15 tips will benefit from a poky out of doors area

Recent findings from the Post Office revealed that 87 per cent of prospective buyers consider the garden as one of their top priorities when buying a home. 

However, many homes, particularly new-builds, terraces and ground floor flats, only come with small gardens or courtyards. 

And in built-up areas, gardens are often not just compact, but also overlooked by the neighbours. 

If your home isn’t blessed with expansive lawns, the good news is that there are plenty of simple tricks you can use to make a postage-stamp garden feel bigger and more secluded. 

Speaking to This is Money, Danielle Simpson, sales director at Pye Homes in Oxfordshire, says: ‘There are many ways to take full advantage of your home’s garden space without compromising on style or comfort.’

With the help of Simpson and Marc Harbourne-Bessant, creative director at F.B. & Sons Lawns and Landscapes in Birmingham, This is Money outlines 15 tips to make the most of a pocket-sized plot. 

1. Understand the space

Knowing how your garden operates will help you make the most of it. 

Simpson, of Pye Homes, says: ‘Every garden is unique, from its landscape and shape to its orientation. 

‘A south-facing garden will receive ample sunlight, while a north-facing garden may require more shade-tolerant plants.’ 

Knowing whether your soil type is clay, sand, silt, loam, peat or chalk will also help you choose the right plants for your garden and ensure they stay in good health, according to the Royal Horticultural Society. 

2. Introduce layered planting 

Introducing a layered planting scheme to your garden can add a sense of depth, space and character. 

This means putting taller plants at the back, followed by smaller ones in front.  

Simpson says: ‘You can start by planting taller species around the garden, such as English roses, and lay ground cover plants down low to achieve a full and vibrant look without overcrowding.’  

3. Think tall

Do not be afraid to incorporate taller plants, trees and shrubs into a small garden. Just watch out that you don’t buy a tree that will end up vastly oversized for the space once it’s fully grown. 

Simpson says: ‘When horizontal space is limited, go up.

‘Vertical gardens, trellises, and wall-mounted planters allow you to grow a variety of plants, including herbs and some vegetables, without sacrificing ground space.

‘Investing in climbers such as ivy, honeysuckle, and wisteria not only saves space, but it also adds charming character and colour to your garden and home.’

4. Cover boundaries 

If you have a small garden or courtyard space, boundaries often draw attention to the limited space on offer, particularly in built-up areas. 

Packing boundaries with plants works on the principle that if you cannot see them, then you cannot really tell how big or small the garden actually is. Get hold of plants with good climbing or covering potential. 

Trees suitable for small gardens can also be used along boundaries. Try to focus on buying perennial plants, which will come back year after year.

Harbourne-Bessant, of F.B. & Sons, Lawns and Landscapes in Birmingham, told This is Money: ‘Have a good quantity of evergreen planting. In the winter, you want to make sure there are still plants with leaves on, especially to hide the boundaries.

‘Evergreens come in all sizes and shapes, so have a mixture of sizes with the tallest at the back of the flower bed against the boundary and the shortest at the front.’

5. Section your garden

However small your garden, you still need to think carefully about how you intend to use the space. 

Simpson says: ‘Once you have decided how you plan to use your garden, consider splitting your garden into sections catered to serving a specific purpose, such as relaxation, play and dining. 

‘By using different materials and furnishings to differentiate these areas, you can make sure space look more organised and functional.’  

6. Avoid tiny pots

Having lots of very small pots in a boxy garden will make it feel even smaller and crowded. 

Even in a confined space, don’t be afraid to use pots or planters which are fairly large, as they can help create a sense of space and depth in the garden. 

7. Use mirrors

Harbourne-Bessant said: ‘Using mirrors in your garden can create the illusion of additional space. 

‘A mirror can also reflect planting to make it look like there are more plants in your garden. 

‘Be careful to ensure that you do not accidentally reflect too much direct sunlight into one space, as you could burn your plants’.  

8. Hard landscaping options 

Harbourne-Bessant says: ‘Elements like paving and pathways are essential, but often expensive. 

‘Think about ways of reducing the hard landscaping you require or look at ways of reusing existing materials in the garden like paving slabs or gravel. 

‘You could reduce the amount of hard landscaping and have more planting areas or lawn instead. 

‘A gravelled seating area would be much less expensive than a paved seating area.’ 

9. Create privacy 

Even in a small garden, there are steps you can take to enhance privacy in your garden or courtyard space. 

Simpson says: ‘Creating privacy is crucial for a comfortable garden experience, and it can be achieved in a number of ways.

‘First, you can grow your own screening by planting trees or bushes against the garden’s borders, or you can purchase or make a pergola for a more stylish approach, which can also serve as a shaded relaxation or dining area.’  

10. Incorporate lighting 

Introducing lighting into a small garden can help create a sense of space, particularly at night. Do ensure your lights don’t become a nuisance to your neighbours!

Harbourne-Bessant, says: ‘Lighting is really important all year round, but especially in the darker months. 

‘It will allow you to use the garden for longer and create a cosy atmosphere around seating areas. Festoon lighting looks great strung underneath pergolas and along fences.’

11. Glow-up fences and sheds  

Light or cool-coloured paint shades applied to fences or sheds will help a small space feel larger. Using light-coloured pebbles can also create a sense of more space and light.

Whatever the garden size or colour palette you select, keep of top of shed or fence maintenance. 

Harbourne-Bessant says: ‘Garden fences and sheds can weather over time in the elements. 

‘By treating the timber with a wood preserver oil or stain you can revive the wood and make it look like new. It will also prolong the lifespan of the wood.’ 

11. Don’t ignore fruit and vegetables 

Small gardens, courtyards and even balconies and window boxes can be great places to grow fruit and vegetables. 

There are a large number of neatly-sized planters, troughs and pots on the market, giving you the chance to grow anything from chives and mint to carrots and strawberries.  

12. Ensure furniture suits space 

Don’t go mad and buy a huge eight-seater outdoors sofa if you have a small and boxy garden. 

You need to make the most of the space you have and ensure any furniture you purchase is in keeping with the space. 

Foldable chairs can be very useful in small garden spaces. It’s also a good idea to have furniture that is easy to clean. 

13. Borrow space

If you live in home with a small garden, but happen to be surrounded by sweeping countryside views or neighbours with large and mature gardens, make the most of them. 

Harbourne-Bessant says: ‘The Japanese have a term called “shakkei”, which translates to ‘borrowed scenery’. 

‘If you are surrounded by countryside, large trees or neighbours with mature gardens, think about ways you can create views beyond your own boundary that “borrows” some of the beauty surrounding you.’   

14. Buy materials wisely 

If you have a small garden and are on a budget, don’t just buy the first paving stones or lawn you come across. It’s important to shop around. 

Harbourne-Bessant says: ‘If you are looking to purchase expensive materials like paving, contact your local suppliers as well as online specialists. 

‘You may be able to get a better rate or save on delivery charges by going direct with a local supplier. 

‘There also lots of reclamation specialists that can provide pre-loved materials for a cheaper price than new.’ 

15. Consider getting the professionals in

However small the space, creating a a garden you love takes time, money and effort. Your dream small garden won’t come instantaneously. 

Homeowners keen to make their small garden shine couldconsider calling in professional gardening and landscaping experts. Check their reviews carefully and get a number of quotes before taking the plunge. 

Harbourne-Bessant, says: ‘If you decide to bring in professionals to undertake your garden or landscape work, always check they are part of an industry body like the Gardeners Guild, Association of Professional Landscapers or British Association of Landscape Industries. 

‘If you only look for the cheapest option, you may end up needing to pay again to have it fixed and done properly.’