subject: How To Make A Small Yard Live Large [print this page] There are so many possibilities when re-designing your backyard. It can be overwhelming to even know where to begin, especially if you have limited space. It may be more of a challenge to re-design a small backyard and make it a real living space, but using scaled down versions of what would be found in a larger backyard will give you plenty of options to choose from. Taking the process step-by-step and perhaps consulting a professional landscape designer, will make landscaping your backyard much less intimidating.
When redesigning your backyard, think about how you are planning to use it. Would you like an outdoor kitchen and sitting area? Do you need your yard to be fenced in to keep children and pets safe? Would you like to incorporate some water features or gardens?
The first step you need to make is determining your budget for the entire landscaping project. Your budget, along with your needs, the atmosphere you want to create, and the size of the actual space you have to work will determine what options are realistic in your situation.
No matter what your budget is, the small backyard does not have to feel cramped or boring. For example, an Italian grotto or Mediterranean feel can be achieved with light-colored flagstone flooring and curved garden beds that break up the boxy feel of your backyard. Incorporate grapevines growing on a small trellis. Place plants in clay or hand-painted urns or other pots. Planters can be affixed to the wall or hung from a trellis. Even a sandbox for young children can blend well in a backyard with a Mediterranean atmosphere. Simply fill an extra-large clay planting bowl with sand and you have created an instant sandbox for your children. A small waterfall or pond tucked into a corner, away from foot traffic, will add style to any garden.
If your dream backyard is all about creating a private space that will be a sanctuary from the chaos of everyday life, an alcove with a waterfall and a chair or bench, shaded by a trellis or a tree, makes a great space to sit and read or just enjoy nature. To create a lush feeling in your secret garden, vary the height and color of any plants. Use container gardens in pots of varying heights, vines on trellises, and planters affixed to the wall, similar to the Mediterranean garden.
Would you like a place to entertain friends and family, complete with outdoor kitchen? Unfortunately a full outdoor kitchen is not possible because of the size constraints; however, you may have room for a top-quality grill or a fire pit. For eating and sitting, a bar with bar stools is casual and not overpowering like heavier, bulkier furniture would. Add a water feature, perhaps a pond with some fish, and a variety of plants to round out your yard.
Re-designing a small backyard can be a lot of fun if you relax and are willing to adapt "big backyard" concepts to your small space. The internet is full of pictures and ideas to get you thinking about what your options are. With the help of a landscape designer, you can create a backyard that is just as functional and stylish as a large backyard would be.
