3 DIY Small-Space Garden Ideas That Will Make a Big Statement

Have you ever heard that planting a small garden is like writing a short story instead of a novel? Well, I hadn’t either—until Los Angeles designer Adam Sirak said it—and I think it’s brilliant. “Some people might think they can’t have an amazing garden or that it’s not worth the trouble because they don’t have a big space,” Sirak says. “But a small space only means you have to take all your ideas and distill them down to a concentrated big idea.” He adds that, as with a short story, there’s no room for filler, and each choice must be thought of in relationship to the whole. “In this way, a small space can be a very exciting puzzle to put together,” he says.  

That said, we’re not all professional landscape designers, and a garden the size of a postage stamp can lead to major overwhelm. That’s why we asked the pros what they’d do for the following situations: a tiny backyard, a patch of dirt, and a small patio or balcony. 

“A postage stamp-sized garden can easily become your go-to cozy space,” says Dani Coulter of San Francisco’s Collecting Flowers. “Remember that your small garden space has the ability to be ‘zoned out,’ which will make it feel larger,” she adds.  

If you’re handy, she says to try building a small modern pergola of 2×2 boards to create a lounge zone. Add a swath of gravel for a path along with walkable groundcover like moss, chamomile, or Dymondia. “Throw in a fabulous comfy chair and voila! You have a spot for a mid-afternoon nap,” Coulter says.  

Other ideas include using a strong fence as a wall for a custom play, or doghouse—or, even better, espaliering lemon or apple trees to grow fruit. Finally, Coulter suggests installing a few raised troughs and using them as containers for edibles or perennials.  

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