Do You Need Small Garden Ideas?

Whilst researching this topic, small garden ideas, I have found that most of the available information is often lumped together in the urban garden back or front garden ideas sections of books and websites. 

It appears that small garden design only applies to these few areas of interest. I do understand the thinking in this, urban equals town, towns equal small gardens or yards (garden or yard, depending on what side of the pond you sit) and urban garden often means either a back or front garden, or both.

But I would like to think that when searching for small garden design ideas you might have in mind a balcony garden or an area within a larger garden that you might want to keep separate.

Why limit yourself to only front garden ideas. Small garden design ideas can be gleaned from many places, including whopping great garden estates and botanical gardens.

Good garden design ideas come from many sources, including other peoples gardens

In the image above we have a corner seat against a wall covered in a climber. I bet this can be seen in many large gardens but it works very well on a small balcony garden.

Garden design ideas can be taken from any size garden and applied to your own living space.

Small gardens also mean the gardening tools requirements can be considerably less, probably only a hand trowel and secateurs along with a pair of gardening gloves will be needed.

You should not limit your scope by only viewing ‘Small Gardens’ when looking for your small garden ideas inspiration.

Think of small gardens as compartments, rooms or pockets within a garden. By doing this your small garden ideas will flow more readily as your information and ideas base is much larger.
One easy way to have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t is to see what others are doing.

I have put together a list of small garden ideas websites that will hopefully provide some good garden design ideas inspiration, starting with 50 small garden ideas.

http://www.shelterness.com/50-small-urban-garden-design-ideas-and-pictures/

There are many differing viewpoints when discussing small garden design. THE PROBLEM – You have a small outdoor space but don’t know how to maximise it’s functionality and worth… – Do I improve this area for my lifestyle and wellbeing? – Do I invest money in this area to get a good return from the sale of my home?

http://thesmallgarden.com.au/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-outdoor-space-part-1/

It is important to think about ‘living zones’ in even the smallest garden. Think about what you enjoying doing in your outdoor space – it could be entertaining guests, playing with your kids or simply having some ‘me time’ with a good book.

http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/campaigns/Outdoor/small_space_garden_ideas.html

Is your yard or garden small on space? Get big ideas for making the most out of your outdoor sanctuary

http://www.sunset.com/garden/landscaping-design/small-gardens–00418000077330/

Stretch a little square footage into a lot of room for outdoor living with these budget-friendly ideas. We’ll show you how to make the most of limited outdoor living space.

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/porch/outdoor-rooms/improve-small-backyard/#page=1

To create a feeling of expansiveness in a small yard, carve out distinct garden areas and outdoor rooms.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/thumbnails/0,,1635165,00.html

More pictorial small garden ideas. When the space is limited but enthusiasm isn’t, think containers.

http://www.marthastewart.com/337398/small-space-garden-ideas