Alison Marsden, Gardening by Design

Several design devices can be used to increase a sense of space in a small garden or an enclosed area of a larger garden:

Ô Keep the centre open; occupying the middle ground focuses attention on the interior, breaks up the area and reduces the sense of space

Ô Keep the design simple and sweeping; curves, circles and diagonals emphasise the width of a small plot

Ô Use big plants in a small space; using miniature plants in a small garden gives a ‘doll’s house’ effect whereas large, architectural plants hide the size

Ô Use next door’s garden too; break up the boundaries with large scale planting that merges with trees in the outside landscape

Ô Plant generously; in a small space you can afford (literally) to plant more densely and then feed more regularly. Nothing looks sadder than lonely plants in a sea of soil

Ô Use layering for more flower-power in each square metre; spring bulbs, followed by summer perennials, under shrubs and trees with the canopy raised.

Ô Want every plant that you have; small gardens do not have space for plants that you find ‘just about ok’.