Small Gardens, Big Impact

by Karen Chapman CPH
Le jardinet / www.lejardinetdesigns.com

With a huge increase in condo living and many homeowners looking for gardens that remain fabulous throughout the year with minimal maintenance, the traditional more labor intensive style of gardening is waning. However it is still possible to have a stunning outdoor living space regardless of how or where you live.

Courtyards, patios, balconies and decks all offer an intimate setting in which to relax and entertain. The smallest space can be made more enchanting by the addition of an arbor smothered in fragrant vines or roses surrounding a bench while the soothing sounds of a fountain soothe the soul. Screen unwelcome views or soften walls by selecting vines or evergreen shrubs which can either be trained against a trellis which give good vertical height without sacrificing the living space.

If in ground planting is not an option, use containers to create beautiful raised beds instead.

Container gardening is the perfect way to bring color and personality to your outdoor rooms. Whether your style is traditional or contemporary you can create dynamic plant combinations for every season. By using a backbone of evergreen shrubs and perennials these will only need a few minutes a week to look fabulous year round. A small space doesn’t have to mean small scale. Using one oversized container garden can have a far greater impact in a small space than several smaller ones. Larger containers will also need watering less often.

Consider extending the color scheme of your interior decor into your garden visually expand the space by blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Outdoor weatherproof cushions in a coordinating color together with accent lighting or candlelight all add to the ambience.

Karen Chapman CPH is a horticultural consultant, container garden designer and regular seminar speaker from Kirkland. Her work can be viewed on www.lejardinetdesigns.com