Large garden areas require a lot of maintenance and time, more furniture, and plants. On the other hand, small garden spaces can be easily transformed into ideal hang-out places with limited investment. All it requires is smart planning and visualization that leaves no wasted space. Here are 13 simple small garden landscaping ideas that can help one transform the space into an attractive, family-friendly area, ideal for barbeque nights, hanging out, or just relaxing.

Utilize vertical space
One can make the most of the small garden space by utilizing vertical space by making a narrow shelf against a wall or a sturdy fence, exhibiting potted plants, or storing garden items. Similarly, one can opt for a pallet garden or use hanging plants. Utilizing vertical space can leave room on the patio or grass for furniture or other pieces.

Get vertical plants
As the horizontal space is limited in a small garden, one should get taller plants and shrubs that grow vertically, not to the sides, like columnar evergreens, arborvitae, junipers, cypress, or Lombardy poplars. One can consider miniature shrubs or plants if there’s no space for regular-sized plants.

Use an old ladder as a plant stand
Using a wooden step ladder to hold plants and pots is one way of clearing the ground space. The old weathered look of a wooden ladder gives the yard a more rustic feel.

Divide the space into small zones
Breaking up the backyard into smaller zones can make the space look bigger. One can add a play area, a vegetable garden, and a sitting or reading nook in different zones, making the space multifunctional. Further, combining layers like raised and ground-level flower beds in one space can create the illusion of depth.

Add levels
Adding one or two levels with ledges and steps can drastically change the look of the space and give it more depth. For example, the lawn can be at a different height than the vegetable garden.

Pick unique flooring for each zone
Using different types of flooring, like stone and wooden, for different zones achieves a dual purpose; it physically divides the space and breaks up the visuals. This makes the garden look bigger.

Utilize ignored nooks
Regions hidden from view in a backyard can be easily overlooked, as they have little space, such as the corners of the garage or house. But adding a centerpiece, a sizable container painted with funky colors, or a foliage plant in the corner can visually transform such areas. Similarly, a hanging bamboo chair in this space can create a great reading corner and keep the floor space clear, making the space visually appealing and bigger.

Build a multipurpose shed
Constructing a small shed that can double up as furniture or storage space can help one save space. During winter, the shed can be used to store gardening tools, while in summer, it can transform into a party-ready gathering spot.

Add colorful plants to white walls
White walls reflect light and make the space appear brighter and roomier. White brickwork and white furniture can be teamed up with beautiful and vibrant plants and flowers to create a visually pleasing contrast, making it a great landscaping idea. Fuller plants like ferns, dwarf bamboo, and fatsia japonica can add a pop of green to the space.

Using fences or walls for climbers
A layer of natural greenery in the form of climbers or creepers to the fences and walls can add vibrancy and beauty to the space. This small garden landscaping idea also allows the plants to absorb pollution and noise.

Plant as per the sun and shade
One way to ensure that plants thrive is to place those that need maximum sunlight in sunny spots and others in the shade. Planting correctly and according to the required sunlight exposure can lower overall maintenance costs.

Add an arbor
An arbor is a vertical structure that provides shelter and accentuates a landscape by dividing the small garden landscape into sections. An arbor has open walls and a ceiling covered with vines, aromatic plants, and other blooms that create a warm and welcoming vibe. They are also ideal perches for climbers and attractive focal points in gardens. In addition, this landscaping idea should take up less space than a pergola.

Create a mini herb garden
One can plant miniature herb gardens or vegetable patches with summer savory, mint, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, and many more to make the most of the small garden. Herbs and some leafy greens like lettuce grow quickly and are easy to maintain, at times within four weeks.

Apart from these, another great small garden landscaping idea is adding foliage, hanging plants, and clusters of pots. Placing these at different heights, on windowsills, open kitchen windows, or walls can add layers to the small space.