8 Small Garden Ideas For Summer 2023

As the summer season approaches, it's time to turn our attention to our outdoor spaces and give them a fresh makeover. Even if you have a small garden or limited outdoor space, there are plenty of inspiring ideas to create a charming and inviting oasis.

Using larger pieces such as a new garden gate, or incorporating ornaments to fill out less used corners of the space can help to create a stylish and relaxing area. If you’re stuck for ideas beyond the basics, we have seven small garden ideas for making the most out of the summer.

1. Vertical Gardens for Small Yards

If you have a small yard or limited square footage, vertical gardens are a fantastic solution to maximise your garden space. By utilising the vertical plane, you can grow an abundance of plants and flowers without taking up valuable floor space.

Install a living wall using climbing plants or hang planters on a fence or wall to create a lush and vibrant backdrop for your garden. Not only do vertical gardens add visual interest, but they also create a sense of depth and dimension in your outdoor space.

B&M Top Tip: Invite more wildlife in to your garden with the addition of a bird feeder or water feature.

2. Intimate Seating Areas with Outdoor Furniture

To make your small garden a cosy and inviting retreat, consider creating intimate seating areas with the right outdoor furniture.

Choose compact and versatile pieces such as a tete-a-tete suite or a folding table and chairs that can easily be tucked away when not in use. Opt for furniture made from weather-resistant materials to ensure longevity. By strategically placing seating areas throughout your garden, you can create separate zones that encourage relaxation and socialisation.

Keep things floral and fresh in your practical spaces by adding flower pots and wall planters.

3. Create the Illusion of Space with Garden Mirrors

One clever trick to make your small garden appear larger is by incorporating garden mirrors. By strategically placing mirrors on fences or walls, you can create the illusion of depth and expansiveness.

The reflection of greenery and flowers will make your garden seem much larger than it actually is. Not only do garden mirrors add an element of enchantment, but they also bring more light into your space, making it feel brighter and more open.

4. Raised Beds for Garden Design

Raised beds are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, making them an ideal choice for small garden spaces. They allow you to grow a variety of plants and flowers while keeping them neatly contained.

Raised beds also provide easy access for gardening tasks, making maintenance a breeze. Decorate yours with a log edging to keep it stylish and structured - just don’t forget some good quality compost!

Choose different heights and shapes for added visual interest, and consider incorporating trellises or climbing plants to add vertical elements and create a sense of height in your garden.

B&M Top Tip: If you have a favourite plant that prefers to live in a pot, pick up one of B&M’s many stylish plant pots to keep your plant family together.

5. Outdoor Lighting for Ambience and Functionality

To enjoy your small garden during warm summer evenings, outdoor lighting is key. Thoughtfully placed lights can transform your garden into a magical retreat. Use soft wall lighting to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, or install solar-powered path lights to guide the way and add a touch of elegance.

Lighting not only enhances the ambience but also extends the functionality of your outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy it even after the sun sets.

6. Clever Garden Storage Solutions

In small garden spaces, efficient storage solutions are crucial to keeping your outdoor area organised and clutter-free. Consider investing in multi-functional furniture pieces that offer built-in storage compartments.

For example, choose a bench with hidden storage underneath or a coffee table with drawers to store gardening tools, cushions, or small outdoor accessories.

B&M Top Tip: Utilise vertical storage options such as garden shelves or hanging baskets to maximise your available space. Keeping your garden essentials neatly stored away can create a sense of tidiness and maximise your small garden's functionality.

7. Incorporate Nature with a Living Wall

A living wall is an excellent way to bring nature into your small garden space while adding a striking focal point. This innovative idea involves painting a wall a feature shade and then planting a vertical garden on a wall or trellis using a variety of plants and flowers.

Not only does it make efficient use of space, but it also creates a visually stunning display. Select a combination of trailing plants, colourful flowers, and textured foliage to create a lush and vibrant living wall.

8. Enhance Your Small Garden with Decorative Ornaments

Ornaments are a fantastic way to add personality and charm to your small garden. They can create focal points, spark conversations, and bring a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space. Sculptures and statues are a great start.

Choose a small sculpture or statue that resonates with your personal style and place it strategically within your garden. Whether it's a whimsical animal sculpture, a classical Greek statue, or an abstract art piece, it will become a captivating focal point that adds character to your space.

B&M Top Tip: If you have a slightly larger small yard to decorate, try adding in a rug to pull all of these ornaments and larger pieces together.

Looking for More Inspiration?

With these additional small garden ideas, you have plenty of inspiring concepts to build on in order to transform your outdoor space into a charming and inviting haven for the summer.

From vertical gardens and intimate seating areas to clever storage solutions and living walls, there are endless possibilities to create a beautiful and functional small garden. Embrace your creativity, incorporate nature, and make the most of your available space. Remember, even in the tiniest of gardens, the right design elements can have a significant impact.

For further garden design inspiration, take a look at our wonderful range of decorative garden accessories. Here, you’ll find all kinds of items to help you put your personal stamp on your outside spaces.

In love with your finished boho garden? Share all your exciting images and design tips with the B&M Community over on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.