Small spaces, big thinking

Tall trees, large planters and capacious seating can all be applied to more intimate garden plots and these lovely examples illustrate how generosity in design pays off

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1. Window dressing

Garden designer Isabel Bannerman is renowned for romantic, abundant use of scrambling, rambling, trailing and framing roses designed to adorn freestanding walls, pergolas, obelisks and gateways and she deploys them in the smallest of humus-rich footprints. Lilac-hued, single-flowering, almost thornless rambler Rosa 'Veilchenblau' has grown quickly to bedeck this sash window with a profusion of citrus-scented blooms in June/July. Other choice rambling or climbing roses include: white 'Rambling Rector' and 'Wedding Day', soft yellow 'Malvern Hills' and 'Teasing Georgia', and pale pink 'Mary Delany' and 'May Queen'.

2. Dramatic curves

Naomi Ferrett-Cohen’s award-winning RHS Chelsea design deploys a raft of techniques to increase the size perception – ‘when designing small spaces I often use curves to soften garden boundaries, drawing the eye away from the space’s limitations and creating a sense of calm. Curved lines encourage movement and relaxation. Raising planting beds to eye level when seated allows the greenery to envelop you, fostering a cocooning effect that immerses you in nature. This transforms a confined space into a more intimate, nurturing environment. Incorporating a water feature further enhances the sensory experience. The soothing sound of trickling water promotes tranquillity, masking outside noise and creating a peaceful, expansive feel in even the smallest garden spaces.’

3. Filled to the brim