Small gardens, BIG IDEAS

Whether it’s a tiny balcony or a postage-stamp patio, there are plenty of clever ways you can maximise your outdoor space

- ANNA-LISA DE’ATH

1 Bring the indoors out

If you don’t have space for storing garden furniture indoors, then consider using the indoor furniture you already have outside. Simply invest in an indoor/outdoor rug to protect your chairs or pouffes from getting dirty, then bring them indoors at the end of the day. Use a space-saving wooden ladder to give you a place to display your favourite hanging planters and lanterns and to store throws or magazines when you’re not using them.

2 Choose clever planters

Take the hassle out of plant care by choosing self-watering planters. These colourful mix-and-match planters are part of the Pila modular system, which can be stacked with in-built storage options. It has a built-in rain drain too, which protects the contents against moisture.

3 And relax…. There’s nothing more tranquil than the sound of babbling water on a summer’s day. But if you have a tiny garden, a pond is probably out of the question. A water feature will provide a burble of puddling water and take up little space. Warm white built-in LED lights will ensure it looks even prettier after dark.

4 Grow your own