A large garden filled with gorgeous plants and areas for outdoor entertaining would be a dream come true for many homeowners. For most of us, however, small yards are the reality. But having limited space doesn't mean you can't enjoy amenities. It just requires a little more imagination during the design process and knowing a few tricks of the trade.
Landscape architect Greg Trutza of Phoenix is particularly
successful at addressing the challenges of small gardens. Not only does he own one himself, but he recently remodeled three others: backyards measuring 50 feet wide by 40 to 50 feet deep. The properties are situated in a historic neighborhood, and although the houses are quaint, the yards are boxy with detached garages. Trutza undertook the challenge of making each garden unique. "The key was understanding the owners' lifestyles and tastes," he says. Still, some requirements were common to all three couples: They wanted privacy and areas for outdoor dining and entertaining. In response, Trutza designed three very functional gardens, each in a different style. In all cases, he took cues from the interiors and continued the themes outdoors.
Design tips for small spaces
Trutza uses these techniques to make a small garden seem larger.
• Change the level. Add arbors, raised beds and planters, and other structures for vertical interest.
• Create a sense of mystery. Develop rooms or hidden views so the entire garden can't be seen at one glance.
• Direct the eye. Use meandering paths, ramadas, sculptures, water features, or other focal points to steer the eye to different areas of the garden.
• Use color to add depth. Paint a dark color on the rear wall of a garden to add visual depth.
• Pick the right plants. Know the size of plants at maturity so you won't choose any that will outgrow your garden. Avoid massive shrubs and trees that look out of scale in a small yard.
