Small Space Gardening 2023

Whether you’ve got a tiny back garden, courtyard, balcony, or even just a doorstep, there’s always the opportunity to grow things, create a garden and transform your space. And this special edition from BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, is just the thing help you along the way. Whether you’re looking for clever ideas to make your plot feel bigger or to create a bit of privacy, or you want to be inspired with simple projects or ideas for beautiful containers, you’ll find it all here. We’ve also got plenty of ways for you to grow your own crops, so you can enjoy a fresh, tasty harvest from even the smallest space. So, what are you waiting for? Think big for your small space to create a green and bountiful oasis for…

Wildlife haven Even a small garden can be a home for a variety of wildlife. Include a wide mix of plants, from nectar-rich flowers to climbers, shrubs and trees. Leave a part of the space more relaxed where bundles of twigs or piles of logs will make excellent shelters, especially in winter. Plant plenty of nectar-rich flowers for pollinating insects and include some that form seedheads to give structure to the winter garden and food for birds. Shrubs and a hedge will provide shelter and food for a range of insects, birds and small mammals. Clean green space An expanse of green can help to create a clean, uncluttered look and makes the garden appear larger. Here, the curved shape gives an informal feel. In a tiny or shady garden,…

Divide up your space Even the smallest plot will seem bigger if you can’t see everything immediately. Dividing the garden with flowerbeds, trees, hedges or screens covered in climbers feels like a strange thing to do when space is tight, but this approach creates a sense of intrigue. By introducing hidden corners and giving each area a distinct style, the garden will make an impact way beyond its size. Choose light-coloured materials In small gardens, especially if you’re in a town, there is often a lot of shade cast from nearby buildings, boundaries or trees. Using light-toned materials can make a big difference. Bounce light around the garden by using light-coloured paving, a pale gravel mulch or by painting the boundaries a light shade. Not only will this make the…

1 Arrange four willow or dogwood stems on a flat surface to form a ‘noughts-and-crosses’ grid, leaving the long ends sticking out from the central square in each direction. Secure these in place with wire at each corner. 2 Weave two or three stems into the grid to form a round shape the same diameter as the dish that will sit in the centre. Add more stems to make a series of cross pieces that link the circle and the square formed by the main stems. Secure as needed. 3 Bend up the eight long ends of the main supports and carefully draw them all together centrally. Near the top, wrap a length of wire firmly around these stems to hold them all in place. 4 Place the saucer inside…

1 Gently bend the zinc rods near their centre to create a curve, then tweak them until they’re all the same – try bending them over the edge of an old table as this will give you more control. 2 Mark a circle 14cm in diameter on the timber square. Drill six 8mm holes at equal distances around the circle. Push the six metal rods into their holes in the timber and position them so that they all curve outwards. 3 To secure the rods at the top, make a ring of garden wire 2cm thick and the same diameter as the top of the structure. Push this over the ends of the rods to make a rim. Bind with the 1mm wire. 4 Add rings at regular intervals down…

1 To plant the pond, half-fill a mesh planting basket with aquatic compost, firming it in place thoroughly with your fingers. Spread out the roots of the water lily on top, taking care not to break them. 2 Fill in around the water lily’s roots with more aquatic compost, firming it in layers, then weight with washed pea gravel. In another planting basket, plant the acorus in the same way. 3 Place the two bricks in the base of the container. Make sure you’re happy with the container’s position, then fill it with rainwater (it will be too heavy to move once full). Lower the baskets into the water, standing them on the bricks. 4 Surround the pond with pots for an eye-catching display. Keep it clean by adding an…