Small Wonders

Set the scene with little touches to bring magic into a compact garden, whether for special occasions or everyday socialising

As our gardens get more practical – and often smaller – it helps to maximise every opportunity. Smaller gardens cannot rely much on vistas and endless layering of leafy beauty disappearing into the distance. A conscious stage setting of portions of the garden will add drama and personality to an otherwise restricted area.

What I try to do is take a fairly ordinary requirement such as a long dining table under a tree and add something special to the scene: a heavy sprinkling of lanterns in the tree above the diners’ heads, or outdoor speakers for music. Have a permanent console table somewhere convenient nearby where you can set up a glamorous, sparkly outdoor drinks tray.