Small garden, big plants

The best small gardens are those where a few large specimens have been carefully placed, so decide on a theme and get planting, says Anne Swithinbank

- Anne Swithinbank

ALTHOUGH I now enjoy a large, rambling plot, I often reflect on our brief ownership of a small town garden. Paved and surrounded by raised beds, this was like an empty stage waiting to be filled with theatrical plantings. When faced with limited space, resist the temptation to cram in lots of small plants and, instead, go big with those guaranteed to set the scene and add drama. They'll create intimacy where buildings are crowded together and add shade for the summer.

Choose a style

To avoid a disparate mixture of plants, choose a style to suit you and your property. Aim, perhaps, for a jungle of exotic-looking plants, a contemporary look, a rambling cottage effect or something more classic. With so little space and so many plants to choose from, those that make it need to earn their place. They might add evergreen bulk, have a long season of interest, scent or autumn colour. Success also depends on healthy plants, and as small gardens can be unpredictable when it comes to soil, climate, sun and shade, make sure each has what it needs.

Watch the garden closely as the sun changes height during the year, observing where unexpected shade is cast by neighbouring trees and buildings. Raised beds work well in small gardens, bringing plants up to eye and nose level and making weeding more pleasant. Plants have good access to improved soil, but this is likely to dry out faster than at ground level.

Check out microclimates

Take note of soil towards the back of both flat and raised beds sited against walls in full sun, and choose drought-tolerant plants and site the rootballs of climbers and wall shrubs 12in (30cm) from foundations and rain shadows.