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

This adorable indoor allotment is ideal for those who want to grow edible plants on their windowsill. It comes complete with three miniature plant pots that fit snugly within the picket fence. In the shed you’ll find snips, soil pellets and a pack of three seed varieties: coriander, basil and oregano.

5 Expand your space