Designer style for tiny spaces

Small-space solutions aren't the first things that spring to mind when you think of the world's grandest flower show, but Chelsea 2022 was packed with ideas for tiny plots. We scoured the show for the best, finding clever ideas for containers, seating, water, homegrown crops and more.

Here are our favourites, all proving that high-end design can have a place in any garden - even if space and budget are in short supply. Many of the ideas were spotted in the gardens of first-time Chelsea designers, showing that the rising stars of tomorrow are in tune with the everyday challenges of today. So, read on and soak up the latest designer inspo that could transform your small space.

Bite-sized design

Chelsea was packed with creatively planted containers, all showing that it's possible to plant the perfect pot for any style of garden.

1 Got shade?

No problem. Here weathered stone troughs are filled with ferns of all shapes, along with hostas and brunnera, to perk up any gloomy corner. The climbing star jasmine adds fragrance too.

2 Create a complete garden in pots - roses, peonies, grasses and even small trees (such as acers) can all be grown in containers, then rearranged or changed with ease.

3 Brighten balcony railings with a vibrant planter filled with flowers in a contrasting hue. Combining tall plants with trailers gives maximum colour and impact.

4 Upcycle a galvanised tub to make a rustic container pond. Planted with a selection of compact marginals, it's just the thing to attract wildlife into a small space.

Fresh from the pot

You can feast on delicious homegrown harvests no matter how compact your plot - these space-saving ideas caught our eye...