Think big plant small: 7 tips on planting in your small space
Young people in Britain are now less likely to invest in their outdoor spaces according to a recent study launched by the RHS. Due to the fact that they are mostly ‘renters’ our nation’s young people are slowly losing interest in gardening. In response to this discovery, Wyevale Garden Centres are launching a range of top tips offering advice on easy ways to bring more plant into homes, no matter how big or small the space available. With this expert advice, whether it’s a window box or a courtyard at your disposal, we can all see how to make the best use of our spaces indoor and outdoor with a few little innovative touches.
1. Bring the outdoors in
Why should fabulous foliage be the domain of the outdoors? If you don’t have a garden, or just want to jump on the indoor planting trend then bring your greenery inside and inject some horti-cool into your interior. Using beautiful pots and interesting plants such as the aloe spider, or the calathea, will bring your house plants right up to date!
2. Citrus injection
Not only do these miniature citrus fruit trees look great, adding a cool Mediterranean vibe to a small courtyard space, but when given lots of love and care, they can be abundant – offering a much needed Vitamin C boost! Potting these trees in a large statement planter not only looks great but also gives them enough space to flourish. Thriving outside in the hot summer months, these trees love the warmth so enjoy them inside during those frosty winter months.
3. Mini herb garden
Herbs don’t need much space to grow and are a great low-maintenance choice for first-timers. Rosemary and thyme are firm favourites, whilst purple sage adds colour to your practical display. Using innovative planters, like these Elho Corsica styles, means you can utilise difficult spaces such as walled terraces and small balconies and make the most of them with an easy to care for herb garden!
4. Scale planting
Just because your space is small, it doesn’t mean the plants have to be. A selection of large plants in bold, standout pots will help make the most of a small garden or courtyard, adding architectural impact and style as well as increasing the sense of space. The Areca palm, a large evergreen plant, would work really well in this context. Adding interest to a shady area these plants do well in partial sun or shade.
5. Vertical planting
If your garden is small, why not emphasise a third dimension – height. Vertical planters can be easily attached to walls or fences and by filling them with plants like ajuga and geraniums you’ll be making a bright and bold statement. Alternatively use a trellis or obelisks to train climbers up, these can also then double up as screens if your space is overlooked!
6. Privacy on wheels
Another ingenious way to keep your outdoor space private is to place your plants in containers with wheels! Allowing for greater flexibility, you can freely move your plants around to serve different purposes, as well as being able to simply take them with you if you move. Fill big planters with lavender to bring a stunning summer fragrance to your space as well as grasses like Stipa tenuissima to introduce a romantic texture.
7. Clusters
Why not try placing a selection of small pots, or very chic terrariums, as a centre piece to your dining table or on a windowsill. The plants used in these displays are extremely low-maintenance, won’t break the bank and look great inside minimal contemporary pots.
