Photo credit: www.gardenista.com
Maintaining clarity in a garden is crucial, particularly in compact areas where every inch counts. Landscape designer Kuljian utilized the patterns created by paving stones to define clear shapes within the yard. She chose to plant Silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae) as a ground cover between the stones, noting its resilience to heavy foot traffic from local children. Additionally, she indicated that the ground cover helped create negative space, an essential design element for the garden.
3. Extend Planting Beds Around the House
The garden has been designed to flow around the sides of the house, featuring Cordyline ‘Soledad Purple’ positioned beside the porch. Kuljian emphasized the plant’s suitability for narrow spaces, stating, “It’s an ideal choice for adding height while remaining evergreen.”
To enhance planting opportunities, Kuljian adjusted the existing landscaping, removing a narrow strip of concrete to extend the garden beds around the house’s corners. This slight modification not only increased planting space but also provided a more enveloping garden atmosphere, enriching the overall experience of the home.
4. Take the Backdrop into Account
The bungalow’s abundant brickwork was a significant consideration for Kuljian as she selected plants. To complement the brick, she introduced bright lime green foliage through species like asparagus fern, Giant Leopard Plant, and giant birds of paradise, creating a striking visual contrast. Furthermore, she integrated shades of brick into the garden using the red leaves of the ‘Forest Pansy’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’), effectively tying the structure to the landscaping.
5. Optimize Space for Fruit Trees
Kuljian believes that limited space should not deter the inclusion of fruit trees in the garden. “Today, you can find dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties for nearly every fruit tree, from dwarf citrus to columnar apples,” she remarked. In this garden, she ingeniously integrated an espaliered Violette de Bordeaux fig, known for its compact size, into a small bed adjacent to the driveway. Additionally, she included a kumquat tree and a dwarf yuzu lime in the front garden, maximizing the use of available space.
6. Embrace Textural Diversity
To add visual interest to the small garden, Kuljian implemented a strategy of texture variation, juxtaposing fine-leaf and broad-leaf plants. This thoughtful selection helps maintain a dynamic appearance throughout the garden.
In conclusion, designing a garden in a limited area requires creativity and strategic planning. By considering aspects such as layout, backdrop, the inclusion of fruit trees, and textural contrast, one can cultivate a vibrant and functional garden that enhances both the landscape and the living space.
Source
www.gardenista.com