Small suburban plots have a common drawback directly related to their modest size. As a rule, the space looks closed and cramped due to high, solid fences and neighbouring buildings located nearby. In most cases, the problem can be solved; there are many ways to get rid of the feeling of being in a box. Landscaping a small plot will help to visually expand the area around your home, making it cosy and stylish.
The charm of a small area
Preliminary planning
The option where landscape design is carried out on an undeveloped site is considered optimal, as it eliminates the need to rebuild or relocate existing structures. Initially, the owners will have to balance their dreams with reality and determine which structures they really need. The set of necessary structures may vary from family to family; in most cases, it includes (in various combinations) the following elements:
- Residential house, garage, or parking space.
- Utility buildings (shed, workshop).
- Recreational buildings (sauna, gazebo).
- Technical structures (well, septic tank).
The landscape design of a small plot is determined by the principle of zoning the territory, which allows you to arrange the available square metres competently.
Even a modestly sized suburban plot can be transformed into a comfortable and, importantly, functional space. During preliminary planning, the following design principles are taken into account:
- About 10% of the total area of the plot is allocated for buildings (from a residential house to a shed).
- The garden and vegetable garden (including a greenhouse or conservatory) should take up the maximum area, up to 75%.
- The recreation area, which includes a gazebo, flower garden, and barbecue area, should take up about 15%.
The size of the areas may vary depending on the owners' preferences. Those who are not interested in growing organic vegetables but enjoy relaxing with family and friends can create a spacious recreation area with all the amenities. Those who appreciate the aesthetics of garden decor will plant most of the plot with ornamental plants and install a stylish gazebo and fountain.
Small plot – enormous possibilities
Secrets of zoning a small plot
At the zoning stage, not only are the sizes of the zones determined, but also their relative location. People usually want to arrange a relaxation area around the gazebo, and children will need a place to play.
At the same time, everyone understands that you cannot arrange a place for children to play next to a barbecue area or build a greenhouse under the dense canopy of trees.
Landscape design experts advise following simple techniques that allow you to optimise space, including the following concepts:
- Location of buildings. To prevent buildings from looking bulky, they are distributed throughout the site, alternating with green spaces and hidden behind them. Utility buildings are usually located at the back of the site.
- Location of the residential building. It is advantageous to place it near the front fence, with the facade facing the street. It is also a wise decision to attach a garage to the house, putting it on the same foundation. This will make construction more economical, and there will be no need for a driveway that takes up valuable land. An additional advantage is that the garage can be accessed directly from the house, which is especially valuable in rainy or frosty weather.
An attached garage is an essential feature for a modest plot of land.
- Determination of geological parameters. The choice of plants and their planting location (especially fruit trees and exotic ornamental plants) depends on the type of soil on the site and the depth of the groundwater.
- Choosing the style of the area around the house. Landscape design for small garden plots is often done in one of the natural (landscape) styles, as regular (symmetrical, geometric) styles require more space. English, forest, or country styles are ideal. Lovers of the exotic can try Japanese or Alpine styles.
- Choosing plants. When choosing trees for planting, consider the size of their crown when mature. Tall trees are usually not recommended for small plots; otherwise, the owners will have to spend a lot of time and effort each year shaping the crown.
Country style in the design of a small plot
Placement of areas. For a recreation area with a gazebo and barbecue, choose a secluded, quiet place at the back of the plot, away from road noise and prying eyes. The children's playground, on the other hand, should be located close to the house, in the shade, and within sight of the windows.
Nuances of landscaping: how to visually expand space
In addition to residential buildings and auxiliary structures, other objects appear when landscaping a site and remain there for many years.
Before installing a fence, planting trees, and laying garden paths, it is worth considering every detail; redoing a poorly laid path is a troublesome and costly endeavor. After dividing the plot into zones, you can start designing them. The main way to change the perception of space is to distract attention from all kinds of boundaries and barriers.
Fence
A fence directly shows the boundaries of a plot; the higher the wall, the more attention it attracts, occupying space in our perception and displacing other details, making them seem minor. A view that constantly comes up against a high, solid fence causes a feeling of confinement and discomfort. There are two ways to ‘push back’ the boundaries of a plot:
- Camouflage. The fence is decorated with climbing plants, which creates the effect of a continuation of the garden. Ivy, grapes, lemongrass, and roses are suitable.
- Replacement. A solid fence is replaced with a lighter, more airy structure. This could be a picket fence, a chain-link fence, or a wooden or metal lattice fence. Trees and shrubs can be planted along the new wall, which, after regular pruning, can completely hide the plot from prying eyes. Thuja, elm, linden, lilac, and viburnum are suitable for use as a living fence.
The openwork light fence makes the space cosy.
Organising the layout of the garden
The front part of the plot (in the courtyard in front of the house) should be free of random plantings. A neat lawn with beautiful plants and accessories around the perimeter will create an impression of space and make it easier to move around the area.
Vertical gardening and plant accents
If you can see the entire plot, you can estimate its size. Therefore, distortion becomes an essential technique in landscape design.
It is necessary not only to mask boundaries and corners, but also to construct barriers to the view. Vertical decorative elements are the best solution because they create perspective. Simple structures such as trellises, screens, hedges, and arches are widely used in the design of modest areas.
The most effective structure is considered to be an arch. It not only supports climbing plants but also perfectly divides the areas of the site. Plants that attract attention with their bright colours or unusual shapes also help to increase the space. These can be small bushes or flowers in garden vases, planted within one area at its borders.
Arches are a classic way to decorate
Paths and decorative accents
Beautiful landscape designs for small plots cannot do without paths, which are designed in a specific way. On a small plot, precise geometric shapes and straight lines are avoided, and paths are no exception.
Straight lines visually reduce distances, while winding lines force you to follow them, distracting you from the close boundaries of the garden. Therefore, paths are planned to be winding, and the space between them is filled with plants. This approach is an effective way to create the illusion of scale. Beautifully designed paths around the house and landscaping make the plot seem less cramped.
All paths need paving; design specialists offer many options, including the following common materials:
- Natural stone. A durable material that will fit harmoniously into any design, from English to Oriental, and give it a touch of respectability. Sandstone, dolomite, limestone, tuff, pebbles, and slate are used for paving. More expensive options include granite, marble, basalt, and porphyry.
- Wood. You can find paths made of boards, garden parquet (thermowood), or logs. Logs placed terrifically look awesome in a country-style garden.
- Building materials. These include paving slabs, processed stone, asphalt, cobblestones, clinker bricks, and concrete. Gravel or tennis clay (a material used for tennis courts) is often used.
A proper landscaping technique for distracting attention from the size of the plot is to place decorative details along the paths. These can be animal and gnome figurines, vases with flowers, small fountains, and Japanese stone lanterns.
Winding paths can be a lifesaver for small plots of land.
Multi-level garden
A complex landscape for a small plot is not a punishment, but a gift, as it allows you to create multi-level areas and add volume. Uneven terrain can be used in different ways:
- If the plot is on a slope, terraces are arranged, which is the passion of every landscape designer.
- If the plot is flat, a small area on another level can be created in other ways. Options include built-in flower beds, alpine slides, and small terraces raised above the ground (or, conversely, sunk into it). The effect is enhanced by flowers planted in cascades.
Proper lighting
An effective technique for long summer evenings that will highlight the landscape design of a small plot is the thoughtful placement of garden lights. They will transform a small area and visually expand its boundaries.
When installing lighting in the garden, the following principles should be followed:
- Lights should be placed near paths and decorative elements, away from the boundaries of the site.
- Low-power and directional lighting should be used. Dim or spot lighting clearly outlines the contours of paths.
- For a gazebo, you can choose bright lighting, which will make the area outside it completely dark and hide the actual size of the territory.
Using lighting in path design
Landscaping a small garden plot
Landscape design on a small plot involves selecting suitable plants and arranging them correctly. Preference is given to dwarf and low-growing trees and shrubs. If the owners want to see less compact varieties on their plot, they must be prepared to care for them promptly (so that the crown of such trees does not take up the living space of other plants) and periodically prune them. The following techniques are used when landscaping a small area:
- Vertical landscaping. It not only decorates and expands the space, but also saves space very effectively.
- Consideration of plant lighting requirements. This is an important parameter that determines the well-being of green spaces. Low-growing plants are planted in the southern part, and the tallest (usually fruit trees) are planted in the northern part.
- Entrance design. Landscape design experts recommend laying out a small lawn or two flower beds at the entrance; the only condition is that they should not be symmetrical.
Competent landscaping of the recreation area
- Flower beds on the plot. There cannot be many of them due to limited space. Flowers can be planted near the gazebo and along the paths. A flower bed next to the house can be planted with medicinal plants and herbs, which will not only look beautiful but also be helpful.
- Accents. A flower bed made from materials at hand will be an original decoration. You can use a basket, a cart, a log, a chest, an old shoe, or a bicycle.
- Organising the vegetable garden. A vegetable garden is more of a habit than a necessity. More and more homeowners are abandoning their vegetable beds in favour of expanding their leisure areas. However, even on a plot of 2-3 acres, you can set aside a little space to have fresh greens and the most essential vegetables for your table.
Vertical flower beds attract attention and save space.
Additional details on a small plot
Many owners consider it necessary to decorate the plot with additional elements, including:
- Water feature. On a small plot, it is more common to find a pond, fountain, or waterfall than a stream. Modest in size but beautifully designed, a water feature will make the landscape more natural and is sure to attract attention. A landscape waterfall will require more effort to organise, but it can be combined with an alpine slide. Fountains are no longer considered an extravagant luxury; manufacturers offer exquisite options in all sizes and made from a variety of materials.
- Children's playground. If you have children, it is essential to set aside a cosy and safe place for them to play. Many people believe that children can spend time in a gazebo during the day, but this is not always possible. A much better option would be a playground near the house with swings and a sandpit. You can install a ready-made play complex. Such structures are well designed, safe, and compact in size.
A modest pond will decorate any plot of land.
Conclusion
Small plots are usually defined as those ranging from 2 to 6 acres in size. Sometimes, even a much larger plot can appear small if the house built on it is disproportionately large and occupies a significant portion of the area. Design secrets cannot increase the size of a plot, but they can help transform it beyond recognition, making you forget its actual dimensions.
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