There are ways to make a small garden feel bigger (Image: Getty)
As the days grow longer and warmer weather beckons, many of us look forward to unwinding in our gardens. However, for those with limited outdoor space, creating a serene oasis can be challenging.
But design expert Ivana Agustina says even the smallest of gardens can be transformed to feel more expansive. Agustina, head of project management at ShrubHub, a landscape design service, says:”Small gardens don’t have to feel cramped or limiting.”
She has pulled together a selection of ingenious visual tricks that can create the illusion of a larger space, without the need for costly renovations or expansions. These clever techniques rely on optical illusions and intelligent design principles to manipulate our perception of space.
As Agustina explains, “The psychology behind making small spaces feel larger is fascinating. Our perception of space is influenced more by how we experience it rather than by actual square footage,” reports Devon Live.
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The design expert added: “During my career designing hundreds of compact gardens, I’ve seen modest 200-square-foot spaces transformed to feel twice as large simply through visual tricks. The best part is that these techniques don’t require expensive renovations or expansions – just thoughtful planning and strategic design.”
She added: “A cleverly designed small garden can deliver the same joy and functionality as a much larger space, proving that when it comes to gardens, size isn’t everything. It’s how you use the space that counts.”
Create distinct zones with varied functions
Segmenting your garden into separate areas can make the space seem larger than if it were a single open area. “The human brain perceives multiple small experiences as more substantial than one uniform space,” Agustina explains.
“By dividing your garden into zones – perhaps a dining area, a lounge space, and a planting section – visitors mentally ‘travel’ through your garden, making it feel much bigger.”
Consider using different materials to create these zones – gravel for a seating area, decking for dining, and mulch for planting beds. The transitions between these spaces create mental ‘journeys’ that extend the perceived size of your garden.
Utilise forced perspective with diagonal lines
Diagonal lines can deceive the eye into perceiving greater depth. “Garden pathways or patio pavers laid at a 45-degree angle create an illusion of expansion,” says Agustina.
“This works particularly well in rectangular gardens, where the diagonal lines fight against the boxy boundaries.” A simple application is to lay a pathway that narrows slightly as it extends away from the house, artificially extending the perceived distance.
Try looking up with vertical gardens
When ground space is scarce, go vertical. “Vertical gardening is both practical and visually expanding,” Agustina suggests.
“By drawing the eye upward with wall-mounted planters, trellises with climbing plants, or tall, narrow planters, you create height that makes the garden feel more spacious.” This method is particularly effective against fences or walls, where climbing plants such as jasmine or clematis can turn boundaries into lush, green focal points, drawing the eye away from the garden’s modest size.
Planting vertically can make a big difference (Image: Getty)
Strategic colour placement
Colours have a profound effect on perception of space. “Place brighter colours like yellows and oranges near the entrance of your garden, transitioning to cooler blues and purples at the far end,” Agustina suggests.
“Cool colours visually recede, making that section of the garden seem farther away than it actually is.” This concept isn’t limited to flowers but extends to pots and garden ornaments as well. A vivid yellow planter by your doorstep paired with lavender or blue hydrangeas at the opposite end can greatly enhance the illusion of depth in your garden.
Strategic use of mirrors
Mirrors have long been used to double the perceived size of interior spaces, and they work wonderfully outdoors too. “An outdoor-rated mirror placed at the end of a garden reflects plantings and sky, effectively doubling the visual space,” Agustina explains.
“For safety, choose shatterproof acrylic mirrors designed for outdoor use.” For maximum effect, position mirrors where they’ll reflect greenery or interesting garden features rather than blank walls or fences.
Scale down features
The importance of proportional design in compact spaces cannot be overstated, warns Agustina. She says: “Oversized furniture in a tiny garden is akin to placing a king-sized bed in a small bedroom – it swamps the area. Opt for suitably scaled furniture and features that allow space around them.”
This rule applies to plant selection as well. Rather than a single large tree, think about a dwarf variety or a multi-stemmed small tree that adds visual appeal without overpowering the area.
Incorporate mystery with partial screening
“Human curiosity is a potent element in garden design,” advises Agustina. “When we can’t see everything at once, we believe there’s more to uncover.”
Experiment with partially obscuring areas using tall grasses, bamboo, or lattice panels that suggest hidden spaces without fully disclosing them. This strategy instils a sense of adventure and exploration, giving visitors the impression they’re navigating through a series of garden rooms instead of a solitary small plot.