Local Life - St Helens - May 2018

63
Small really can be
beautiful
by Angie Barker
So many of us have small gardens these
days but any outside space is a wonderful
addition to a home which is why we should make
the most of every inch of space and make our
gardens attractive, as well as practical, outdoor
rooms.
Small gardens need extra consideration however
and here are a few pointers when thinking about
the design of a small space:
Decide what style you are going for and stick to that
theme. So a contemporary garden, choose plants
which will complete the look – Phormiums and
Bamboos for example and go with straight lines. A
courtyard garden should use Buxus sempervirens
(Box) hedges and topiary. A more traditional style
can use sweeping curves and circles.
Don’t try to cram too much into a small space – less
is more!
Plants need to earn their keep so choose specimens
which have long seasons of interest and a good
balance of evergreens. Also limit your colour palette
because too many colours in a small garden will
make the borders appear cluttered
If your garden is shady make the bold decision to
remove the lawn as it will always struggle. There is
a fantastic range of paving products available now
and small cobble setts really suit a small space
You should incorporate a focal point - a large pot
(unplanted) can do the trick perfectly. Similarly a
bird bath, sun dial or sculpture
Use the walls and fences to grow climbers which
will green up the space and make it feel larger
There are lots of clever storage solutions available
these days like benches with hinged seats and
screening ideas to hide away those dreaded
wheelie bins.
And one of the best things about a small garden is
that you can get close up and personal with your
plants and really look at their beautiful detail. One
of the best for May must be Dicentra spectabilis
(Lamprocapnos spectabilis is the new name) or
Bleeding Heart. There is a white form called ‘Alba’
which is simply stunning.
Award Winner
I’m always telling Hubby that the best things come in
small packages – he is not very tall at 5 feet 8 inches
– but what there is of him is perfectly designed !
Angie is a qualified
award-winning garden
designer who will
plan your garden to
your needs from start
to finish, supplying
reputable contractors
and the ideal plants.
Call Angie now for your free consultation!
Angie Barker Dip GD
(Inst GD) BA (Hons)
Garden Design For All Seasons
Tel: 01942 522 405
Mob: 07857 008 383
Award Winner
www.angiebarker.co.uk