Garden spaces are all quite unique. Sprawling acres, tree-lined estates, and intimate terraces in the city each have their own charms, yet all require attention to detail in their design. In gardens, no matter the size, the owner’s personality and desires should always shine through.

Although many design principles come into play, I always like to promote fearless ambition when building a garden. Many gardeners and homeowners are reluctant to start such projects. Training and education naturally make the process easier, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than a novice’s first attempt. Small gardens are the perfect canvas for exercising creativity, getting your hands dirty, and connecting with the earth. Interior and exterior design is often guided by intuition, so there’s no need to be too cautious. The first step is to simply start.

Small spaces, terraces, and uniquely intimate areas can make for magical gardens. When thinking about starting a project, begin with a key feature: a seating group, a statue, a garden ornament, a small pond, etc. Many designers would say the number one rule for designing small spaces is to use large-scale objects. This helps ground the space. Large pieces add an air of importance and scale in smaller environments. I like to choose large pots or ornaments to amplify the area. This is the first step I take when creating small spaces.

Don’t be afraid to use large elements to anchor the space and create personality. Of course, this isn’t a magic bullet for every situation, but it is often a solid starting point.

I also prefer a limited plant palette that repeats a small melody. This repetition is more visually appealing and makes a space feel tailored. A grounded space with larger pots and intimate seating areas can be easily achieved in most spaces and can feel extra special by adding simple backdrops. A subtle backdrop can demarcate a smaller area from the larger space while still feeling part of the whole. This smaller garden can have a unique personality that feels extra special and purposeful.

Most people are reluctant to divide gardens and yards into smaller "rooms." I’m often greeted by owners who want their backyards to remain open with all turf. The need for open spaces for kids to play on the lawn can be exhausting. Of course, there can be designated play areas, but the entire property doesn’t need to have such exposure. I’m a huge proponent of vistas and open spaces, but I scale my expectations based on each project.

When we look at many established Victorian-era gardens, they’re always designed to create experiences through discovery. You don’t need vast acreage to achieve this feeling. Small yards can be exciting spaces with wonderful discoveries.

Key Takeaways When Designing Small Spaces:

• Don’t be afraid to divide the area into smaller “rooms.”
• Use large-scale objects for a “wow” factor.
• Use plants or hardscaping to define the space.
• Make the space discoverable.
• Intimate spaces are charming.
• Limit plant material to a few choices for cohesive simplicity.