Garden Ideas for 3 Sizes of Outdoor Spaces

No matter the size of your backyard, there are creative ways to make the most of your square footage. Below are our favorite ideas for choosing outdoor furniture and creating thriving gardens in small, medium, and large spaces.

When it comes to cozy flower gardens along walking paths, on the side of your home, or between apartment buildings, less is more. Limit the quantity and variety of plants to create functional and cohesive landscaping that won’t limit walking or sitting space. 

Raised beds: When you don’t have room for a garden plot, construct a tall container garden to take advantage of the vertical space. Depending on your needs, you could build a DIY container garden with space underneath for pots, supplies, and tools. If seating is limited, choose raised beds with low walls that double as seating when guests visit.

Vertical planters: Handmade vertical planters allow you to plant columns of your favorite flowers, herbs, and vegetables instead of just one plant in a patch of dirt. If you build a large vertical planter, the structure can double as a privacy wall to block prying eyes.

When choosing outdoor garden furniture for a small space, you'll likely only have room for one central piece, such as a bench or loveseat. Whether you’ve planted a small veggie patch or placed hanging baskets along your fence walls, you’ll want durable garden seating that complements your choice of plants and design elements.

A good option is a backless bench, which provides a spot to sit without encroaching on the view of all your hard work. Upgrade to a glider for extra back support and a bit of movement—the gentle motion among the comforting flora will sweep you away.

You can create a themed experience by artfully mixing garden and landscape elements when you have a medium-sized garden space in a full backyard. To stay on track, choose a central theme to inform your choice of patio furniture, plants, and decorative elements.

Entertaining garden: If you plan to eat alfresco, ensure your garden has room for a dining set. Space your flowers out in a panoramic view from the main entertaining area to enjoy stunning views over morning coffee or evening cocktails. 

Evening garden: If you're stuck inside the office all day, consider planting a garden where you can unwind under the stars at night. Design a simple seating area surrounded by a variety of flowers to blend delightful scents in the evening air.

Sustainable garden: A sustainable garden is easy to accomplish in a mid-sized space, offers great environmental benefits, and provides structure and purpose to an open space. Start with compost to enrich the soil, then select a mix of native plants that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Without spatial restraints, you can choose outdoor furniture that will allow you to relax and marvel at your handiwork after a busy morning of pruning and weeding.

Deep seating patio furniture is a lovely addition to an outdoor lounge area. It provides a plush retreat where you can watch the sunset or share fresh cookies with the kids.

If you have a vast property, you may be overwhelmed by the thought of filling an oversized landscape. Start by creating distinct zones to serve different functions. Some areas can be dedicated to traditional gardens, while others can feature larger landscaping elements or spacious outdoor living rooms and entertainment spaces for guests.

Fruits and veggies: Grow your own fruits and vegetables in a separate section of the garden where you can experiment with new crops every season. Your focus and choices in this zone will also inform nearby zones, creating an environment where your strawberries, carrots, or tomatoes can flourish.

Garden path: Pathways break up large expanses of landscaping and add shape to bigger gardens. Line a stone path with fragrant flowers and occasional statement pieces that guests can admire.

Outdoor theater: Placing this zone in the middle of a yard creates a natural shape, pushing plants and landscaping elements to the yard's boundaries. Set up an outdoor theater and fit your entire family in a comfortable deep seating set.

Wildlife habitat: In this zone, nurture plants that will attract pollinators to fill your garden with life. Grow wildflowers to entice butterflies and bees, plant a hedge to shelter the garden and serve as a nesting area for small animals, and put up a nesting box to encourage birds to breed.