Expert shares top tips to make your small garden appear bigger (2025)

No matter the size of your garden, it can become a beautiful sanctuary with the right tricks and tips. Here are six ways to transform your small space into the perfect spot just in time for summer.

As the summer months are fast approaching and the lighter nights are here, people want to start getting the most out of their garden no matter the size.

If you're dealing with a small garden, it can quickly feel overcrowded and messy if not managed properly, which could deter you from spending time outdoors or gardening and maintaining the space.

However, even the smallest space can be transformed into a a sanctuary where you can host parties, dine alfresco and spend your whole summer in.

Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk, shares her top tips on how to make your small garden seem larger and turn it into the luxurious retreat you've always wanted.

Create zones

Segmenting your garden into different zones can help distinguish various areas, making the overall space feel larger.

Designating separate areas for seating, planting, storage, creates an illusion of more room rather than having everything lumped together in a disorganised fashion.

You can creatively separate these zones in your garden by using trellises decorated with vibrant plants, defining areas with eye-catching flower beds, or incorporating features like raised decking.

Disguise boundaries

The fences and boundaries around our gardens can make them feel more confined, particularly in smaller spaces.

Softening these boundaries with shrubs or climbing plants is an effective way to trick the eye into perceiving the space as larger than it really is.

Adding plants of varying heights and textures around your garden's periphery can soften harsh boundaries and create a more visually pleasing look. Just remember to keep them well-hydrated and trimmed to prevent an untidy, overgrown appearance.

Incorporate vibrant plants

Introducing vibrant, brightly coloured plants is an excellent way to improve any dull spots in your garden. While dark hues can be effective in moderation, too much can make your garden feel more confined.

Plant light-toned flowers such as oranges, pinks, and yellows to inject some colour into your greenery. However, avoid going overboard with colourful plants as this could accidentally produce the opposite effect to what you're aiming for.

Steer clear of bulky furniture

While large furniture sets can add depth to a bigger garden, it's best to choose more practical-sized pieces in smaller spaces to prevent cramping. Foldable metal furniture is a great choice as it can be easily stowed away when not in use, freeing up space for other activities.

The same principle applies to statement features in your garden. If you prefer a more decorative, ornamental style, opt for smaller items or ones that can be mounted on walls and fences instead of occupying valuable ground space.

Utilise vertical walls and window boxes

Making use of vertical spaces such as walls and windowsills can free up ground space in your garden for furniture, larger plants, and activities. An excess of pots scattered around a garden can create a cluttered and untidy feel, so it's crucial to think outside the box and utilise other areas.

Not only does this approach maximise space, but it also adds depth and can help mask any unattractive walls.

Plus, pollinators like bees and butterflies will be thrilled.

Light up with outdoor lighting

Compact areas often lack the illumination that larger spaces naturally have. By installing outdoor lighting, you can ensure light reaches all desired areas and highlight key features of your garden.

For a captivating decorative touch, consider strings of solar-powered fairy lights placed along fences and trellises, complemented by wall and path lights. This is bound to impress guests during those warm summer evenings.

Incorporate reflective surfaces

Employing mirrors and other reflective surfaces is a smart way to give the illusion of a larger garden. By strategically positioning mirrors on walls and fences, you can use the power of reflection to trick the eye into perceiving more space.

Incorporating reflective elements like water features, glass decorations, or shiny metal accents can also amplify the perception of space. These items capture and bounce back light, making even the most compact garden area feel more expansive and breezy.

Creating focal points

Designing focal points in your garden can guide the gaze towards specific spots, thereby creating an illusion of a larger area. Features such as an eye-catching sculpture, a petite fountain, or a flower bed bursting with vibrant colours can generate visual intrigue and a sense of intentionality.

This strategy helps avoid a cluttered appearance and strategically provides perspective on the space.

It proves particularly effective in slender gardens, where a well-positioned focal point can make the area feel more orderly and welcoming.

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