Some Great Ideas for Small Gardens or Courtyards

If your courtyard is looking a bit lacklustre, why not give it a revamp using some of the following ideas:

Add Container Plants
Container plants are a simple solution for livening up a courtyard. You won’t need to dig out planting holes or build raised beds to achieve an instant effect.
There are many different containers available, ranging from man-made reconstituted stone and plastic through to wood and terracotta.
You can place pots along the ground, planters along the tops of walls, planter boxes or troughs on the face of walls, or even hang baskets from awnings and pergolas.
Make sure that the weight can be supported adequately though.
For a formal effect, use matched containers and plantings in a symmetrical arrangement. For a more relaxed approach, group together different styles of containers and plants.

Add a Small Water Feature
A water feature does not have to be big to be effective. Wall-mounted water fountains and free-standing ponds can look equally spectacular. Once again, you will not have to worry about huge installation or running costs as the water is recycled via a pump which can be hooked up to the electricity supply.

Increase Enclosure
Another option is to heighten walls to block outside views. If your courtyard is too open, why not heighten the walls? If there are particular aspects of the view you wish to save, you can incorporate an arch or open window, so that you can retain your favourite sights. This will also add an element of mystery to the garden.

Cover a Bad Outlook
You can overcome an ugly view by installing trellis on the tops of walls or fences. Trellis is also an excellent way of masking ugly walls and fences. Once in place, you can grow climbers up the trellis to further hide the poor outlook, whilst simultaneously beautifying the view. Alternatively, you can use more elaborate trellis panels that look amazing in their own right. Try using trellis to frame wall hangings, wallplanters, murals, mirrors or statues.

Create an Entry
A sure way to add intrigue is to install an arch. Placed at the courtyard entrance, it acts as a focal point, drawing visitors into the courtyard. Inside the courtyard, it can be used to frame a view or a feature such as a statue or bench.
An entrance tunnel is an even more exciting feature for drawing visitors into the courtyard. The longer it is, the greater its impact, but keep in mind that it needs to be in scale with the courtyard and the surrounding garden.
For greater enclosure and shelter, the tunnel can be covered with shade-cloth and used to support climbing plants.
Scented climbers are especially appealing because their fragrance is trapped within the enclosed space. If there is sufficient room inside the tunnel, a garden bench will make it a great place to retreat to on a hot day.

Pave It
If your courtyard is gravelled, turfed, or just plain earth, it may be time to pave it. Paving is low-maintenance, durable and can look exceptionally smart. Paving materials range from the more expensive York stone, sandstone and slate stone to the less expensive man-made stones and concrete.
Consider tiles for a Mediterranean effect, or granite setts for a more traditional look.
Paint a scene, a gate, doorway or even a plant in a pot on the face of a wall. If this is done well it can trick the eye and make a garden area seem larger than it really is – particularly if the painting is surrounded by real features such as plants or ornaments.

Mirrors attached to a wall will give an impression that a garden is larger. A mirror can break, of course, but so can a glass window - and we usually have windows bordering our gardens.

Create a Theme Garden

Courtyards are ideal for creating small-scale ‘theme’ gardens. Because it is visually and physically separated from the rest of the garden, the courtyard can be landscaped in any way you desire regardless of the style of the rest of the garden.

These are some of the theme garden styles suitable for courtyards:
Japanese gardens - these commonly contain a pond, single feature rocks, a traditional sculptured stone lantern, dwarf maples, bonsai, and gravel raked into patterns. Some, or all, of these things can be incorporated into a small courtyard.

Mediterranean style - these commonly feature terracotta or bright ceramic materials, large container plants, olive trees, grape vines, citrus trees, topiary, narrow classical sculpture (Roman or Greek style).

Balinese – these include clumping bamboos, Balinese sculpture, glazed pots, bamboo screens and furniture.
If none of these styles appeal, use your imagination and create your own fantasy courtyard.

Some Useful Tips
Depth can be created by using foliage to make a frame against a rendered wall. The use of a statue as a focal point and pots spilling over with flowers in the foreground will enhance this effect.

The sense of enclosure can be increased by planting tall hedging. This will not only increase privacy, but also allow the courtyard to be divided into separate areas.
Seating is an integral part of making the courtyard more exciting and user friendly. Select furniture that complements the style of the courtyard
Accent plants can be used to dramatic effect. Cordylines, agaves, yuccas, and phormiums all work well. Contrasting coloured pots will heighten the impact.
Create a formal courtyard by setting out a well-ordered garden bed. Edging plants, standard trees, angular ponds and hedges will be in keeping with this theme.
A small free-standing pond is ideal for a small courtyard and can add year-round interest.
Lattice can be used to beautify walls or as a feature in its own right. Climbers will add further interest and help to soften the impact of hard surfaces.
Paths and patios can be livened up by laying unusual surfaces e.g. contrasting black and white pebbles in a distinct pattern.
Installing a retractable shade cloth will make your courtyard more useable during hot sunny periods, and can increase your options in terms of the plants you use.

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