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Every household has different spaces that they can transform into gardens. There are those with the average backyard, others with compact urban balconies, and some with sprawling estates. But whatever space you have available in your home, there’s a garden design idea that will surely fit your preferences and the vision you have in mind. This guide lists down some of the best ideas that you can utilise for your garden at home or your commercial space.
Garden Design Ideas for Small Spaces
Just because you have limited space for a garden doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have lush greenery in your home. Below are three effective garden design ideas for small spaces that you can try as your next house improvement project.
Vertical Gardens
If you have a small space for a garden in your home, then a vertical garden is definitely an option. With it, you can make the most of the limited area by growing plants upwards instead of outwards. This idea utilises walls, fences, and balconies. Though the space is limited, you still have various options for plants, such as climbers, succulents (e.g., creeping boobialla), and small herb gardens – which help with sustainable living. Generally, vertical gardens are perfect for urban environments since they offer a stylish and efficient gardening solution.
Container Gardening
Another great garden design idea for small spaces is container gardening. You can use a variety of containers, including pots, barrels, or repurposed items to create a vibrant and flexible garden. It’s perfect for flowers, herbs, and even small vegetables. Place it on your balcony, patio, or tiny backyard, transforming any small area into a lush area of plants that allows for creative arrangements and easy management.
Tiered Planters
These multi-level planters create layers of greenery in your home. They help you maximise limited space while adding depth and visual interest to your small garden. It’s one of the most innovative design ideas out there for urban gardening. You can arrange different types of plants in each tier to draw the eye upward. It will make your small garden feel expansive and vibrant.
Garden Design Ideas for Average-Sized Spaces
For those with the right amount of space for a garden in their homes, here are innovative garden design ideas you may consider:
Themed Garden Zones
If you’re looking for a versatile garden idea, then consider themed garden zones. The idea is to divide your garden into different areas. It could be a herb garden, a flower garden, and a relaxation zone all in one place. Themed garden zones, in a way, give you the chance to enjoy a variety of experiences within a single place. It’s an approach that maximises the utility of your garden and adds visual interest and organisation at the same time.
Water Features
Probably one of the best garden design ideas to build a peaceful space is with water features. A small pond, fountain, or bubbling stream adds movement and a calming ambience to your garden. Plus, it attracts wildlife, including birds and butterflies, which enhances the natural look of your garden. There’s also a variety of water features to choose from. You can choose one that will become the focal point of your garden. Or, choose another that will seamlessly blend with your garden’s overall design. It also depends on the overall effect you’re going for. For instance, you may prefer the sound of trickling water or the sigh of aquatic plants added to your garden.
Raised Beds
These elevated plots have been popular in modern gardens since they help in better soil control and easier maintenance. You can construct raised beds from wood, stone, or metal, depending on the style and overall look you prefer. As mentioned previously, they offer improved draining and soil aeration. Use raised beds in your garden to add neat, structured elements to your space.
Garden Design Ideas for Large Spaces
If you have more space than usual and you want to make good use of the area, then there are a couple of design ideas you can try. We’ve listed the top three below:
Wildflower Meadows
For an enchanting garden design idea, go for wildflower meadows. It offers a vibrant display of colours and textures that change with the seasons. In fact, you can also create a low-maintenance, eco-friendly space in your garden that supports wildlife by having meadows with native wildflowers and grasses. Overall, it’s a garden idea that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden and promotes biodiversity. There’s no doubt that wildflower meadows are beautiful and make for a sustainable choice for large spaces.
Orchard and Edible Gardens
Since you have a large space for your garden, it’s only appropriate to make use of the area with an orchard. Plant a variety of fruit trees, such as apples and pears, along with a mix of vibrant vegetables and herbs. It transforms your empty space into a beautiful and productive area where you can expect fresh produce and a lush, green environment. In building an orchard and edible gardens, you end up having a sustainable and visually appealing haven that has the perfect blend of utility and aesthetics.
Garden Rooms
Make use of your large space and adapt the garden rooms concept – an innovative design idea where you create distinct areas within your garden. Each section will be divided through hedges (such as Lilly Pilly Syzygium hedge), trellises or other garden structures. Then, each “room” will have a unique theme and purpose, such as a lush flower garden, a tranquil meditation lounge, and more. If you want to add organisation and structure to your space, then garden rooms are the best way to go. It enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of your garden while making a versatile retreat. It’s a creative garden design that elevates your outdoor space and will enchant your visitors to discover every nook and cranny in every visit.
Garden Design Ideas for Commercial Spaces
Looking to improve your commercial space for the aesthetic appeal of improved employee well-being and productivity? There are various garden design ideas to choose from that can address both concerns:
Green Roofs
If you have rooftop space in your building, then adding green roofs is a go-to garden design. The concept is to create living rooftops filled with low-maintenance plants like sedums and succulents that will transform your unused space into a lush, eco-friendly area. Plus, green roofs enhance building insulation and reduce urban heat. With it, you can build visually striking landscapes in your commercial space that improve air quality and prompt sustainability.
Corporate Garden Retreats
When you run a business, part of your concern is how to boost employee well-being and productivity. One good idea would be creating corporate garden retreats – green sanctuaries that provide serene areas for relaxation and even informal meetings. Plant trees, shrubs, seasonal flowers, and shade-tolerant plants to make an inviting retreat that fosters a positive work environment and enhances the aesthetics of your building. Complete the space with pathways and comfortable seating that further encourages employees to spend time outdoors and reap the benefits of nature while taking a break from work or even while working.
Indoor Atriums
If there’s no outdoor space available, then time to bring the outside in with indoor atriums. It’s a garden design idea that utilises tropical plants, ferns (e.g., silver lady fern), palms, and other indoor-friendly plants and trees, creating stunning, natural focal points within buildings. Other than better air quality, indoor atriums provide a unique, refreshing environment for employees and visitors alike. All in all, it’s a great addition to any commercial garden design strategy.
From our list above, it’s clear that the possibilities are endless when you’re trying to enhance any space with greenery. There are practical container gardening and tiered planters for small areas, water features and themed zones for mid-sized gardens, and even orchards for gardens in larger spaces. Plus, if you’re looking to improve your commercial space, you can look into green roofs, garden retreats, and indoor atriums.
However, remember that these garden design ideas are not just about planting flowers or trees, but they are more about building vibrant and sustainable environments that not only enhance your space but also foster a deeper connection with nature. So, thoughtfully apply these concepts when you create a design along with your preferences.
Have you taken inspiration from the ideas presented above? Or, are you still contemplating what is truly the best garden design for your outdoor space? If yes, take our garden quiz and it may just give you the right idea and nudge you in the right direction! After that, get in touch with Local Botanist and our experts will be happy to help you start a concrete plan for your garden. Or, you may also check out more gardening advice to get a clearer idea of gardening, plants, and landscaping in the Gold Coast area.
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