Inspiring Small Garden Spaces
Having a garden is not all about doing … one of the wonderful things about outdoor living spaces is finding a nook to sit and reflect … to observe, sip a glass of wine or grab a mug of steaming coffee and the paper … and just ‘be.’ So what does your reflective space look like?
“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.” – Hanna Rion
Take a Seat!
Whether you love formal, country charm, something modern or rustic – in this busy life, a place to relax is essential. Restore some old furniture; mix and match; grab a simple seat; slouch in a hammock … or just find a place to get comfy while smelling the roses … even a balcony can squeeze in a folding chair!
Think about the plants around you in your space.
- Do you want to sit amongst fragrant flowers?
- Reach out and grab some fresh herbs to make a cuppa from an edible garden?
- Create privacy from a neighbour or building?
- Seek some shade in a hot climate or a sunny spot on a cold day?
Here are a few outdoor living spaces to help you consider your options – I hope they inspire you!
“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” - Minnie Aumonier
Perhaps your outdoor dining space is more eclectic ... with a restored table and chairs like this one?
Even a tiny courtyard garden can be a place to congregate with friends with mix and match furniture.
A deck tucked away in a corner of the garden is a perfect place to sit and observe nature and plan new projects.
“A garden is a friend you can visit anytime.”
In a micro garden, simple spaces are best ... like this fresh white table for two. The white theme picks up the flowering white shrub in the corner of the courtyard, the lattice and in even the potted flowers.
Seats for one can be just as special …
This inviting seat combines a vertical growing space with a climber. Lattice is a great material to use to create a simple design feature & additional planters can also be hooked over the horizontal timbers.
This quirky recycled numberplate chair is not only a place to sit but adds character as garden art! Clever use of repetition with the 2 blue pots and matching plants brings harmony to this tiny space.
I just love this simple seat in the shade. It's such an inviting space on a hot day! Snuggle up to the colourful geranium in a cachepot - it can be taken out easily and rotated to a sunny spot.
These simple rustic log seats for one are a great way to recycle timber in the backyard without costing a cent. Kids can paint their name or a picture on the top for a child size seat or position them so they can play games!
So whatever nook or space you have at your place … take the time to enjoy it. Add a little garden art, some colour, a feature plant or two and make the most of your garden.
Want more inspiring ideas? Consider some of the benefits of container gardening, micro gardening in small spaces and be inspired with garden design ideas.
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Copyright The Micro Gardener 2011 – http://www.themicrogardener.com
[...] I think about how important it is to have a place to relax and rest … to look at what’s been achieved in the garden and plan the next project … and the value of an outdoor room. [...]