Start with low-maintenance plants like lavender or herbs, add a few pots or raised beds, and use outdoor rugs or solar lanterns for instant charm. Keep it simple and focus on one small area to begin with.

Use mirrors, vertical planting, and pale paving to create the illusion of space. Keep furniture compact, and repeat materials or colours to draw the eye through the space.

Choose compact, multi-season plants like lavender, boxwood, ferns, herbs, and small climbers like clematis. Look for vertical growers or trailing varieties to save space while adding interest.

Repurpose items like old containers, wooden crates, or jam jars as planters. Sow seeds instead of buying full plants, and use inexpensive touches like fairy lights, painted pots, or second-hand furniture to add personality.

Unity – Maintain a consistent palette of materials and plants.
Balance – Distribute visual weight with symmetry or focal points.
Scale – Match the size of plants and features to your space, especially in smaller gardens.

Sketch your space and divide it into zones (dining, planting, relaxing). Consider sun direction, movement through the space, and focal points. Keep circulation clear and balance hard and soft elements like paving and planting.

Layer height and texture with varied planting, add focal points like a bench or sculpture, and use sensory elements like scent or sound. Include artisan details such as unique planters, hand-thrown pots, or natural textures.

Focus on simplicity and smart use of space. Choose compact furniture, plant vertically using walls or shelves, and keep a cohesive colour scheme. A few well-placed pots, string lights, and an outdoor rug can create a cosy, inviting feel even in the tiniest space.

Use plant cuttings from friends or local swaps, upcycle containers, and tidy your space. Paint old furniture, create DIY plant shelves, and use natural materials like stones, logs or bricks to edge beds or build paths.

Gravel gardens, container setups with drought-tolerant plants, and evergreen shrubs require little upkeep. Choose native species, mulch generously, and minimise lawn or trimming duties for an easy-care space.