Garden Gate

ELEVATING small SPACES

4 landscape designers share their solutions.

In a small space, cultivating a lush and thriving garden may seem like a daunting challenge, especially if you’re up against environmental obstacles such as heavy rainfall, extreme heat or drought. But it isn’t impossible! I’ve asked four garden design pros to share their techniques, products and favorite plants to make the most of a limited space. Whether you have a smaller backyard or garden on a patio or rooftop, you’ll find plenty of ideas here!

In Marisa’s small backyard, her neighbor’s black walnut tree makes it tough to grow all the vegetables she wants. These designers’ tips have given her plenty of ideas to try. (And she’s still hoping her neighbor decides to take down the tree!)

DESIGN ELEMENTS AT WORK

Pearce Butcher
Pearce B Designs, Greenville, SC

Pearce Butcher loves using the principles of design—order, repetition, proportion, color and balance—to create a place her clients can relax in and enjoy.

Dividing the garden into symmetrical quadrants using a 45-degree angle makes a small space feel bigger. This allows you to create longer pathways and sight lines, drawing the eye to the corners of the garden. For example, she designed the patio above to sit perpendicular to the house and property lines

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