Stuart Zullo 
If your Liverpool home is a little challenged in the area of outdoor living space, yet you love to potter in the garden, don’t despair – A small garden doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go without. If you love to entertain outdoors, or simply enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine, chances are you don’t want to simply stare at a fence. In fact, there are many options available to bring light, colour and pretty fragrances to your outdoor living space.
- Start by optimising available garden beds. If you’re in a small space, there’s probably a section of garden that rarely sees the sunlight. Ferns are an obvious choice for shady areas; or if you’re after a splash of colour, bromeliads and clivias can look stunning against a green backdrop.
- Make the most of the space you do have by taking advantage of bare walls and hanging spaces. Hanging baskets, pots, and wall gardens will instantly brighten up a dreary space, and they don’t need to cost a lot of money or effort.
- When planting in pots, don’t overlook the potential to grow your own herb or vegie garden. Tomatoes, carrots, rosemary and thyme will create colour, as well as potentially leaving a sweet scent as a little treat for those heading outdoors.
- Don’t forget the kids! While a small courtyard may not lend itself to an exploratory haven for the kids to get lost in, you may still be able to please the littlies with a few fun tips. A small sandbox will always go well with toddlers. A cubby or tree house will always be a popular choice with kids. And never underestimate the joy children will get from picking ripe fruit straight from a tree. If your yard won’t fit a regular fruit tree, there are loads of dwarf tree varieties available, including apples, apricots, plums, peaches, pears, every type of citrus, and more! In fact, there are more being developed each year.
These are just a few ideas to turn your smaller garden into a place you can really enjoy, and that you’ll love entertaining in.
If you have more tips for maximising the space in your garden, please share them below. We’d love to expand on our list and help other Liverpool residents make the most of their space.