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Being surrounded by fresh greenery and florals improves our physical, emotional and mental well-being — which means houseplants and outdoor gardens are the key to making your house feel like a home, both indoors and out. There are a ton of affordable ways to reinvent your small outdoor space, whether you're hoping to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, or stick with simple perennial flowers, bushes and ground cover plants. To prove that decorating a small landscape is easier than you may think, we've rounded up charming small garden ideas that you'll want to steal when spring rolls around.
Even in very small garden areas, a little creativity and a couple clever design hacks can go a long way. As you browse these inspiring and colorful outdoor photos, you'll find a ton of garden projects fit for balconies, courtyards, backyards and more. For modern small spaces, you'll want to find affordable patio furniture (like bistro tables, stools, benches and hammocks) to elevate your backyard design.
A few of the genius ideas: plant a tiny floral patch in the backyard, set up a DIY vertical garden, build a raised garden bed or hang fresh herbs from a wooden palette. You'll also discover tips for growing beautiful evergreen shrubs, trailing plants and the best trees for small yards. Keep scrolling and you may even decide to assemble your own backyard pond, outdoor living wall or bubble fountain.
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Lattice Green Wall
Obsessed with lattice? For an unexpected touch to your garden, let the pattern set the foundation for a green wall.
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Faux Grass Stepping Stones
You might not have a huge lawn, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of grass — even if it's faux. These faux grass stepping stones are inexpensive to make on your own.
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Wind Chime
Instantly elevate a small garden space with a beautiful bird house wind chime, like designer Kate Anne does here. Not only will it draw birds to your yard, it'll create a soothing sound in the process.
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Plant Tray
This metal table, originally intended for serving drinks, now overflows with Irish moss and succulents on a patio.
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co*cktail Garden
You guessed it! A co*cktail garden is a space designated to growing ingredients for delicious drinks. Go for herbs like mint, basil and sage, as well as fruits and veggies such as strawberries, cherries and peppers.
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Gardening Station
Create a spot dedicated to potting and trimming your outdoor plants. The best part? This table is made from a few galvanized barrels and an old wooden door.
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Pallet Garden
Attach clay pots to a pallet with nails and stainless steel cable ties for a living art display that keeps your rosemary and basil at the ready. Space out the pots so your plants have room to grow.
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Pergola Full of Greens
Grow your garden vertically by trailing plants up the sides of a pergola, fence or outdoor wall. English ivy, pothos and Russian vines are a few great choices.
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Plant Markers
Keep your garden organized, so harvesting remains quick and easy. Craft your own plant markers using wooden paint sticks and some acrylic paint. Added bonus? This is the perfect craft for kids.
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Barrel Pond
Make use of an old whiskey barrel and create your own backyard pond — a great alternative if you don't have space for a real one. Add your water plants (lily pads, of course) and even a few small fish.
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Vibrant Chairs
Outfitting a small space doesn't mean you have to settle for drab furniture. The brighter, the better is the way to go to bring your outdoor area to life.
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Hanging Colanders
Hang spring flowers in brightly colored colanders for an unexpected porch update.
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
