Small backyards are commonplace in both inner-city lots and suburban yards. There are many options for making the most of these small spaces, and we have discovered 30 of the best. You will be able to transform your yard into a beautifully impressive space that is functional, comfortable and suits the need of your family.
- Keep Trees Trim
For a small space, the best type of shrubs and trees are those that grow directly up. These not only provide you with shade, but they also take up little room in your yard and give and give an element of fresh air. We recommend choosing:
- Magnolia’s;
- Maples;
- Cherry;
- Persian Ironwood;
- Crabapple;
- Pencil pine; and
- Bamboo.
- Fold Away Table
You’ve probably heard of a murphy bed, but did you know there are also murphy picnic tables? Enjoy outdoor eating during the summer months with a hideaway table that can fold flat against the wall when it’s not in use.
- Line Your Fence
If you line your fence with gardens and leave the centre free for your artificial lawn, you create an illusion of space. Segregate the garden and lawn with neat edging to differentiate between the areas.
- Use White in Your Yard
Continuing with the theme of illusion, using light colours like white make the yard look bigger. Use ‘white’ space with:
- Shade cloths;
- light coloured plants;
- Walls,
- Furniture; and
- Fences.
- Skinny Pool
If you want to have a pool in your yard and you don’t want it to dominate the space, choose a narrow lap pool. These sit neatly in the corner and still allow for exercise and cooling off during the warmer days of the year.
- Get Creative with a Mosaic Pathway
A simple way of introducing a bit of colour to your artificial turf and your backyard, get creative with a mosaic pathway. This adds an intricate design without adding too much ‘clutter’ to a small space.
- A Grassy Haven
Add a small nook of synthetic grass as a place to relax on. Lying on the grass with a good book or looking up the sky can be one of the most relaxing things in summer.
- Vertical Gardens
Continuing with the idea that growing upwards saves space, build vertical garden beds against the fence or a wall in your yard so you can enjoy the ambience of flowers or the delightful smells of a herb garden.
- Feature Some Water
A unique water feature can be a striking feature of your small yard as it deemphasises the restrictions of the area.
- Keep it Clean and Modern
Even the smallest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into a place where you want to spend time. Introducing clean lines with simple planters and lean benches will keep the look minimalistic and clean, which gives the illusion of more space.
- Use the Corners
Your yard can be made to look wider by using one corner to feature items and leaving the remainder of the yard open. This could be a feature garden or a bench for sitting on.
- Use Patterns
You can bring some depth between the layers of your synthetic grass by using patterned pavers like a diamond. The shapes add some depth into the area without using much of the limited space. It’s done in a way that isn’t overwhelming but adds some subtle geometrics.
- Contour Your Plants
Clustering your plants into one space can be a stunning addition to any sized garden. When your yard is small, it’s essential to keep in mind the shape of your garden when choosing what you are going to plant. You need to consider the height, shapes that complement each other and a variety of colours.
- Let’s Get Symmetrical
Small gardens thrive on a symmetrical garden, and really you can never go wrong, keeping clean lines with everything balanced evenly in one space.
- Use Bricks
If you want to create a bit of character around your artificial lawn, you can add a pop of colour with bricks. A lush oasis can be formed from the warm red that comes through brick flooring that blends well with the vibrancy of the greenery of your synthetic grass.
- Terraced Gardens
If you have a terraced garden, fill up every bit of space with as many plants as you can to create a beautiful area. Give it a rustic feel with some timber framing, or a more formal look with brick pavers.
- Pergolas
Small spaces can have quite a romantic feel to them with the use of some beautiful climbers which are sweetly fragrant. Some plants that are ideal for this configuration include:
- Roses;
- Jasmine;
- Sweet peas;
- Jasmine; and
- Wisteria.
- Pavers
Using square paves and a bit of gravel around them is a neat and modern option for your small backyard. In tandem with some lush artificial lawn, a small wooden deck and fencing create a space where you want to spend time.
- Asymmetrical Deck
A lot of inner-city lots are long and thin, which is ideal for a deck plan that combines synthetic grass, plants and deck which winds its way through your outdoor space. Strategically place lights throughout and enjoy the oasis at any time of the day.
- Create an Emerald Forest
Fill your space with luscious green plants and artificial lawn for a green oasis. This can transform a sparse yard into a place you want to enjoy the surrounds.
- Theme it Up with Fire and Water
Popular amongst small yards is theming it with fire and water. The fire is for the nippy nights and the water for dipping in on warmer evenings.
- Cultivate a Live Wall
Cultivating a live wall is the total space saver and the perfect solution for an outdoor area.
- Squared Simplicity
Another popular yard design is neat and squared. It’s an approach of simplicity that people who like order and poise will enjoy the most.
- Artificial Law and Alcove
Do you love the look of two distinct ‘rooms’ in your backyard? With a little alcove for relaxation and artificial lawn for playing, you have room for the children and parents to enjoy what they like doing outdoors.
- Round Patio
It looks a little different but taking a small corner and creating a round entertainment hub takes the focal point away from the backyard size. Fill the space with a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, BBQ and some chairs for comfort.
- Outdoor Spa
If you want to get a look that gives you the feeling of Zen and is ultra-modern combine wood, stone and water for that cool and refreshing vibe that will have you feeling like you are at an outdoor spa.
- Get Creative with Pallets
Creating a fun or fancy small yard doesn’t have to be expensive. Using recycled pallets makes a charmingly stylish look to a small patio.
- Combine Grass and Wood
Make synthetic grass and wood a feature of your small yard by using irregular shapes for a different look.
- Feature an Arbour and Swing Set
For a quaint look that gives a touch of romance, an arbour swing set is a spot to sit with your loved one and enjoy the outdoors.
- Add Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture is timeless and adds a lot of charm to your space. Your backyard will be complete with this look and synthetic grass.
Choose your favourite one of these 30 points and combined with your synthetic lawn, you will have an excellent space for the whole family.
