Small Space, Big Impact

Lovely Layers

Layering is an ideal way to cram lots of color into small spaces like patios. Ann and Dale Johnston of Thousand Oaks, California transformed a long, narrow yard by edging their patio with tons of hanging baskets and containers. Dale's tip: Position the containers so any excess water from the hanging baskets can drip into the pots beneath them.

Thinking Big

This flower-packed Eureka, California backyard consists of a 600-square-foot-patio—but it looks much bigger. Owners Joseph and Mary Stemach achieve this illusion by surrounding the patio with flowers. Combining low planters in front with taller pots and suspended baskets creates a sense of depth and disguises the backyard's boundary while suggesting an even larger garden beyond it.

Scale It Down

When space is limited, there's no need to do things on a grand scale. Instead of installing an entire fence, buy just one section and plan a miniature garden around it to create a scaled-down focal point. Kristie Statz of Cross Plains, Wisconsin used fence sections to dress up her front yard. This straight section anchors the center of the yard, and corner sections define the edges.

Reflect On This

Believe it or not, this photo shows the reflection of a backyard garden. Larry and Sue Lapp of Ozark, Alabama came up with this clever and economical idea. They removed the glass from old window frames, replaced it with mirrors, and hung the frames on the back of their garage, where they would reflect the prettiest view of their garden. "It's a nice effect, and the 'view' is different each time we look at it," Sue says.