Less is more - a paired down selection of plants, with a long season of interest. Evergreen sub-shrubs such as Santolina or Teucrium x lucidrys both flower for a long time and can be clipped to create either low hedges or mounds adding structure throughout winter. Repeating similar plants through the garden, also helps with creating rhythm, bringing a sense of calm.

Choosing plants that flower repeatedly throughout the year, such as Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' , which can bring colour from late April to late September, making every space work hard.

If you are new to gardening and selecting plants seems a little overwhelming, how about beginning with plants that have an RHS Award of Garden Merit. They are a great choice as they have been tried, tested, and proven to be reliable varieties. Visit your local NGS Gardens to see plants which thrive in similar soil conditions to your own and if possible quiz the garden owners about any plants you like the look of; remember to take a note book and a camera.

Teucrium x lucidrys used as a low edging to a border

Striking, semi double, apricot suffused scarlet flowers of

Geum 'Scarlet Tempest' which can bring colour from late April to late September

Colour

Lighter colours give the illusion of more space. Using lighter coloured plants along a boundary can make it feel further away. Alternatively, if you plant warmer colours the garden may look smaller or shorter. These principles apply to both plants and paving materials alike.

Texture

Plants vary in texture; some, such as grasses, have very fine leaves, tending to fade into the background. Whereas bold leaved plants, such as hostas and ferns, draw the eye. It can be fun manipulating perspective, using the finer leaves towards the back and the larger leaves towards the front, making the space feel deeper than it actually is.

One of our favourites, Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

it makes a great specimen plant for a pot but will be equally at home planted in the border .

We will have stock available in early summer of 2024

Reflection

Water, by way of a pool or pond, will bounce the light around the garden. The reflection of the sky can add another dimension, giving a sense of more space. Not only that, the bonus is that it can also act as a haven for wildlife.

Mirrors are another way of creating the illusion that a space is larger than it is. Carefully placed they can reflect light into shaded areas of the garden or, be used to reflect desirable plants and features.

Plants with glossy leaves, can also help reflect light. In a dark corner, plants such as Bergenia 'Bach' or hart’s tongue ferns offer these reflective qualities. Who knew plants could have so many attributes!

Hidden Boundary

If you are lucky enough to have trees beyond your garden, or a neighbouring garden has plants that spill over your boundary, why not take advantage of this. Select complimentary plants or some more of the same for your garden. This will create the illusion of the garden extending further than it does. If space allows planting shrubs such Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red' can help to address any height differential between yours and your neighbours planting; choose shrubs which are easy to prune.

The possibilities seem endless, but we feel they provide inspiration for even the smallest of spaces. We hope you are feeling as excited as we are about giving some of these ideas a go.