Design tips for small gardens - Home and Garden

Small and Perfectly Formed!

The key to making the most of small gardens is to keep them simple:

- Blur the boundaries so you can't tell where your garden ends. Cover your walls and fences with colourful climbers which don't take up valuable floor space.

- Make the most of your useable space by having a generously proportioned eating area.

- Use small paving stones like setts, Carpet Stone or cobbles as this has the psychological effect of making the space seem larger. Artfully placed mirrors will have a similar effect.

- If your garden is square, a courtyard-style garden is perfect. If it's long and thin, put curves along its length and partially sub-divide it.

- Pay attention to detail - it's always important but it's absolutely vital in the small garden.

The tips above have been compiled by Sarah Eberle, Chelsea Best in Show Winner in 2007 with Bradstone and the proud owner of 8 gold medals from various shows. For more information visit www.bradstone.com/garden