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Create the illusion of a larger space in your small plot
The plants and furniture you put in a small garden can have a dramatic effect on its perceived size. When you’re looking to maximise space, it’s crucial to know which plant choices create a boxed-in feel – and which ones let your garden breathe.
‘To make a space feel bigger, it’s best to choose plants with tall, slender stems and airy branches that you can see through,’ says Chris Bonnett, plant expert and founder of online garden centre, Gardening Express. According to Chris, tall perennials add height and expand the space upwards, while layering plants of different heights can create depth and dimension.
Colour also plays its part. ‘Cool-toned plants like blue and lavender tend to recede in the field of vision, creating the illusion of more space,’ the horticulture expert tells us.
Keep reading to discover six plants that help create the illusion of more space in a small garden.
These striking perennials are known for their tall, spiky flower clusters that can reach up to 1.5 metres in height. Their vertical form makes them ideal for adding height without overwhelming a space, Chris tells us.
A popular choice in cottage gardens, lupins come in a variety of colours, from deep blue and purple to soft pink and white, and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Lupins thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots.
Easy on the eyes and nose, lavender is a great choice for any garden (it also repels wandering neighbourhood cats and pesky pigeons). Chris says its silvery green foliage and tall spikes of purple-blue flowers make this evergreen shrub visually recede in the landscape, making a small garden feel larger.
‘It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny, well-drained areas, bringing colour, scent and pollinator interest to the garden,’ Chris adds.
Also known as catmint, Nepeta is a low-maintenance perennial with grey-green foliage that produces clouds of soft blue to lavender flowers on arching stems. 'The plant’s relaxed, sprawling form works well in borders or as a ground cover,’ says Chris.
Catmint is particularly hardy and attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Belonging to the sage family, Salvia ‘Caradonna’ is a striking perennial with dark, upright stems, aromatic grey-green foliage and vivid violet-blue flower spikes. ‘Its vertical structure adds height without bulk, while the cool toned flowers draw the eye upward, which helps to create the illusion of space,’ explains Chris.
This plant is also drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, and blooms throughout the summer, attracting bees and other pollinators.
Astilbe’s striking fluffy flower spikes in shades of pink, white and lavender make this shade-loving perennial a great choice for those looking to create a little intrigue in their garden. ‘The delicate, fern-like foliage creates a soft, layered effect, adding texture and depth to garden beds,’ says Chris.
Astilbe, also commonly known as False Goat’s Beard, thrives in shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. This, Chris says, makes it a great choice for creating a woodland or cottage garden feel.
A tall, airy border perennial, Verbena bonariensis, or purpletop vervain, blooms with small purple flowers on slender, branching stems from June to October. The plant has dark green foliage and, Chris recommends, is best planted in a group for best effect.
‘Despite its height, its open structure allows you to see through it, making it an excellent choice for the front of borders without blocking views of other plants,’ he says.
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