Put flowers and plants near entryways

Put flowers and plants near entryways
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Dress up your entryways by surrounding them with flowerbeds, shrubs, or attractive pots or planting containers. If the entryways to your yard and garden seem inviting and warm, people will focus less on the small size of the area.

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Plant shrubs at ends

Plant shrubs at ends
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

Planting shrubs at the far end of your yard obscures the boundary and makes the yard’s size less tangible.

Here’s how to fix the most common turf problems.

Marry your house and landscape

Marry your house and landscape
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

Another way to soften borders in your yard or garden is to try to marry the boundary between the house and the yard, creating a seamless visual transition. Plan landscaping so that a balance is created between the house and surrounding plants, and the two appear to fit together naturally.

Here are 10 secrets to a lovely yard, according to landscape architects. 

Soften borders

Soften borders
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Break up the harsh appearance of walls and fences by planting climbing plants that will give the appearance that your yard is transcending boundaries.

Learn more about how to grow climbers. 

Build levels

Build levels
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

If you’re an avid gardener and simply don’t have much space, create levels or tiers in your garden to give yourself more room for planting and make the most of a small area. This will also make your garden more attractive and interesting, and detract attention from the lack of space.

Here are more tips for designing a small garden. 

Plan garden size

Plan garden size
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

Carefully plan the size of gardens and flowerbeds before planting. This will ensure that the yard is not overpowered by plants and does not appear cramped.

Follow these 24 tips for planning the perfect garden. 

Curve pathways

Curve pathways
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

If you have a narrow yard, create a curved path of stepping-stones as opposed to a straight pathway. Stagger plants on each side of the pathway to achieve an asymmetrical balance. This will maximise space and allow visitors to meander through your outdoor area. To boost the brightness of the space, use light-coloured stones for your pathway.

Discover more things your landscaper won’t tell you. 

Create a pond with a barrel

Create a pond with a barrel
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

If you would love to have a body of water in your yard but don’t have much space, saw a barrel in half and use the lower portion as lining for a very small pond.

Or try this pond in a pot. 

Separate your vegetable garden

Separate your vegetable garden
NICOLE FORNABAIO/RD.COM, ISTOCK/ANNA OMELCHENKO

Liven up your yard’s perimeter by using standing trellises to support any vegetables you may grow. This will create space and protect vegetables from animals that may be looking for a snack.

Check out these tips for growing great organic vegetables.

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Source: RD.com

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