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Help designing small garden please!

jordan_searlejordan_searle Posts: 17
in Garden design
All,

I hope everyone is keeping safe and well.
I moved into my first house with a small patio garden last year and this is the first year in which I can really put my stamp on it. I'm an amateur gardener so learning as much as I can. Attached is a photo of the garden that I started last year. I am looking to remove the wooden planter (this now looks old and isn't great for herbs as very shallow shelves) and begin planting around the border where the stones are. The left side as you look at it would be herbs and then potted plants in the middle, that are okay with shade as that part gets little sun. The right hand side I would plant a few wild flowers for bees and butterflies. 

Any suggestions on planting the herb garden on the left and the order of the plants, as well as suitable potted plants that are okay with little sun for the middle part of the border where the wooden crate used to be would be greatly appreciated!

Any other tips on how you would design this garden would be welcomed.

Many thanks
Jordan 
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Posts

  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    jordan_searle said:
    All,

    I hope everyone is keeping safe and well.
    I moved into my first house with a small patio garden last year and this is the first year in which I can really put my stamp on it. I'm an amateur gardener so learning as much as I can. Attached is a photo of the garden that I started last year. I am looking to remove the wooden planter (this now looks old and isn't great for herbs as very shallow shelves) and begin planting around the border where the stones are. The left side as you look at it would be herbs and then potted plants in the middle, that are okay with shade as that part gets little sun. The right hand side I would plant a few wild flowers for bees and butterflies. 

    Any suggestions on planting the herb garden on the left and the order of the plants, as well as suitable potted plants that are okay with little sun for the middle part of the border where the wooden crate used to be would be greatly appreciated!

    Any other tips on how you would design this garden would be welcomed.

    Many thanks
    Jordan 
    I'm maybe not the best to ask on designing as I always want more than the space really allows and end up cramming things in, however, potted fuchsias and hostas would be a shout for the middle.
  • jordan_searlejordan_searle Posts: 17
    Fantastic, thank you! 
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    I personally would call your garden tiny rather than small, but size does not matter, does it? ;) Anyway, one interesting source of inspiration for such small places is Jack Wallington's website, especially the blog pages about his own garden. It's here: https://www.jackwallington.com/category/our-garden/
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    You could plant a clematis that copes with shade to climb on the wall, but you would need some support such as wire or a trellis. Group 3 pruning are easy, just cut them down to a few inches at the end of winter, and viticella are tough eg Etoile Violette, Minuet, Purpurea Plena Elegans.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @jordan_searle - that's a lovely little space you have  :)
    The best route with small spaces is to choose fewer plants, and repeat them. Keep it simple, and that includes colours. 
    Also - plants need to earn their keep in a small garden, so choose ones which give real value for money. Perennials which flower for a couple of weeks are poor value, whereas evergreens, or shrubs which offer some autumn colour or berries are excellent. 
    You can add seasonal colour with bulbs and annuals. 
    Most herbs need a fair bit of sun, so play around with a few pots for those. You can  move them to gain the best positions. If you keep your pots themed [colour, material etc] that helps avoid jarring. Too many different bits and pieces prevent a coherent look which is vital in a small area.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • jordan_searlejordan_searle Posts: 17
    Thank you all. A clematis on the back wall is a great idea.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Some of these ideas have already been covered,  but there's a few more ideas here
    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/top-tips-for-designing-a-courtyard-garden/
    Pinterest is also good for collecting inspiration. 
    Looking forward to more photos seeing the progress  :)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I was wondering if you would see this thread @KeenOnGreen  :)

    You would do very well to take a few tips from his gardens @jordan_searle, and yes - don't think small because the space is - go in the opposite direction  :)

    I 'd agree too about that wall. Don't cover it completely. A nice specimen climber - or two which will flower at different times to give you a succession of flowers. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    I see you're also in the 'correct number of pots is X+1' club.
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