Rising land costs are making it harder for people to own large properties. Small homes are more budget-friendly, but that means a smaller yard, too. Thankfully, you can still make the most of your petite patch of greenery. Small space gardening is the key. You’ll just need to employ strategic design choices and clever tricks to make the space look bigger.
At MowTown Blades, we want to share five hacks that will make your garden feel more spacious. Let’s explore these best practices and apply them to your property.
Tip #1: Keep Furniture to a Minimum
It can be tempting to fill every corner of your yard with furniture. This mindset stems from maximizing the small space but will only make things look cramped. “Less is more” is the better approach.
You can start by assessing your intentions with the space. Will the small lawn be for lounging? Are you going to entertain small groups of people? Knowing which activities you’re going to do here will help you select the appropriate furniture.
When it comes to choosing furniture, prioritize items that have minimalistic designs. The sleek and uncluttered look creates a more streamlined appearance, even in small spaces. In addition, your pieces should look proportional to the garden. Don’t get anything too large. It will only visually weigh down your space.
Tip #2: Place Potted Plants at the Peripheries
Strategic plant placement will have an impact on the perceived size of the space. Instead of putting something at the center, plants should be on the periphery. This practice helps define the boundaries of the garden. Since there’s a visual cue to the edges, your garden has more depth — it looks larger than it really is.
Plants at the sides also make the center more usable. There won’t be anything blocking people from accessing furniture or mowing the grass. In addition, the vegetation can create an added layer of privacy.
When placing plants, make sure to add variety and texture. Add the tallest plants like bamboo at the edges. Then, add creeping or cascading vines so they trail out of the pots. This layering softens hard lines and makes your lawn more visually interesting.
Another useful strategy for small space gardening is utilizing square foot gardening. This technique has been around many years and optimizes your planting square foot spaces in a variety of designs.
Tip #3: Choose Awnings Instead of Parasols
Shading is essential for your lawn, especially if you’re going to use the space for lounging or entertaining. It might be tempting to use a parasol to provide some relief from the sun or rain. However, parasols are not space-efficient since they need a base. Plus, parasols detract from the open feel you’re trying to achieve with your space.
The better alternative is using an awning for small spaces. You can easily mount these additions on a wall next to the garden — no need to install a base. You’ll only need to open or retract the awning when needed. Thanks to this feature, awnings are the more space-efficient solution. Another advantage is that awnings are more adjustable. You can open them up partially or fully, depending on your shading needs or weather conditions. Parasols don’t usually offer this advantage.
Tip #4: Use Mirrors in Your Small Space Gardening
Mirrors are a staple in interior design, often employed to make small spaces look bigger. Unsurprisingly, this effect can also work on tiny lawns. Mirrors create an illusion of depth and space. The reflection makes your lawn look bigger than it actually is.
More than making your small space gardening feel more expansive, mirrors add visual interest too. You can strategically place your mirror to capture reflected sunlight and add more light to your lawn. Dark corners will feel brighter, and you’ll have an airier and brighter atmosphere throughout your lawn. Just make sure not to add a mirror where it’s exposed to direct sunlight. The heat could damage the reflective surface. In some cases, the concentrated reflected light could burn plants or cause fires.
Tip #5: Mow Regularly
Keeping your lawn clean and uniform is one way to make it look larger. You’ll need to ensure that weeds never flourish. In addition, the grass should remain at a short height to maintain a polished appearance.
Grass, when left alone for more than a week, can grow quickly. The tall vegetation can make the area feel claustrophobic and unkempt. Mowing regularly helps you manage the height and maintain a uniform look. Plus, the practice helps discourage weeds from taking root.
Having the right equipment is essential when it comes to lawn maintenance. Even for a small lawn, the right mower and mower blade can make a huge difference. You’ll need ones that help you achieve consistent cuts and maximum efficiency. This way, mowing doesn’t feel like a chore and your grass will still look lush and healthy.
Browse Quality Mower Blades for Small Lawns
When looking for premium-grade mower blades, MowTown Blades has what you need. We’re a trusted online resource for high-quality mower blades. Our top recommendations are blades from Cub Cadet and Husqvarna as these brands offer low-lift and high-lift blades that you can use at home or for your landscaping business. Enjoy sharp blades, long-lasting edges, and sturdy material that can withstand repeated use.
Small Space Gardening: Final Thoughts on Maximizing Small Spaces
Despite not having much land, you can still have a lawn that feels expansive and airy with the right strategies. From using mirrors to arranging furniture, from plant choices to the usage of awnings, there are many practices you can try to give your cramped space more depth.
During lawn maintenance, make sure to use the right equipment. Shop mower blades from Toro, Cub Cadet, and Husqvarna through MowTown Blades. We have a wide selection of these branded products.
FAQs
What is considered a small lawn?
There is no hard and fast rule dictating the dimensions of a small lawn. Some sources say that anything smaller than half a tennis court is a small lawn, which is approximately 1,600 sq. ft. Other people think differently. Size is subjective, and your perception can be affected by the environment or location.
How tall should grass grow in a small lawn?
In general, you’ll want to keep your grass within short to medium height. This value ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 inches tall. At four inches long, the grass will be too tall and will look unkempt. Conversely, anything too short will leave the roots and soil more vulnerable to heat and sunlight.