How to make the most of a small garden

Espalier

Espalier is the art of growing trees flat along a wall or fence using a lattice or trellis, although there is also a free-standing technique you see in vineyards. It is a centuries old practice and while it is commonly used for fruit trees, you can try flowering trees as well, especially deciduous trees.

According to nursery company Flemings, an espaliered apple can require as little as one metre width and 300mm depth. Apples and pears are the easiest fruit types to train because their wood is supple. Plums, peaches, nectarines and almonds also work well, as do apricots, grapes, currants and quinces. Cherries can work but only on a basic horizontal design as they aren’t as flexible.

Flemings said that a sturdy paling fence is the ideal starting point. Attach a series of horizontal supporting wires, approximately 300mm apart, up to about two metres in height, with the lowest wire being about 300 to 450mm above ground level. 

It said that other types of fences are suitable, but the heat reflected off a brick wall or corrugated iron fence, especially if it in sun all day, can burn the tree and fruit. 

If a north facing wall is your only choice, build a strong, free standing fence about 300mm out from it.

Declutter

It can be tempting to try to fill your small garden with as much greenery and colour as possible in an effort to maximise the available space. But this can be counter-productive, and creating space to breathe, such as with paving or grass patches, can be much more effective.

You could also create areas with a purpose, as breaking up the garden can make it appear larger. For example, use a raised garden bed for your vegetable patch, and then in the opposite corner have a relaxation area with a bench seat and cushions.

Another tip is to get tough with everything in your garden. The same goes for all those pots, tools and furniture that may be lurking. 

Tidy by category rather than by space. So instead of cleaning out your garden shed, focus on culling your pots one day (your local community garden may welcome your donation) then the next weekend go through all your tools.