don't starve garden hoe

West Elm

Any outdoor space, however small, can be a lifeline, but knowing how to make the most of your area when you're a little short on space can be tricky.

That's why we've put together a selection of inspiring small garden ideas to help you maximise your garden, patio or balcony in a few simple steps.

From vertical planters to fold-away seating, we've got plenty of small garden ideas and advice to help inspire your own design choices. If you're looking for more outdoor quick fixes, we've also created a simple guide to easy summer garden ideas, too, so you're ready for a season of al fresco socialising.

Small garden ideas

Francois De Heel Getty Images

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Planning is everything

There's a seating area for dining and relaxing looking onto a garden that has cleverly divided beds with neatly trimmed hedging. A Firethorn Pyracantha growing on wall adds interest.

Small garden ideas

Ron Sutherland Getty Images

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Create different zones

One of the smartest small garden ideas is to break up your space with beds and decking to create different areas. This city garden has squeezed in a pergola, decking, and planting including hostas, ferns and acers.

Small garden ideas

Adam Stevens Getty Images

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Take a seat

Choose interesting seating that can be as much a focus as the planting. These seats featured in the 'Naturally Fashionable Garden' at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010, designed by NDG+.

small garden ideas

H&M

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Inside out

Create a Summer living space with tropical prints, an eclectic assortment of furniture and plenty of comfy cushions. Following a theme can really help your garden stand out and feel distinct, for instance, a Japanese inspired garden.

Small garden ideas

Francois De Heel Getty Images

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Keep it simple

This garden has painted all the walls white to help reflect sunlight and help the space feel bigger and brighter, which could also be achieved with garden mirrors.

The owners have played to the narrow space's strength by making the most of the height to grow wisteria and a fig in pots and pile chopped wood aesthetically.

Small garden ideas

Anne Green-Armytage Getty Images

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Go big

A small space doesn't mean you can't go big on a theme. This raised deck overlooks a tropical style garden filled with succulents, Tetrapanax rex, Trachycarpus and black bamboo.

Small garden ideas

L Alfonse Getty Images

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It's all in the details

If you're working with a small space all the details count so think carefully about the pots you want to use. Red irises in these bowl-shaped planters are a real statement. These are from The Daily Telegraph Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2010, designed by Andy Sturgeon.

small garden ideas

Pedro Silmon/ArcaidImages Getty Images

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Sit back and relax

Think of your small, but perfectly formed garden as another room in your house - a place to sit back and relax. This small patio garden in London (designed by Modular) features a bench that marries up with a walled bed, planted with acer, box heuchera and hostas.

Small garden ideas

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On the level

Adding different levels to a cramped patio via shelves is a smart use of space and a great way of showing off your plants. Not only does this method use less floor space, but you'll also create more interest through the different levels.

Picture: Next

Small garden ideas

Ben Pipe Photography Getty Images

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Make a statement

The stunning 'Lands' End Across the Pond Garden' from RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 was designed by Adam Frost and won a gold medal. The planting mixes hostas, ferns, irisis (not in shot) and foxgloves. But also polished concrete platforms, stones and grey upholstery which contrast beautifully with the lush greenery.

small garden ideas

West Elm

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Go green

Stick to hardy plants that will look great all year round, for a lush, easy to maintain space. Don't worry, there are plenty of trees for small gardens, too, so you can still incorporate different levels into your design.

Small garden ideas

Zara

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Fit for a feast

If your dining room is a tad on the small side, consider your garden an extension, and create a colourful and welcoming area in which to feast with friends. Go for bold garden dining sets rather than your usual white china, to make it feel distinct from everyday meals.

small garden ideas

Homebase

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Some of the simplest small garden ideas are the often the best. Whether you have a compact patio or a balcony garden, a bistro set is an ideal way to turn even the smallest of outdoor areas into a liveable space. An ideal spot for a morning coffee or catch up with a friend.

Picture: Homebase

Small garden ideas

Amara

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Porch party

If you're lucky enough to have an American-style porch, make the most of it - what could be better than sitting out on a Summer's evening with a cold drink in hand? A couple of comfy chairs and some blankets are all you need to create a cosy setting, and consider furniture which can double as outdoor storage solutions for maximum impact.

Picture: Amara

Small garden ideas

Sainsburys

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Bright spot

An outdoor space provides a fantastic opportunity to experiment with bold colours, and a splash of paint makes this courtyard garden feel more like a room - with the help of some bright, tropical-print outdoor cushions and boho accessories.

Small garden ideas

Maison Du Monde

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Be playful

Embrace some fun small garden ideas and unleash the kitsch with a few garden ornaments . Flamingos are the way to go for a real dash of fun, while fold-away hammocks are a stylish and space-saving solution to outdoor seating.

Small garden ideas

Ikea

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Hang up

Adding a canopy is a nice way of zoning your garden, while obviously introducing much needed shade on those scorching Summer days. A well-placed garden parasol can also be just as effective.

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Camp out

If you're searching for small garden ideas the kids can get on board with too, then look now further. Create the perfect spot to relax with a hanging tent or teepee - a few cushions and a fur rug make back garden camping considerably more luxurious.

Small garden ideas

Marks & Spencer

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Table for two

Perfect for a casual breakfast on a Summer morning, this table and chair set can be squeezed onto even the tiniest of balconies. Add patio cushions to create a cosier spot to sit in and set the scene with small potted plants.

small garden ideas

Homebase

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Think vertically

While you might not have the space for a vegetable patch or to plant small shrubs, a vertical planter is a great way to breathe maximum life in your garden with minimum floor space.

Picture: Homebase

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Inside out

Adding an outdoor rug to your garden or patio space will make it feel more like an extension of your home, while bringing a welcome injection of colour and pattern on a grey day.

small garden ideas

Cuckooland

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Scale down

Just because you don't have the space for a full gas BBQ or a built-in chiminea doesn't mean you can't enjoy al fresco cooking. Portable and camping barbecues are a great way to make the most of the outdoors when space is at a premium.

Picture: Cuckooland