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Small Backyard Design Ideas
Six tips for small yard designs from around the webThe web has a lot to say about small yard design—from free planning tools and photos to endless pages of tips and ideas. It's no wonder that searching for small yard ideas can be helpful and overwhelming at the same time. Here's a collection of some of the most useful information we've found across the web. You can also check out this gallery of small yard pictures.
Lay paving stones diagonally to make a space appear larger
From HGTV.com
If your small yard looks disheveled and uninviting, you'll be inspired by these 12 photos of small yard renovations. HGTV features a slideshow that gives specific tips for making a small yard look bigger and better. One of the best takeaways: Lay paving stones on the diagonal to make the space seem larger. Take a look at slide 2 and 9 for great examples of how paving layout can impact a small yard. See the slideshow at HGTV.com
Create levels in a small yard
From Sunset.com
Sunset offers nine photos of before and after small yard projects full of great ideas. Even the most disheartening small yard spaces can be made to look spacious and cozy. One of the best takeaways: When possible, create various levels in a small yard either by creating terraced "outdoor rooms" or simply by using raised planter beds. See their photos at Sunset.com.
Small yards should always include at least "two rooms"
From The Green Scene
Garden artisan Scott Cohen is an expert when it comes to designing functional yards. Check out his incredibly useful tips for small yards. Some of the best takeaways: No matter what the size of the yard, it should always include at least "two rooms". Cohen offers ideas for how to use backyard water features and other elements to break up space. He also explains how the reflective quality of water makes everything look larger. Check out his tips at GreenSceneLandscape.com.
Use bright, bold colors in the front of a small landscape
From Better Homes & Gardens
You'll find tricks of the trade in this small yard slideshow from BHG.com. Each slide offers a specific tip for small yard design. Some of the best takeaways: Place bright, bold colors in the front of a small landscape because they catch attention first, making the rest of the yard recede and feel larger. Also, take advantage of texture in lush plantings. Large leaf plants and patio trees change the scale of a small space. See all the small landscape tips at BHG.com.
Create small discrete areas
From Tomorrow's Gardens
In his book, Tomorrow's Garden, Stephen Orr explains how dividing a space makes it seem bigger. As counterintuitive as it sounds, using a tall hedge, wall, fence or clump of shrubs to partially block a view in a small backyard actually makes the yard more intriguing. Separating small spaces into discrete areas will make a yard seem larger. Find out more from Tomorrow's Garden by Stephen Orr.
Get ideas from these small yard photos
From LandscapingNetwork.com
Our photo gallery is brimming with small yard photos. Get ideas for your yard from photos of all types of themes, from Mediterranean style small yards, to yards incorporating unique water features and even small pools. Check out our small yard photos.
