Just because you don’t have room for a full-scale backyard garden, don't think you can't create your very own pint-sized verdant haven. Regardless of whether you live in the heart of a bustling city or right smack in the middle of the suburbs, working some green in where you can goes a long way to help you leave the cares of the world outside your front door.

Making the Most of What You've Got

One of the most important steps when designing any garden space is the planning. Taking the time to develop a clear vision of what you want to accomplish with your garden, will save you many hours, and even more importantly dollars, in the long run. Consider what’s important to you and how you want to use the area you create. Do you want a place to simply kick up your feet up and relax while taking in a bit of nature’s beauty? Or is it an outdoor room, where you can entertain friends on those cool summer evenings? Knowing your final goal will help you make the right choices to turn your dreams into reality.

Whether you’re designing a compact courtyard or the tiniest of terrace, maximizing the area you have to work with is the secret to a successful urban garden. One simple solution for adding a burst of color and texture to a mini space is a container garden. Hardy miniature roses, geraniums, chrysanthemums and other flowering plants, as well as trailing ivy are just a few of the many plant choices that thrive in containers. Introducing several thoughtfully placed pots, overflowing with brilliant flowers goes a long way to transform the look and feel of a small balcony. Add a small bistro table and chairs, and you’ve got a beautiful and inviting spot to linger over a morning cup of coffee or tea.

Maybe you’ve dreamed of a romantic Tuscan vacation in a charming hillside villa? A patio of rustic terracotta containers filled with deliciously scented rosemary, rich red and orange geraniums, and creeping bougainvillea or jasmine will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the Italian countryside.  

When real estate is at a premium, it’s important to take advantage of every available space. Get creative and think beyond the basic floor pots. Finding ways to take advantage of unused vertical space with window boxes and hanging containers adds interest to your design. Fill flower boxes with cheery flowering plants like impatiens and begonias or, for those culinary champs, an assortment of fresh herbs such as basil, sage or lavender provides a fragrant garden addition and constant supply of seasonings your favorite dishes.

Fruits and vegetable plants are other great options for a container garden. These plants do require a little bit more of a commitment; however, you will be rewarded with a delicious and healthy harvest throughout the year. Keep in mind that vegetable plants require at least six hours of direct sun each day, a regular supply of water, and fertilizer every few weeks to keep them healthy and producing. Some of best choices for this type of garden are:  tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes and various types of lettuce. Lime, lemon, mandarin orange and kumquat trees also do well in containers, but make sure you choose the smaller varieties or you will find they quickly outgrow their space.

Those looking for a low-maintenance alternative should check out the almost endless variety of succulents. These easy to care for plants provide color and character, without the time investment needed for some of the other flowers and plants. If you think choosing a succulent means you will have to sacrifice the beauty of flowers, think again. Sedums and sempervivums are two varieties of succulents that deliver gorgeous blooms. 

From amazing assortments of multicolored flowers to a bounty of fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, the only limits to designing your ideal garden is your own creativity. 

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