Better Homes & Gardens Small-Space Gardens

Beautiful gardens don’t require a big yard or massive property. Even balconies, patios, decks, and rooftops can house stunning plants and gardens. This issue focuses on pockets of space and inspiring examples of what gardeners can accomplish there. Filled with easy projects, plant recommendations, hardscape solutions, and more, the issue will help any gardener create a beautiful garden no matter where they live.

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Grow More • Essential plant know-how for every gardener.

Zoned for Fun • A Southern California family stretches the limits of their small front yard, designing spaces to relax, gather, and play.

Plant a Tree • From spring flowers to colorful fall foliage, and lending instant vertical interest, trees are hardworking members of the landscape. Don’t let the square footage of your yard prevent you from planting a tree—or two!

Front and Center • Use plants to boost your home’s curb appeal with these easy ideas for adding color, character, and eye-catching interest.

Family Roots • Through creative use of space and strategic planting of fruits and vegetables, even a small garden can have something for everyone to enjoy (and snack on).

Dream Weavers • A flower-filled meadow on a small suburban lot? It’s the kind of garden magic that California landscape design firm Terremoto excels in creating.

Seasonal Containers • Planting in pots is a perfect way to create a garden no matter the space available. Collect containers on a balcony, on a tabletop, or right outside your front door and welcome each season with flowers and foliage. Change out the plants every few weeks for a fresh look with these easy ideas for spring, summer, and fall.

Urban Serenity • In her small Detroit backyard, botanical artist Lisa Waud trades extravagant floral designs for a calming and verdant oasis.

Living Walls • A small-space garden is often right next to a neighbor. Plant for privacy using shrubs, containers, and favorite plants to create your own secluded oasis. Neighbor-friendly living walls provide structure and shield views while infusing your space with color and texture. Use these tips to add lively privacy to your small space. Need more inspiration? Check out our living screen planting plan.

Meadow Magic • An Iowa gardener takes cues from the prairie for a front yard that draws birds, bees, and butterflies (and requires almost no maintenance).

Pot to Plate • Harvest homegrown veggies no matter the size of your plot. Fill containers with edibles for armloads of fresh produce.

Small and Mighty • In her urban garden, a plant-lover makes every inch count through a balance of discipline and exuberance.

Color for Months • Call on color to make a small garden—like this one right outside an entry—inviting from spring through fall.