When it comes to landscape design in small yard spaces, they can feel like an impossible challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of cultivating your own personal outdoor space. Strategic corner gardens are a great way to make the most of your smaller home spaces and create beautiful, functional green areas. With careful planning and strategic planting, a corner garden can offer you everything from a private lounging nook to a lush outdoor space that’s perfect for summertime dining al fresco. Here are some inspiring ideas for creating corner gardens at home.
Before You Begin
When it comes to designing a corner garden, it’s important to get to know your outdoor space right from the start. The size, shape, and location of your outdoor space will greatly impact which plants can fit in your garden, as well as its overall design.
A Quick Checklist to Get Started
When choosing what plants to include in your garden, there are many factors to consider. If you’re thinking about creating a corner garden, here is a quick checklist to get you started:
– What are the best plants for the space? A guide at the end of this blog can help you.
– What is the design for the space? What are you trying to create with the space? What mood do you want to achieve?
– How much room do you have? What is the size of your space? When selecting plants, furniture, and accents, you will want to keep these things in mind.
– How much sun does the garden get? You’ll want to select plants that thrive in the amount of sun available in your space.
14 Beautiful Landscape Corner Garden Design Ideas
Grow your own food
If you’ve got a little extra space in the corner of your yard or in the corner of your house, then a vegetable garden is the perfect way to use it. A vertical garden is another great way to make the most of a small space if your space is especially small. A vertical garden uses the walls of your fence or home or will stand upright from a planter. Growing your own food is a great way to supplement your diet with nutrient-rich produce. In addition, you’ll save some money and reduce your carbon footprint by growing your own food.
Make use of vertical space
Another way to make the most of corner space is by growing vertically. Many plants grow naturally in a vertical formation, so you can use these to your advantage. You can grow vegetables or herbs, or you can opt for other plants that make great additions to a home garden, such as vines, passion flowers or clematis. Growing plants vertically can be a great way to save and maximize small spaces.
Bistro seating for a breakfast nook
If you’re dreaming of a cozy nook where you can curl up with a book or a cup of coffee, a bistro seating garden is the perfect way to create that comfortable corner. Make your nook even cozier with a few plants, like creeping vines or a small shrub that you can tuck around the seating area for added privacy. If you’d like to add a little more greenery to the seating area, try adding some potted plants. You can also add some small pieces of decorative furniture, like a small table, to create a more complete nook. A bistro seating garden is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a cozy spot to relax. It’s also a great way to add a pop of color and a decorative touch to an otherwise unused corner.
Build a deck and grow on top of it
A corner deck is a great way to maximize outdoor space, as they don’t take up much room and are great for adding a decorative element to the corner. Plus, any deck or patio area will also give you a great place to grow climbing vines like ivy or honeysuckle that will provide privacy. You can add a trellis or two and grow vines vertically up your fence, and you can add a table and chairs. Large potted plants can also add greenery to the area if you have the room. You can even add a grill or a Solo Stove! Hang some market lights or add lamps to light up the corner of the yard, and add big comfy chairs.
A corner deck is a great entertainment option or just relaxing in the evening with your loved ones. This is the perfect place to get together with friends or family for a barbecue or even just a casual reading or writing session. This is also the perfect option for summer nights when you would like to enjoy the evening sunshine. And what’s more, a shaded area will not only help protect you from the heat of the sun, it will also provide a great place to sit out any unexpected rain showers.
Japanese Rock Garden
One of the most traditional types of gardens is the Japanese rock garden. This type of garden is renowned for its simplicity, as well as its ability to promote relaxation and encourage mindfulness. A rock garden is perfect for a corner space as it does not require much maintenance and can fit into almost any yard corner. A rock garden is great for beginners as all you need to do is select the rocks that you would like to use in your garden and place them in the corner. You can add moss and artificial plants if you want to make the garden look more realistic. Suppose you’re looking for an easy yet elegant way to turn an otherwise unused corner into a tranquil space. In that case, a Japanese rock garden is the perfect choice. It’s a great way to bring nature to your yard without requiring a lot of space.
Corner Pond
A corner pond is also an awesome choice for a corner garden. A water garden is a great way to add softness to the corner and make a bold statement. You can also add some aquatic plants to the water, either with a drip system or by submerging the roots. If there’s an electrical outlet nearby, you can add a small fountain or waterfall to enhance the sound of trickling water. For a more natural look, you can also try adding pebbles or small stones to the bottom of your pond and add koi fish!
Elevated planters
When people think of corner gardens, they often think of planters. While they are definitely a great option, they do have their limitations. If you have a lighter soil, it’s best to avoid wooden planters as they can cause the soil to become water-logged and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Instead, try using containers made from other materials, like metal containers or plastic. If you’re concerned about the weight of the soil, you can also try multi-tiered planters. They not only look great, but they’re also space-saving and easy to move around. Suppose you’re looking for a way to bring some greenery outdoors without taking up much space. In that case, elevated planters are a great option. They’re also a great way to add some visual interest to a corner.
Bird bath garden
For the bird lovers out there, a bird bath garden is a great way to bring some nature to your yard. It’s also a great way to add a decorative touch to an otherwise unused corner. The bird bath can be the center piece, and you can grow flowers and shrubs around it. The birds always like to have a place to hide if needed. You can try adding some colored stones to the water to make it more interesting for your feathered friends. If you’re a bird lover and would like to bring some nature to your yard, a bird bath garden is a great choice. It’s also a great way to add a decorative touch to an otherwise unused corner.
Herb garden
An herb garden is great for small spaces, as it doesn’t take up much room. An herb garden is the perfect choice if you’d like to create a corner that doubles as both a kitchen and a garden. Herbs are a great choice for beginners, as they are very easy to grow and require very little maintenance. They also make a great gift for friends or family.
Gazebo
For a corner that’s perfect for quiet reading or relaxing with a friend or loved one, a gazebo is the perfect choice. It’s also a great way to add some architectural interest to the corner without taking up too much space. A gazebo can have a bench or two underneath it. If your yard is big enough for entertaining, it can even double as a place for weddings.
Fountain
Although the aesthetic value of the fountain may seem like the most obvious advantage, fountains actually offer a lot more potential than just decoration. They can provide sound and visual privacy, and can even help to humidify the air in dry climates. A fountain could be a great option if you have a corner that could benefit from a little extra sound blocking. Fountains also have the added benefit of being great for wildlife.
Pergola with seating
A pergola is a great way to create a private outdoor space with shade if you live in a warmer climate. Pergolas are also a beautiful, visually appealing option if you want to make your corner garden more of a focal point. If your pergola is large enough, it can also be a great place to add a bit of seating. Pergolas are a great way to add both visual and auditory privacy to your home garden. If you live in an area with lots of rain, a pergola is a great way to add some extra protection from the elements.
Corner greenhouse
If your home garden needs extra sunlight, a greenhouse is a great way to give plants the boost they need. And if you have the space, a greenhouse can be a great option for growing plants in any corner of your yard. They’re especially helpful if you live in an area with lots of rain, as they can help to keep plants from getting too wet. A greenhouse does not have to be huge; even a small one can add some elegance and interest to the corner of your yard.
A corner mini oasis
If you have a small corner, you may want to go for a simple mini oasis. Mini gardens are great for indoor spaces and can be as simple or as lavish as you’d like. They can be as simple as a few plants in a decorative pot or as elaborate as a waterfall and mini pond. You might even just opt for a flower garden and a small stone bench. Whatever you choose, it’s a great way to bring some green into your home and add a bit of zen to your daily life.
8 benefits of adding green space to a yard
– Increased property value – Studies have shown that increasing the amount of green space on your property can increase its value by as much as 8%.
– Reduction in noise – Plants can help block out noise from nearby streets and highways, making your home feel more peaceful and quiet. This is especially helpful for city dwellers whose yards are very close to busy roads.
– A boost in mood – Plants have been shown to boost happiness in people, even those living in city environments.
– Better air quality – Plants are great for cleaning the air and removing toxins and impurities from your environment.
– Improved aesthetics – Beautiful green spaces are a great addition to any home, no matter how big or small.
– Lower utility bills: Having green space in your yard can actually help to lower your utility bills because you will have an outdoor reprieve and will not be holed up in the house al day. A corner garden with seating is a great option if you want to shut off your AC and enjoy the fresh air outside.
– More oxygen: Having green space in your yard can help to increase the amount of oxygen in the air, which will help to benefit you, your family, and any pets that are in the area. Green space can also help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment.
– Provide wildlife habitat: Having green space in your yard can help to provide a safe habitat for various types of wildlife, including pollinators like birds, butterflies, and bees. It can also be a great place for small mammals and reptiles to call home!
Types of plants for your corner oasis
If you want to make the most of your corner garden, choosing plants best suited to the space and your growing conditions is important. Here are some great options for corner gardens:
– Ferns – Ferns are a great choice for almost any corner garden. They’re easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of conditions. They also work great with other plants, making them a great option for people looking to create a mixed border.
– Shrubs – Shrubs are great for adding an instant barrier to a corner garden. They’re also a great option if you want to create a bit of privacy without blocking out the sun.
– Trees – If you have a corner that gets a lot of sunlight, trees can be a great option. Some trees, like the Chinese paper bark tree, are even suitable for indoor corners. Trees are a beautiful addition to any home garden and can help improve air quality.
-Flowers- Find flowers that grow perennially and in a variety of attractive colors. Even simple flowering plants like lavender are a great addition and will keep your corner smelling heavenly.
Finding the Right Landscaper
If you’ve never hired a landscaper before, you may not know what to look for in a contractor. It’s best to hire someone who has experience creating outdoor spaces in tight spaces. You’ll want to make sure they are familiar with gardening techniques that don’t require a lot of space, such as vertical gardening. You might also ask to see if they have any photos of corner gardens they have designed and built in the past. A variety of different corner projects is always a good sign, so do not be afraid to ask!
Conclusion
There are so many ways you can make the most of your corner space, and a garden is just one of many great options. Before you start designing, make sure you have a plan in place and consider the different styles of gardening discussed above to help you choose the right plants for your space. Corner gardens aren’t just for small spaces – they can be used to create stunning visual impact in any garden, no matter how large. These gardens are all about strategic planning, so you can make the most out of every inch of space available to you.
