Having a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t create a stunning outdoor retreat! With careful planning and creativity, you can transform your small outdoor space into a charming oasis that enhances your home and provides a delightful escape.
As the proud owner of a small, long, and narrow backyard, I struggled with coming up with a small backyard landscape design that wouldn’t overwhelm the space. After renovating an entire home, our budget was drained so we had to do the landscaping ourselves. I have learned many tips and tricks that have helped transform my yard and I am here to share them all with you. We cover small backyard landscape design ideas with no grass, ideas for planters and cozy fire pit corners you can copy!
In this blog post, we will explore 21 small backyard landscape design ideas that will inspire you to make the most of your limited space.
This post is all about small backyard landscape design.
Best Small Backyard Landscape Design Ideas
1. Small City Backyard Idea: Vertical Gardens
Maximize your space by creating vertical gardens with climbing plants, hanging pots, and trellises. This not only adds greenery but also creates an eye-catching focal point. This is one of the simplest and cutest small city backyard ideas. I love how this look was created using the sleek small black pots with loads of greenery. Check out our blog post for more info on how to transform your small backyard patio.
TIP: TRY CREATING A VERTICAL VEGETABLE GARDEN.
VEGETABLES THAT GROW IN SMALLER SOIL DEPTHS (4-5 INCHES):
- Chives
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Basil
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We suggest these black planters from Amazon for your vertical garden because of their awesome drainage system and budget friendly price tag!
*Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
2. Cozy Seating Nooks in Your Small Backyard Landscape Design
Intimate seating nooks with comfortable furniture and soft cushions can turn a small corner into a relaxing spot for reading or chatting with friends. Don’t forget to add a fire pit in your small backyard’s seating area for that extra cozy touch!
I love this small backyard landscape design because it is truly very simple and could easily be achieved if you are on a budget. It’s as simple as adding a rock bed under a metal fire pit for both design and comfort.
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3. Compact Water Features
Install a small fountain or a cascading waterfall to bring a soothing element of water into your backyard. We have a small solar water fountain in our backyard garden and love the relaxing noises from it! This is a small backyard feature that makes the backyard feel like an oasis.
4. Magical Lighting
Incorporate outdoor lighting to create a cozy ambiance during the evenings, such as string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights. Check out our blog post on how to DIY string lights in your backyard!
5. Mirror Illusion
Strategically place mirrors on walls or fences to give the illusion of a larger space and reflect natural light. This small backyard landscape idea is perfectly placed in a wall that would otherwise be dead space. Now this wall reflects light off of the home and almost mimics the appearance of a window.
6. Miniature Zen Garden
Design a miniature Zen garden with sand, stones, and carefully arranged plants to add a sense of tranquility and mindfulness to your backyard. This small backyard garden idea incorporates different textures and elements that set it aside from a traditional landscape design.
7. Multi-Purpose Furniture
Opt for furniture that serves dual purposes, like benches with built-in storage or foldable tables to save space when not in use. This small backyard multi purpose table is one of a kind and will leave all of your guests in awe!
8. Compact Fire Pit
A small fire pit can be a delightful addition, perfect for roasting marshmallows and creating a cozy atmosphere on chilly nights. This is one of the best small backyard design ideas on a budget because it doesn’t require much landscaping at all! Let the fire pit be the star of the show!
BEST PLACES TO BUY FIRE PITS:
- LOWES
- HOME DEPOT
- WAYFAIR
- AMAZON
9. Small Backyard Landscape Plans with a Pergola
Install a pergola or shade sail to provide protection from the sun while also adding a touch of elegance to your backyard. We suggest installing the pergola on the back patio to serve as an extension of the home.
COPY THIS SMALL BACKYARD IDEA:
We adore this pergola from Wayfair because it has built in planters that you can fill with seasonal plants. Don’t forget to hang string lights from the top of the pergola to add light in your backyard’s landscape. A pergola is the best way to add simple small backyard landscaping ideas.
10. Hanging Planters
Use hanging planters to bring greenery to the eye-level and make the most of your vertical space. This is one of my favorite tricks for small backyards with no grass and limited space.
BEST PLANTS FOR HANGING PLANTERS:
- SPIDER PLANTS
- PANSIES
- BEGONIAS
- PETUNIAS
- FUCHSIAS
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11. Minimal Landscaping with Stepping Stones
Craft custom stepping stones to create a whimsical pathway through your backyard. We love this modern landscape design for small spaces that would otherwise be unused. This idea doesn’t take much landscaping to make the area feel polished and modern.
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We recommend these two planters from Amazon are a steal for under $100 for the pair! Place them near your front door for an easy and low maintenance landscaping design idea.
12. Small Backyard Landscape Ideas On A Budget: Outdoor Rug
Lay down an outdoor rug to define seating areas and add a touch of comfort underfoot. Even though this technically isn’t a landscaping idea, an outdoor rug can help elevate your outdoor space quickly and on a budget.
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TIP: Place your outdoor rug over any imperfections on your patio such as cracked concrete or stains!
13. Edible Garden
Plant a small vegetable or herb garden to enjoy fresh produce right from your backyard! In a small backyard we recommend creating a kitchen garden like this in an unused corner or even in a raised garden bed on the patio. Check out our guide on how to make your own raised garden bed with legs.
VEGETABLES THAT GROW WELL IN RAISED GARDEN BEDS:
- RADISHES
- BEETS
- KALE
- CARROTS
- SPINACH
- LETTUCE
HERBS THAT GROW WELL IN RAISED GARDEN BEDS:
- BASIL
- MINT
- SAGE
- LAVENDER
- OREGANO
- CHIVES
- PARSLEY
- CILANTRO
14. Tiered Planters
Utilize tiered planters to display a variety of plants without taking up too much floor space. If you live in an apartment, townhouse or just have a small area to work with, this is the perfect backyard idea for you!
15. Vertical Herb Wall
Create an accessible herb wall by fixing containers on a fence or wall, making cooking more enjoyable and convenient. Like we mentioned before, if you don’t have much space or any space at all just try to brighten the backyard with this idea!
BEST HERBS TO GROW IN SMALL CONTAINERS:
- CHIVES
- PARSLEY
- DILL
- MINT
- THYME
- ROSEMARY
- CILANTRO
- CHAMOMILE
16. Miniature Pond
Install a small pond with water plants and fish to create a serene and nature-filled setting. We love this small backyard landscape design idea that is right off of the patio.
17. Recycled Materials
Repurpose old items like wooden pallets or barrels to craft unique garden features and save money. Guys this idea is so cute and affordable! Wooden pallets are also great to lay flat on the ground and plant vegetables in the spaces.
BEST LOW MAINTENANCE FLOWERS FOR LANDSCAPING:
- BLACK EYED SUSANS
- CONEFLOWERS
- DAFFODILS
- MARIGOLDS
- SHRUB ROSES (OUR FAVORITE AND SO EASY TO CARE FOR!)
- PANSIES
- VIOLAS
18. Add Playful Accents
Add quirky garden decorations, like colorful sculptures or playful wind chimes, to inject personality into your backyard. Adding these unexpected areas to your landscaping will set your home apart from the others and make it feel homey!
19. Create Privacy with Shrubs
If you struggle with creating a privacy in your small backyard, check out our blog post on everything you need to know to grow a privacy hedge. Choosing what privacy bushes and trees for your yard can be difficult for someone who doesn’t have a green thumb. We can understand how overwhelming the options can be! We have broke it down into the 9 best privacy bushes and privacy bush ideas.
BEST PRIVACY SHRUBS AND BUSHES:
- GREEN GIANTS
- JUNIPERS
- BEAUTYBERRY PLANT
- EMERALD GREEN ARBORVIATES
- LEYLAND CYPRESS
- PRIVET
- CHERRY LAUREL
- SPOTTED LAUREL
- BORDER FORSYTHIA
- CAMELLIA JAPONICA
20. Compact BBQ Station
Install a small BBQ station for impromptu outdoor cooking and dining experiences.
21. Focal Point Planters
Designate a few large, eye-catching planters with colorful flowers or ornamental grasses to draw attention to specific areas.
BEST FLOWERS FOR PLANTERS:
- PETUNIAS
- ZINNIAS (OUR FAVE)
- MARIGOLDS
- COSMOS
- CONE FLOWERS
- LAVENDER
- DAHLIAS
- HOSTAS (GOOD FILLER)
With these 21 small backyard landscape design ideas, you can transform your limited space into a captivating outdoor haven. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, entertainment, or a fusion of both, creativity and thoughtful planning will help you make the most of your backyard, regardless of its size. Embrace the challenges of a smaller area and let your imagination run wild as you craft a personalized outdoor oasis that complements your lifestyle and brings you closer to nature.
This post was all about small backyard landscape design.
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