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  4. Small Backyard Ideas for Creating the Space You've Always Dreamed Of

Small Backyard Ideas for Creating the Space You've Always Dreamed Of

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors
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The Studio Garden
Credit: Paul Costello

It's time to get dreamy. Don't try to convince us that there's not much to be done with a small yard. Southerners (especially of the green-thumb variety) all know that smaller spaces are oftentimes the ones that are most ripe with potential. We've gathered our favorite small backyard ideas that make the most of every square inch—and nothing is off limits. We've even pulled a few top-notch ideas from front yards, side yards, and even a patio or two that hold plenty of small backyard landscaping ideas in their own right. You'll find there's plenty of space to get growing, no matter how small your spot is.

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Create a Spot To Sit

Garden Bench Along Fence in Backyard
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell

Everyone needs a spot to sit and stay a while, all the better if it's tucked away in a tidy little garden.

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Frame It

Pamela Scurry's Charleston Garden
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Frances Bailey

Don't be afraid to close up your backyard by surrounding it on all four sides with lush green walls. Even the lower columned porch is wrapped in cushiony vines that serve to provide additional cover and draw connection between the house and yard.

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Make an Appealing Alley

Side Yard Walkway with Endless Summer Hydrangeas in Birmingham, AL Garden
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Working with a small backyard is all about taking advantage of every square inch of space. Even a narrow alley is given its due with a lane of French hydrangeas opposite a soothing fountain.

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Grow Up

Nicole Burke Kitchen Garden in Houston, TX Raised Garden Bed
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Running out of space? Look up. Trellises, walls, and arbors are a small yard's best friends. They'll add interest, make the space seem larger as they draw the eye upward, and leave you with plenty of room to keep exploring all the growth potential in your backyard.

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Let Symmetry Sing

Gray House with White Annuals and Green Bushes
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Like a good pair of sconces, a set of commanding topiaries can make quite the statement. Continue the trend and let your backyard speak to its symmetry. This technique works especially well for boxy or rectangular small backyards.

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Set a Table

Pink Outdoor Garden Dining Table
Credit: Alison Miksch

There's always room for a table two. If you're the type who enjoys a meal, morning coffee, or a cocktail hour alfresco, try setting out a space for a bistro table.

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Get Creative

Barbara Katz Circular Garden
Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Who says a backyard has to be a series of straight lines? A circular yard surrounded by layers of color, texture, and height creates a backyard oasis that's something special.

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Go Overboard

Anthony Brewington Bungalow Garden
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez

We've found that too much is rarely enough when it comes to maximizing our backyard. Don't be afraid to pack it full of flowers, shrubs, vines, and more. It's all about creating a space that brings you joy.

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Dedicate It to Veggies

Vegetable Garden
Credit: NCAImages/Getty Images

Whether you have space only for a terracotta pot of herbs or are able to spare a square foot or two for a raised bed, a kitchen garden is never a bad idea. Just make sure you scope out the best companion plants before you start growing. It'll make the most efficient use of space.

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Play with Pots

Garden Home Cottage
Credit: Helen Norman

If you can't quite commit, like moving things around, or have a bunch of pots sitting in the garage, let this be all the small backyard inspiration you need. Group them together for big impact.

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Create a Pergola

The Patio Garden
Credit: Photo: Alison Miksch

Build a pergola and they will come. Seriously, neighbors, friends, the FedEx delivery person—there's no one who can pass up a glass of tea on a shady pergola. Don't even think twice about using up the majority of your backyard real estate for this classic addition.

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Go Formal

New Orleans Garden
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

If you're the formal type, let your backyard follow suit. A boxwood hedge, brick-bordered beds, and a pea-gravel path make up the bones of this formal garden.

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Stick with a Simple Palette

The Studio Garden
Credit: Paul Costello

If you look in your closet and it mostly consists of one or two colors, you might not be surprised to find your garden design preferences follow the same pattern. There's nothing wrong with a classic color palette, especially if it's green. It's only natural.

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Don't Overthink It

New Orleans Cottage Revival

Go with your instincts. As long as you pay attention to your planting zone and sun requirements, your yard is your oyster. Do with it as you like and you'll create a space you love to live in.

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    1 of 14 Create a Spot To Sit
    2 of 14 Frame It
    3 of 14 Make an Appealing Alley
    4 of 14 Grow Up
    5 of 14 Let Symmetry Sing
    6 of 14 Set a Table
    7 of 14 Get Creative
    8 of 14 Go Overboard
    9 of 14 Dedicate It to Veggies
    10 of 14 Play with Pots
    11 of 14 Create a Pergola
    12 of 14 Go Formal
    13 of 14 Stick with a Simple Palette
    14 of 14 Don't Overthink It

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