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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.