19 of the best garden decor ideas for a small space

My grandfather loved gardening and he passed it down to my mother and then she passed it down to me. In the past we have always had a large backyard that was established with mature trees.  At this home, we have taken raw land with not too many trees due to a forest fire and had to add every garden bed, trellis, tree, flower, etc.  The problem we have run up against is the wildlife because we back onto a 27,000 acre park.  It is filled with wildlife such as bear, cougar, deer, elk, coyotes, lynx, bobcat, grouse, marmots and chipmunks.  All of these animals have slowed my progress of developing the land because we have to fully secure the area with fencing that no animal can jump over or any animal can dig under.  So for the very first time, I am working with small spaces because we just cannot afford to fence large areas.  Today, I am going to share my own small garden and what I have found to be 19 of the best garden decor ideas for a small space.

Welcome to the third Fabulous Friday Link Party Blog Hop. The Fabulous Friday Link Party is where bloggers share their best home related blog posts every Friday.  Quarterly, the Link Party hosts each invite a talented blogger who links up regularly to join us in a special Blog Hop.  

This is just one stop of twelve for our Spring Garden Blog Hop. The six Fabulous Friday hosts and our guest bloggers are sharing awesome Garden Inspiration and How-To’s. Follow along for wonderful gardening related ideas. All the links to the Hosts and their Featured Blogger Friends are at the end of this blog post.

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So lets get started with the best garden decor ideas for a small space!

#1 – Unique planters

Anyone can buy a pot of some sort at the garden center but if you want to have a really unique garden start looking for things you wouldn’t usually plant.  My most unique planter is a chicken feeder.  I know that sounds crazy but it had ample spaces that I could plant and I could hang it or set it on a table or on the ground.  If you want to see how I did it, just click this link.

Another favorite of mine is a wall urn that was just supposed to hang inside your home on the wall, just as art, not planted with flowers.  Using it like you would a moss planter (ie providing a layer of moss under the wire form) I was able to create a wonderful wall planter. I also have a post with all the instructions here at this link.

The favorite of everyone who comes to my house is my garden bike that actually came with 3 baskets that I thought were perfect for planting.

My garden cart wasn’t meant to be planted, but I added a wire crisscrossed based, lined it with coconut coir and moss and planted it up.  It looks fabulous! 

The first two of these planters would work in a small space.  The bike would probably be something you could have at your front door.  While my garden cart is fairly big it could still fit in a small space or you could find a smaller version.

#2 – Lighting

Lighting can change the whole feel of a garden and can make it more useable because you can enjoy it in the evening.  

There are so many options such as outdoor string lights across a whole area, small fairy lights in small trees or in a fairy garden, solar lights that look like fireflies or an old chandelier with candles hanging from branch. Even bring some indoor candleholders outside and set them up to create romantic or cozy little settings.

#3 – Arbor

An arbor is a great way to add height and a focal point to your garden.  The options for arbors are almost endless because you can play with materials (twig, pvc, metal, wood, etc) and the shape (from a simple arch to an elaborate work of art).  The next step is then decorating the arbor and that can be with planting a vine to grow over it, hanging a sign from it, wrapping it in lights or hanging little decorations.  Once again, due to the variety available you should be able to find one that is of an appropriate size for your space.

#4 – Gate

A gate is one of my favorite things to add to a garden.  It defines the space and sets the tone for what is to come.  Once again, you can play with so many different materials to make a gate.  My favorite gate is our wrought iron vintage pieces of fencing that my husband turned upright and made into a gate.  I found these fencing pieces at an estate sale.  The owner didn’t even know they were there but I walked around the yard and found several pieces of iron fencing that had been overgrown with weeds and grass.  So always be on the lookout!  You never know what you will find.

If you are wondering what we were all decorated up for in the above photo, it was a Diner en blanc and I have a post on how to host a most fabulous dinner party in an unusual place! Just click this link.

#5 – Picket fencing

Another way to define the area of the garden and bring character is to add picket fencing to the perimeter.  It adds such old-fashioned charm and immediately tells the viewer that they are in for something special.  We used picket fencing in a swooping pattern around our greenhouse and it is perfect.

#6 – Trellis

A trellis is the perfect way to bring privacy to your space.  It can also be a way to keep animals that can jump high out of your garden.  We used a mix of a six foot high trellis along with a picket fence to secure our garden.  The trellis was in the areas that the deer had a flat runway to be able to jump.  The picket fence is in areas on top of a retaining wall which was already 4 to 5 feet high so it would be impossible for the deer to jump over it here.  I love using a trellis because it also allows me to grow flowering vines on it.

​It can also add privacy to your space while still retaining a garden feel.

#7 – Cutting flower garden

Even if you have a tiny garden, try to incorporate a planter filled with flowers that you can cut and bring inside.  In the past, I had a hard time cutting flowers because I felt like I cut their life short.  Then I learned about some flowers like cosmos, asters, dahlias, snapdragons, etc. that actually will have more blooms if you cut the ones that are blooming.  Most of these flowers are easy to grow from seed so they are an easy way and an inexpensive way to bring color to your garden space.

#8 – Concrete decorations

Concrete garden decor is a great option for decorating your outdoor area.  Why I love concrete decorations is that I love how they age.  They get an old world patina and it makes you feel like it has a past – it has been around a long time and has a story to tell.  My all time favorite concrete piece is a pair of birds entwined.  I gave this piece to my parents-in-law for their anniversary and I also got one for my husband and I.  I have hauled them from home to home and never tire of them.  

Another piece is this reclining angel that I tuck under shrubs for a small element of surprise.  

Both of these can fit into the tiniest of spaces and because they are very heavy they are also good in windy locations!

#9 – Pretty signs

Pretty signs are something you can add to bring visual interest to even the smallest space.  Look at this little sign I got my mom for her birthday.  

You can hang signs from gates, the top of an arbor, on the door or side of shed, staked in the ground, etc.  Make sure they have a message you love.  One that makes you smile and reconnect with your garden.  Here are a bunch of my favorite signs I have hanging in our garden.

#10 – Wreath or wreath alternative

Wreaths hanging on a fence, gate or door are so inviting and cheerful.  They are such a wonderful way to great your family and guests.  

I like to change it up though and add things that I call “wreath alternatives”.  These are basically anything that could hang where a wreath would but are made of unique items.  For example, I made this little wooden purse into a cute wreath alternative by painting it in spring time fresh colors and then stuffed it with faux flowers.  A pretty strap to hang it from and voila, a perfect wreath alternative.  Click here for all the instructions.

#11 – Outdoor dining table

An outdoor dining area is a must for every garden or outdoor space.  You could use a small bistro set for two or a picnic table depending on the size of your area.  You will be amazed that once you have an area to sit and eat at, that you will enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in this area.  It will be the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshment, snack or dessert!

#12 – Seating area

Always make sure to have some seating in your garden.  After all the effort you have put into the garden, you need to have somewhere to sit and enjoy the beauty.  This will be a great place to visit with a friend, read a book or just regenerate your soul.

The choices are endless of what you can incorporate into your garden such as an old wicker set, bright bistro sets of chairs, Adirondack chairs, loungers, a chaise lounge, etc.  Make it your own by finding some old chairs and painting them in the perfect color(s) to match your flowers and the rest of your decor and home.

#13 – Workspace

Adding a workspace to your garden is one of the best ideas and you will be amazed at how much you use it.  A potting bench will save your back and will provide a space to store all of your tools.  

Usually I have a lovely potting bench but Bentley has been too busy to build me one so I am using an old wine rack that we had.  It is so functional.  The areas that were supposed to hold wine glasses are now tool holders.  The shelves hold pots, planters, bags of soil, fertilizers, etc.  The areas for wine bottles are perfect for holding my pruners and gloves.  

I also love to plan my garden right from my greenhouse. Here is a photo with all my flower books and a planner getting ready for the next summer season.

#14 – Small greenhouse, cold frame or cloche

Depending on the size of your yard, having a place to start plants out early is a great asset.  I have a greenhouse made of old windows I found at estate and garage sales.

If you don’t have room or the budget for that, cold frames and cloches are a great alternative.  You can also make a cold frame out of old windows which will have so much character.

#15 – Water features

Water features are one of the easiest ways to bring tranquillity to a garden.  You could opt for a table top water feature or have a full water feature built into the area.  Let your personal style dictate what you use.  There are so many available at garden centers or online so I am sure you will find something that is a perfect addition to your garden.   

#16 – Vertical gardens

If your space is really small, consider creating vertical gardens.  I found these great felt vertical garden pouches that I cannot wait to plant up with beautiful flowers.  

#17 – Wind chimes

Wind chimes are a perfect way to add sound to your home garden.  I would suggest doing some homework prior to investing in a wind chime because you do not want one that is irritating to you or your neighbours.  There are tuned wind chimes that sound amazing and are so relaxing.

#18 – Fire pit

A fire pit is a great addition to a small space and a perfect way to extend the time you can spend in your garden.  On a chilly night, just turn the fire pit on and enjoy the crispness of the air without freezing.

We enjoy ours even during the winter. Here is a picture of my family around our fire pit at Christmas.

#19 – Fairy gardens

While last, fairy gardens are not the least and are definitely one of the best garden decor ideas for a small space. Perhaps you have the smallest of small gardens and just have a small balcony.  A fairy garden could be the best way to share your unique style in a small space.  You can set a fairy garden up in something as small as a dough bowl as I did.  Click here for all the details.  You could also have fairy garden elements spaced around your garden to look like the fairies live here and there.  These decorative objects can bring you so much pleasure to set out and reconfigure each season.  They are an exceptionally good use of a small space, especially one that you want to add your own special touch to.

So what did you think of my suggestions for garden decor ideas for a small space?

I hope you have enjoyed this post about the best garden decor ideas for a small space!!!  The key is always to plan first.  Draw out a measured diagram of the space.  Add in the furniture, flower beds, and walkways to scale.  Consider the color palette of your furniture and decor and then choose flowers and plants that will complement them.  Consider what you want the look of your garden to be – is it modern, country, Tuscan, etc. and then pick pieces that will bring the whole look together.  Study garden decor trends and see if you can incorporate something new into your outdoor decorating. 

Planning and planting a garden can be hard work but you will never regret it and it will bring you years of enjoyment!

NEXT UP – LET’S CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE BLOG HOP

Simply click on the photo and you will be directed to that participant’s post.  Be sure to check out all the ladies as there are so many great garden design ideas!

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