• About
    • About Mary Ann
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
  • Projects
  • Shop
    • Shop Our Home
    • Home Décor Finds
    • Fashion Over 50
    • My Amazon Store
    • Gifts For Everyone!
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Classic Casual Home

  • About
    • About Mary Ann
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
  • Projects
  • Services
  • Shop
    • Shop Our Home
    • Home Décor Finds
    • Fashion Over 50
    • My Amazon Store
    • Gifts For Everyone!
  • Subscribe

Eight Pretty Ideas for Small Gardens

July 28, 2021 By Mary Ann Pickett 62 Comments

Here are eight pretty Ideas for small gardens updated for 2021. When you have a small garden, it’s important to have a welcoming entrance, special elements such as container plants and interesting features with water or fire, and a sense of peace.
Mary Ann Pickett's Samll Garden Tips

 1.  Ornamental Plants in Pots

Small garden ideas

Exterior decor with pots

Container Garden

2. Espalier vines with different designs

And notice the terracotta planters with carved boxwood.

This is an apple tree in one of my favorite gardens.

Diamond and criss-cross patterns.

3. Porch Open Air Window

4. Using Varying Shades of Green

Love all the shades of green and how the boulders line the steps.

garden steps

5.  Bird Baths, Fountains, and Water Features

This is my friend, Debbie’s small patio with a zinc fountain.

We had this antique French trough made into a fountain with a trellis.
French Stone Fountain Before and After
Our former neighbor has a birdhouse feature with a small fountain of birds spitting into the water at the base. So charming!

6. Pops of Color

7. Charming Gates

JoAnn and Larry have great curb appeal here (can you spot Chief)?

8.  Outdoor Fireplaces or Fire Pits

pretty ideas for small gardens

pretty ideas for small gardens

You may also like Beach Home and Garden Tour.

Related posts:

No related posts.

Filed Under: Design, exterior, Garden Tagged With: garden

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sherry hart says

    May 18, 2019 at 4:26 am

    I wish it wasn’t so darn hot in Georgia in the summer…..I totally lose interest in my yard by June first…..You must miss that pretty yard!

    Reply
  2. CINDY hattersley says

    May 17, 2019 at 11:19 am

    This was such a pretty post bursting with great ideas! The best of the bunch was your fabulous trough fountain. I do love Debby’s outdoor room and that great one from the garden tour as well. Lots to pin here!!

    Reply
  3. Juliet says

    May 15, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    Wonderful inspiration for a small garden . . . I’ve pinned all the gates as ideas for Snowberry. I see Chief! He’s such a lovely guest and well traveled dog! xo

    Reply
  4. LA CONTESSA says

    May 15, 2019 at 2:43 pm

    POTS POTS and MORE POTS!IT does add that Provencal Feel.As I was cruising through I kept hoping I would see a House I recognized!I do believe I have seen the latticework of greenery its on the SUOD Side correct?Well, on the STRADA( how I loved those as a child!I grew up spending my vacations on LIDO ISLE as my AUNT lived there at 618 Via Lido Nord but my cousin SOLD it and they ripped it all DOWN and built Two duplexes I think!She was across from the BAY CLUB.Once I tried to swim that Channel!I think I turned around!)on the SOUD Side ?I have VERY FOND MEMORIES of the beach at GENOA too.Love the fountains and the whole AMBIANCE!A great place for CHIEF to WALK!I think YOU covered it!
    XX

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 17, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Thanks, Elizabeth. I miss Lido.

      Reply
  5. ELIZABETH says

    September 22, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    This is soo beautiful! THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND I LOVE THE PICTURE OF YOUR DOG ‘HITTING THE BOTTLE’, HEHE, SHOWS YOU ARE FUNNY AND PERSONABLE. GOD BLESS, BETH

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      September 22, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      Thanks, Beth!

      Reply
  6. Mitch says

    November 4, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Very Nice work Mary Ann!
    I am glad I stumbled upon your site.
    Mitch
    http://www.SolenaLandscape.com

    Reply
  7. Jeanne says

    July 13, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Beautiful and interesting in everything you shared. I love the pops of pink and the diamonds and squares. The lovely gates were impressive.
    Hugs, Jeanne

    Reply
  8. Deborah Kay at The Paint Splash says

    July 13, 2011 at 9:46 pm

    You have beautiful gardens. I really love the trellis on the wall. Blessings, Debbie

    Reply
  9. chezjolly says

    July 5, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    Bonjour!
    What lovely little gardens! Very inspiring, thank you for posting.Come check us out sometime
    Etsy.com/shop/chezjolly

    -Jessica & Holly

    Reply
  10. Trish @TheOldPostRoad says

    July 5, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    Those are beautiful, Mary Ann! Enjoyed that post.
    Trish

    Reply
  11. SHERRY HART says

    July 4, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    I totally feel guilty that I did not get around to planting anything this year….now it is just too hot and I might as well wait until fall. All of those small gardens are so beautiful!

    Reply
  12. Fishtail Cottage says

    July 4, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    So many fantastic ideas~ you have a gorgeous home & garden – adoring that unique outdoor bird cage! Thanks for linking up to Cottage Flora Thursday's! xoox, tracie

    Reply
  13. rosesandgargoyles says

    July 4, 2011 at 11:46 am

    I'm visiting from Cottage Flora Thursdays, and your pics are gorgeous!

    Jeanni

    Reply
  14. Steph says

    July 3, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    beautiful garden!!! what is the name of the vine you used for the criss-cross design on the blank wall?? I think I might attempt this and want to make sure to get the right variety! thanks!

    Reply
  15. Kathy says

    July 3, 2011 at 1:33 am

    What a lovely tour. You showed great control, I would have been tempted to peek in closer.
    Every corner was just perfect, Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  16. Rachelle @ Adventures in Creating says

    July 2, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    So gorgeous!

    Reply
  17. annie says

    July 2, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    I love all of this….from the cement pots on pea gravel, to the gates, the porch open air window and then seeing it shuttered. Love the diamond criss- cross patterns…I think I need to incorporate this in my garden, after all it is our last name. What a pretty walk!

    Reply
  18. Carla@DesignintheWoods says

    July 2, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Beautiful garden ideas. A unique gate really sets off a garden. Love the examples. I do succulents in pots too, they last forever and don't need the everyday watering most potted plants do. Have a great July 4th!

    Thanks so much for including me on your blog roll.

    Reply
  19. Kellie Collis says

    July 2, 2011 at 11:03 am

    What lovely gardens! Those pots look wonderful! Have a gorgeous weekend, Kellie xx

    Reply
  20. Sarah gibbs says

    July 2, 2011 at 10:28 am

    What lovely images proving small gardens can make a big statement. Beautiful

    Reply
  21. Carla says

    July 2, 2011 at 3:47 am

    These gardens are exquisite! Thanks so much for sharing them! What a tremendous blessing to be surrounded by such beauty!

    Reply
  22. Alison @ The Polohouse says

    July 2, 2011 at 2:40 am

    Gorgeous! I am crazy for espaliered trees and diamond shaped vines on the walls. Your garden is breathtaking. Love every little inch!
    Found you this evening through Debra's linky party. I am your newest follower.
    Alison

    Reply
  23. Ricki Jill Treleaven says

    July 1, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    Great tips for a small garden! Your garden is lovely. I am visiting from Cottage Flora Thursday, and I am your newest follower.

    Reply
  24. NauticalCottageBlog.com says

    July 1, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    Oh, YES!!! I love it all. Those French Provencal pots are the best.

    I hope you & your family have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.

    Hugs,
    Marie

    Reply
  25. Lydia says

    July 1, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    h, the perfection possible in a small garden. As I get ready to play "Billie goat" on my hillside- my envy of your excellence shall be my companion today):- .

    Reply
  26. Angela Parmer Duke says

    July 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I love beautiful gardens so much!! Love this post!

    Reply
  27. Style Maniac says

    July 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Charming indeed.
    Hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
  28. outjunking says

    July 1, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Alright now I'm motivated.
    Lisa

    Reply
  29. Lisa says

    July 1, 2011 at 2:25 am

    Gorgeous!!! Love the diamond/criss-cross patterns on walls. So pretty. Also the pop of color like hot pink. What a pretty walk to take with your pup!
    Happy 4th Mary Ann!

    Reply
  30. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 30, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    I've always wanted some sort of white gate…there is just something so welcoming about them. Thanks for sharing your walk! Have a great July 4th weekend!

    Reply
  31. quintessence says

    June 30, 2011 at 8:56 pm

    Love accompanying you on your walk!! I love so many of these wonderful ideas. I just adore gates so that is one of my favorites. We have an espaliered pear tree that actually bore fruit last year but is not doing so well any more.I love how groomed everything is – just lovely!!

    Reply
  32. Karen says

    June 30, 2011 at 8:46 pm

    What a lovely tour! Thank you, truly.
    I might have to come back and tour again lol.

    glimpsesofglory-karen.blogspot.com/

    first time visitor from fishtail cottage

    Reply
  33. Terry says

    June 30, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    So so gorgeous. Inspirational!

    Reply
  34. Cozy Little House says

    June 30, 2011 at 7:58 pm

    I totally agree with all these great suggestions!
    Happy 4th!
    Brenda

    Reply
  35. Wendi @ Classic Chic Home says

    June 30, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    What amazing gardens! I especially love the diamond shaped vines, the soft pink climbing roses, and the formal boxwood hedges. You live in a beautiful neighborhood!

    Reply
  36. LDH says

    June 30, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    I really enjoyed the stroll along with you! So many beautiful vignettes and garden ideas. A joy stopping by to visit with you!

    Kindly, Lorraine

    Reply
  37. Karen@StrictlySimpleStyle says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:55 pm

    You've really made the most of your garden. I love the old pots filled with succulents.

    Reply
  38. BEACH BUNGALOW says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Love the arbour; love anything that climbs, too!

    S
    xo

    Reply
  39. Tessa says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    What a pretty walk! Love your vintage pots! And the gates!!

    Reply
  40. Ido says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Love the gardening ideas, specially the pots and pea gravel, thank you for sharing your walk with us. Love your blog, new follower!
    Have a beautiful day!
    XXX Ido

    Reply
  41. Larry says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    The gardens, espaliers and gates in particular, are amazing… what a beautiful place to call home1 Larry

    Reply
  42. Luciane at HomeBunch.com says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    This is y ideal kind of garden! I love gardens but I'm freak out about bugs! I have almost 2 acres here and a huge garden and I also have garden snacks! yes, you heard me right! So, I'm always scared of doing anything here. We live by the river, only a block from the ocean and we have a huge forest beside us, so you can imagine the bugs! LOL

    I'm taking a break this year since I'm pregnant. I don't want to be running and screaming every time I see something I'm scared of (yes, I do that! I'm sure one of my neighbors will put me on youtube one of these days). So, my husband is in charge… and the weeds too! 🙂

    Wishing you a wonderful day!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    Reply
  43. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    Hi Mary Ann, Thank you for sharing your walk with Rocky at my party. The lido looks like such a beautiful place to live and the gardens are fabulous.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  44. Sharon (Roses and Rust) says

    June 30, 2011 at 5:13 am

    What pretty pictures and lovely ideas! My favourite is your cement pots under your lemon tree. Very Provencial looking! Gorgeous. x Sharon

    Reply
  45. CHH says

    June 30, 2011 at 4:20 am

    Dear Mary Ann,

    Great post.

    I love doors!

    I'm going to take a guess and imagine that you do too.

    I have a "Doors of Cape Cod" print framed
    in my kitchen.

    I would think that one exists for your Favorite Place as well. I know that you have many.

    Best,

    Coastal Blue Ocean

    Reply
  46. The enchanted home says

    June 30, 2011 at 2:39 am

    Your home is just gorgeous…love every single element but especially the criss cross/diamond patterns made of ivy and the antique planters. Stunning..thanks for sharing your gorgeous garden!

    Reply
  47. Teresa at Splendid Sass says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:41 am

    I am seriously jealous! Fruit trees, and such beautiful roses and succulents.
    Thank you for sharing your walk with us.
    We had boston terriers. Sweetest days ever.
    Teresa
    xoxo

    Reply
  48. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:40 am

    Each photo was more beautiful than the last! Love those diamond trained vines. So elegant. Thanks for sharing such great eye candy.

    Reply
  49. lizziefitz says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:39 am

    Lovely, I need a Meyer lemon tree:)

    Reply
  50. Cat & Cricket says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:14 am

    This is beautiful!!!!
    So different!
    Smiles~
    Cat

    Reply
  51. ANNIE says

    June 30, 2011 at 1:11 am

    Great ideas and pictures! I love walking around Balboa looking at the jewel box gardens. Each one unique!

    Reply
  52. White Ironstone Cottage says

    June 30, 2011 at 12:50 am

    OMGoodness This is the first time I have seen a gate that looks like our gate LOVE IT
    soooo cute Lovely post and fabulous walk
    xxoo Pam

    Reply
  53. Ideezine says

    June 29, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Mary Ann,

    I feel refreshed after that inspriational walk and soon it will be time to celebrate again!

    Bette

    Reply
  54. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    June 29, 2011 at 11:45 pm

    What fabulous inspiration here!

    Reply
  55. Brandi says

    June 29, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    beautiful garden ideas. Love the diamond trellis and the cement pots! So pretty! I adore your lemon tree, the thought of having fresh lemons from my garden…I'd be in heaven!

    Reply
  56. Bringing Pretty Back says

    June 29, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    I loved going on this walk with you!
    We live on 12 acres – not huge by any means – but I love small gardens like this .They are just so cute! And creative.
    Have a PRETTY day!
    Kristin

    Reply
  57. Kathy says

    June 29, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    Lovely walk – love all the inspirations – the espaliers are beautiful – I adore the pots! Great gardening inspirations!
    Kathy

    Reply
  58. laxsupermom says

    June 29, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Beautiful garden ideas! I love the formality of the espalliered trees. Love the diamond trellis idea! So pretty! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  59. Marianne {Style For Living} says

    June 29, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    I think I need to live there, Mary Ann! At least come for a visit. You live in such a beautiful area. My little dogs would be in heaven too walking through your neighborhood. Who am I kidding, I'd be in heaven! I adore your aged pots under the lime tree. Picture perfect. xo

    Reply
  60. Desiree @CHIC COASTAL LIVING says

    June 29, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    This are beautiful ideas for the garden and yard and I've been wanted to make a diamond trellis on our fence. I'm going to show my hubby your post and then maybe he'll do it for me!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Sign Up

Sign Up

And get my e-book for FREE

Mary Ann Pickett
Design Blogger Mary Ann Pickett
LEARN MORE
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Some posts contain affiliate links to products I like at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure here. Thank you!

Popular Categories

  • Design
  • Our Home
  • Entertaining
  • Style Over 50
  • Travel Design Files
  • Five Faves

Copyright © 2026 · Classic Casual Home · Blog Design Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy