Small garden, big plants

ALTHOUGH I now enjoy a large, rambling plot, I often reflect on our brief ownership of a small town garden. Paved and surrounded by raised beds, this was like an empty stage waiting to be filled with theatrical plantings. When faced with limited space, resist the temptation to cram in lots of small plants and, instead, go big with those guaranteed to set the scene and add drama. They’ll create intimacy where buildings are crowded together and add shade for the summer.

Choose a style

To avoid a disparate mixture of plants, choose a style to suit you and your property. Aim, perhaps, for a jungle of exotic-looking plants, a contemporary look, a rambling cottage effect or something more classic. With so little space and so many plants to choose from, those that make it need to earn