Small Back Garden Ideas and Designs
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Transforming a small, steeply sloped back garden into a functional and inviting space came with its own set of unique challenges. Careful terracing was required to create a balanced, accessible layout, while the design needed to maximise usable space by incorporating multiple sitting areas. The result is a stunning garden oasis that feels expansive and harmonious.
To achieve this, the design team employed a diagonal layout grid, where each partition sits at a different level, creating a dynamic sense of depth and openness. The largest sitting area, located at the bottom of the slope, is a porcelain-paved patio seamlessly connected to the back entrance of the house.
Midway up the terrace, a cosy lounging area offers a more secluded retreat, while the top level features a practical utility drying area. These levels are connected by sculptural steps crafted from staggered hardwood and metal mesh platforms, blending functionality with artistic flair.
Lush evergreen planting adds softness to the structured design, creating an almost tropical atmosphere. The planting scheme enhances the garden's year-round appeal, providing a vibrant and tranquil backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the clean lines of the hardscaping.
This thoughtfully designed garden demonstrates how even challenging terrain can be transformed into a versatile and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.

Modern urban garden incorporating planted gravel path, water feature and feature wall and a fabulous colour palette of greens, yellows and whites.

We worked with Darren Oldfield Architects and Imperfect Interiors as part of a period house renovation. Our clients wanted a low maintenance garden that they could use all year round. We used pleached trees, installed an bespoke oak pergola and planted a mix of evergreens and multi-stems plants to soften the structures and give the garden privacy. We were asked to disguise the gym/office and this was done by painting it a dark grey green so that it became hidden and part of the garden.

Plongé au coeur d'un jardin d'ombre, protégé par la présence d'un majestueux érable, le visiteur s'émerveille des jeux de textures, des contrastes et des associations végétales qui se révèlent progressivement à lui. Dynamisé par une imbrications des espaces à vivre et des niveaux topographiques, ce jardin contemporain puise ses racines dans des matériaux et des végétaux subtilement associés : pavés parisiens, bois exotique, fougères arborescentes...

This compact, urban backyard was in desperate need of privacy. We created a series of outdoor rooms, privacy screens, and lush plantings all with an Asian-inspired design sense. Elements include a covered outdoor lounge room, sun decks, rock gardens, shade garden, evergreen plant screens, and raised boardwalk to connect the various outdoor spaces. The finished space feels like a true backyard oasis.

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood SCJ Studio designed a new landscape to surround and set off a contemporary home by Coates Design Architects. The narrow spaces around the tall home needed structure and organization, and a thoughtful approach to layout and space programming. A concrete patio was installed with a Paloform Bento gas fire feature surrounded by lush, northwest planting. A horizontal board cedar fence provides privacy from the street and creates the cozy feeling of an outdoor room among the trees. LED low-voltage lighting by Kichler Lighting adds night-time warmth .
Photography by: Miranda Estes Photography

Using a refined palette of quality materials set within a striking and elegant design, the space provides a restful and sophisticated urban garden for a professional couple to be enjoyed both in the daytime and after dark. The use of corten is complimented by the bold treatment of black in the decking, bespoke screen and pergola.

The stones used along the dry stream bed are a combination of ledge rock and rounded boulders.

Soon after installation the Bourne family brought two new little additions into the picture. These puppies loved to run around and play, especially in the garden areas. To remedy their tides of terror we built doggy tunnels for there safety and enjoyment!

The homeowner turned an otherwise useless space under the stairs into a charming niche by hanging a bent wood swing.
Design by Mary Kirk Menefee; installation by Merrifield Garden Center. Photo: Mary Kirk Menefee

Photography by Studio H Landscape Architecture & COCO Gallery. Post processing by Isabella Li.
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