Making The Most of your Courtyard Garden

Many people in towns and cities don't have the benefit of large gardens, however, there are still many ways that you can make the most of your space in an enclosed courtyard garden.
Natural stone or concrete paving can be cut and laid so that the lines add width to a narrow space. Alternatively, you could choose a spiral or geometrical design as a focal point.
Decking creates clean, Scandinavian style lines, while cobbles can give a rustic, old fashioned feel to your courtyard. If you want a Mediterranean atmosphere, you may want to consider ceramic tiling.
Block paving gives a neat, uniform effect and can also be laid in many different ways to suit your taste.
A lower cost option would be gravel which has the added advantage of deterring burglars due to it's "crunch" factor.
It is possible to combine different materials, although simplicity will open up a small space more.
Edging will provide definition and detail. You may choose cobbles, sleepers, bricks or tailor made edging.
It's important to make the most of the walls in your courtyard garden. Wall mounted planters add interest, particularly when planted with trailing plants such as Aurelia and Lobelia. Climbing plants such as Honeysuckle and Clematis will thrive in suitable containers and will climb up trellis attached to a sunny wall. Ivy softens the effect of brick walls and it too grows well in containers.
It is also possible to buy wrought iron friezes and wall art to attach to the courtyard walls, breaking up expanses of brick.
For your planting, you could have some raised beds. It's possible to use reclaimed bricks so that the beds blend in with your walls, which again gives the illusion of more space.
Containers are available in many styles, sizes and price brackets. In a small space it's usually most effective to keep to a single theme for planters, for example, terracotta in different shapes and sizes.
Many plants will thrive in containers and it is possible to have year round interest with grasses, Bay, Holly, Rosemary, Box, Flame of the Forest and Hebe. Colour can be added with spring bulbs and summer bedding plants such as violas and geranium and winter bedding plants such as pansies and primula.
To get the best use of your courtyard garden you need somewhere to sit and enjoy your outdoor space. Most ranges of garden furniture include a "tea for two" table and chair set which will fit into the smallest garden. It's also possible to buy small garden benches which work well in long narrow spaces.
Garden lighting can be very effective in an enclosed garden. This can be as simple as tea lights in jam jars, solar powered lights or more elaborate electrical systems.
If you want to make the most of your space, Rowan Tree Garden Design can make your back yard into a beautiful courtyard garden.