Small garden? No problem.

Trying to create an outdoor haven in a small garden, courtyard or apartment balcony can be fiddly business, but with the right plants, you can turn even the smallest outdoor area into your very own garden paradise. 

Using pots to create colour and diversity

Get creative in your small space by planting in pots – with a wide variety of colours, sizes and textures available, it’s a fun way to add greenery to your indoor décor. Plant using the list below and remember to always water wisely and use grey water wherever you can.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

The brunfelsia species cultivates well in full sun, making it perfect for summer. It is semi-hardy and grows well in containers. It produces masses of white, lilac and purple flowers and it has a wonderfully sweet scent.

Azalea

This is another great container plant for semi-shady areas. It flowers in spring, but has attractive evergreen foliage all year round.

Lamb’s ear

Stachys Lanata is an attractive grey-green groundcover that is ideal for lighting up dark corners. It grows well in sun and semi-shade and is incredibly hardy.

The indigenous African daisy

Arctotis grows best in full sun and will tolerate strong winds and very cold conditions. It is available in a range of bright colours.

Herbs

Herbs need full sun but thrive in pots and are great to have close to hand, near the kitchen. Balconies and courtyards are perfect for this. Read all about growing herbs in pots here.

Succulents

Succulents have become immensely popular as they’re indigenous, produce attractive flowers in winter and are some of the most hassle-free plants you’ll find. Succulents have evolved to survive in dry, hostile environments, so they do best in dry, sandy gardens, but they also grow very well in pots.

Top tip: If you plant them in pots, combine 1 part river sand with 1 part potting soil and 1 part compost, and then plant in a terracotta pot (not plastic, as this does not allow water to escape).