US EPA

6440841 

Journal Article 

Think small: the key is to establish your priorities and do some creativespace planning 

Primeau, L 

2003 

14 

1 

74-74 

Most people take the conventional approach and figure they can make a small space look bigger by leaving an expanse of lawn and surrounding it with flower borders. In fact, this hems in the space. Instead, consider opening it up by creating two levels in your garden. A small dining or sitting deck raised even 15 centimetres above the ground level visually breaks up the monotony of a flat plain, especially if the deck is placed at the rear of the garden and partially hidden by arching shrubs and potted plants. Lucky are gardeners blessed with a natural change of level. A terrace even one step deep can lead the visitor into an area that has a completely different mood--from a sunny, grassy knoll where the kids play down to a tranquil meditation garden, for instance. plays a role in perceptions of space. Reds advance and blues recede, but it's a principle we seldom take advantage of in the garden. To increase depth, plant flowers in intense reds and oranges at the front of your garden, and cool blues, lilacs and purples near the back. If your tastes are more subtle, remember that pale colours come forward and dark ones fade, so plant creamy lilies and white roses in the foreground, moving the deeper tones and variegated foliage to the background. The same principles apply to fence colours and garden ornaments. nd texture also play a role in suggesting depth. Just as an artist reduces the size of elements in the background of a painting to suggest distance, plant perennials with large foliage, such as elephant's ears (Bergenia spp.), hostas or Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona', in the foreground, and keep smaller-leaved choices to the back of the garden. This principle can also be applied to paving materials--use coarse gravel or large flagstones near the house, and finer pea gravel or granite pavers further along the pathway. 

; Gardens & gardening/