Lack of space need not be a dampener when it comes to gardening. Townhouses and similar cheek-by-jowl layouts often show case teeny-weeny gardens, etched out of yard and parking lot areas. Sometimes, tiny terraces or balconies evolve into green retreats with penny-stamp lawns, box plants and potted shrubs. These ingenuous efforts create a welcome relief by injecting nature's beauty into an otherwise harsh and concrete environment.

For a project such as this, consider all the space available both horizontal and vertical. Fences and boundary walls are great for creepers and ornamental vines. A hardy creeper like the common trumpet creeper will bear vivid yellow, orange or scarlet, trumpet-like flowers that come out during the months of July, August and September. These plants are good for up to three years and can bear cold weather. The perennial Virginia creeper or American Ivy is another dependable cover for ground or bricked walls, with its dark and shiny green leaves, tiny, green flowers and dark blue berries. This creeper changes into glorious colors for an autumn showing. Then, there is always the climbing rose or perfumed jasmine that makes wonderful alternate choices.

After the verticals have been planned, look at the corners available to you. Plant tallish, flowering shrubs, perennial in nature, or opt for variegated varieties that look good all year round. These tend to droop so garden twine may be required to secure them against the backdrop of the wall. Virginia creeper can get out of hand and may need regular trimming.
Tiered flower beds or boxes will allow many more plants to be accommodated in small spaces. Hardy plants like Indian paintbrush can go at the back for they are tall and flower brightly at the top. The Amaryllis family has delicate and beautiful plants like Belladonna lily and related varieties like Iris, Daffodil, Narcissus, Snowdrop, Kaffir lilies and others. The next tier can take shorter plants like Flocks and then low, heavy-textured and pretty, flowering plants such as shy violets, can hug the last step. To keep out a cluttered look, try and avoid a clash of colors. Whites and lighter colored flowers conjure up wide, open spaces thus making your garden appear larger than it actually happens to be!

If you like Vegetables....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also See:

Allergy Free Garden Design, Choosing Color Combo,Desinging with Seasonal Flowers, Design an English Garden, Garden Design Project, Gardening in Small Spaces, Complete Garden Makeover, Napa Garden Design, Favorite Plants for Landscaping, Perk Up a Flower Bed, Natural Garden Design, Using Pathways in a Garden, Design a White Wonder Gardens, Your Own Outdoor Coffee House, Designing to reduce noise, Designer Lanscape ideas, Do it Yourself Lanscape Design, Garden Design Foundations, Keeping Your Garden Size in Check, Gardening With Little Space, Outside the Box Landscape Design, Side Yard Design Ideas, Stone Patio Design, Theme Gardening, Trends in Landscape Design, What to Plant on a Slope, Winning Landscape Design