By Bernie Dinter
Population pressures are resulting in living spaces becoming smaller. This limits the space available for plants and a rethink of designing a garden. Plants will always be part of our surroundings with the benefits they bring aesthetically and psychologically.
Any space receiving light, from full sun to deep shade can support plants. If soil is not available, they will have to be in containers. There are plants for any specific location and with an understanding of their requirements they will thrive. With research and planning, successful planting can be done in any space.
A wide selection of dwarf plants is available with attractive foliage, texture, form, and blooms. The challenge is to create a pleasing combination of vertical, rounded, spreading and trailing forms. Make sure that the plants are suited for the light conditions and not outgrow their space. Consider a specimen that will steal the show with the other plants creating a lovely backdrop. Widely used plants are dwarf cut leaf Japanese Maple and Hydrangeas that provide attractive summer blooms. There are many new compact and colourful varieties coming on the market. For more formal settings consider interesting topiary forms. If space allows a small tree such as upright Japanese Maple, Dogwood, Snowbell and Sumac may fit. In sunny locations, consider edible plants such as dwarf and columnar apple and on a wall or fence espalier forms of fruit trees. There are compact varieties of blueberries and for walls and fences, grapes, kiwi, and blackberry.
Locate your small garden in a highly visible area such an entry way, deck, patio, or a well-travelled walkway. Add seasonal interest with potted bulbs, summer annuals and smaller topiary forms. Every time anyone passes this planting, they will be reminded of the joy living plants can bring.
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