Beautifully designed - how to transform your small garden ready for the Tavistock or Okehampton property market

There are signs that summer is on its way, and therefore we start spending more time outdoors. Potential buyers will be assessing your outdoor spaces in the same way that they do your home's interior. If you have a small garden it can often be hard to decide how best to maximise its potential, but transforming even a small area into an aesthetically pleasing and useable outdoor space doesn’t have to be a challenge. With just a few simple steps and a bit of creativity, you can design a beautiful and functional garden that will be the envy of your friends and neighbours and ensure any buyer longs to spend time there. At Miller Town and Country our team have put together four ‘small garden ideas’ to help you make the most of your outdoor space with a style that will help sell your home.

1. Use containers – pots, planters, window boxes

If you have limited space in your garden, using containers is an excellent way to add greenery and colour without taking up too much room. Pots are great for showcasing individual plants, whether it's a small tree, a colourful shrub, or a collection of herbs. Group several different sized pots together to create a stunning visual display that can be moved around easily. If you want to add some height, try using tall pots that can hold climbers or vining plants like jasmine, wisteria, or ivy.

Planters are a popular choice for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables and are ideal for a small garden, courtyard or balcony. Window boxes are another great option for growing plants in a small space and can hold a variety of plants, from trailing ivy to brightly coloured petunias, and can add a lovely pop of colour to any home's exterior.

By using containers you can add beauty and colour to your small garden without sacrificing space. They are a great way to create a portable and versatile garden that you can move around as needed and enjoy all year round.

2. Incorporate vertical gardening – hanging baskets, wall planters

Vertical gardening, growing plants upward rather than outward, is perfect for small gardens. Hanging baskets are an ideal solution for areas where there is no ground space available, such as patios or balconies. Wall planters are another great option for vertical gardening as they are perfect for creating living walls that are both beautiful and functional. Whether you choose hanging baskets or wall planters, just remember to choose plants that are suited to growing vertically, and that will enhance the wall space that you have.

3. Create focal points – water features, sculptures, lighting

One way to make your small garden stand out is to incorporate one or two focal points. This not only adds interest to the space but also helps to draw the eye and make the space feel larger.

Water features can be a beautiful addition to a garden, large or small! Whether you opt for a small pond, fountain, or even a birdbath, the sound of flowing water creates a calming atmosphere. Sculptures can also be an interesting focal point. A unique piece of art can add character and eccentricity to your garden. Consider the style of your garden and choose a piece that complements it. You could also opt for a DIY sculpture using materials like driftwood or metal scraps.

Lighting is another key element to creating a focal point in your small garden. Solar-powered lights or string lights can add a warm and inviting feel to the space. You could also consider installing spotlights or uplights to highlight your favourite features or plants.

Remember, it's important not to go overboard with too many focal points, as this can overwhelm the space. Choose one or two that work well together and enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

4. Add some structure – trellis, pergola, arbour

Adding some structures to your garden can provide visual interest as well as serving growing plants. Trellises are perfect for growing climbing plants, such as honeysuckle or clematis. They can be placed against a wall or fence, or used as a standalone feature. Pergolas are a beautiful addition to any garden and provide a shaded area for outdoor dining or lounging. They can be covered with climbing plants to create a natural canopy. Arbours are another great option for creating a garden focal point and could be placed at the entrance of your garden, or even used as a decorative divider. No matter what option you choose, adding a structure to your garden is an easy way to add depth and visual appeal to your outdoor space.

Beautifully designed

If you’re thinking of selling your home in Okehampton or Tavistock, you can enhance your property by ensuring that your outside spaces are equally as well presented as your inside spaces! Even with a small garden, courtyard, balcony or patio, by utilising some or all of these ideas you can ensure that buyers see a colourful haven; a space where they can picture themselves relaxing and unwinding.

If you would like more ideas on how to prepare your home and garden for sale, contact our team on 01822 617243 (Tavistock) or 01837 54080 (Okehampton) as we have lots of know-how and friendly advice which will be priceless when it comes to adding ‘value’ to your property sale.