When a yard feels more cluttered than it really is, it may not have been divided into clearly defined areas for different uses. That’s often the problem with a small yard — it’s not the actual amount of space but the failure to organize it for maximum use. Here are a few ideas to make the process easier and more effective.
Draw a base site plan. Before you get started with dividing it into zones, it helps to make a simple site plan (on graph paper with a ruler and pencil; don’t try and make a pretty site plan at this stage). Just jot down the basics — boundaries, entrances, trees, fences, sun or shade patterns, outbuildings, patios, doors, etc. Sunny areas will probably be the best for planting. Shady areas might be a good place for a pathway or a seating area if they’re next to the house.
Plan circulation in the yard. Next, draw in the circulation in the area: a path to the entrance, between the house and garden, to a gate, seating areas and so on. It helps to plan the circulation in your garden before zoning the spaces to prevent you from making a garden that people have to awkwardly work around. In a small yard you’ll probably have a good balance of all elements (a couple of planting areas, a seating area, some open ground and a border) rather than a little of everything.
Draw a few different options for zoning a small yard. Try to divide your small yard into landscape zones in two or three different ways. It will be interesting to compare the results. You might find that a seating area works better next to the house instead of in a quiet corner, or that you’ll have more or less lawn space. Look to ensure you’re leaving enough space for maintenance and watering of planting beds. At this stage, you’re likely to be concerned more with making the layout beautiful than functional.
Divide the planting areas into zones. Rather than plant individual trees, shrubs and perennials, it’s much better to organize them into beds and planting areas with definite edges. Draw the plants in roughly according to their eventual size so you’ll get a sense of how they’ll fit when they’re fully grown. Repeat some plant forms or textures so the space will feel more cohesive than it would if you crammed in as many different plants as possible.
Review the layout. Walk the zones and routes in your mind instead of only viewing your plan from above. Make changes as necessary to make sure paths are wide enough and that beds don’t impede movement. Make sure you’ve placed plantings in the right sun conditions. Check that one element isn’t overpowering the other areas in the yard. You’ll probably make your plan simpler and more obvious in the next version.