The 12 Best Flower Bed Ideas To Try Out If You Have A Smaller Backyard

If you have a small backyard, you may assume you're limited in the flowers and shrubs you can plant. With a small backyard, you need to be careful not to overdo your gardening efforts, which could make the yard look even smaller than it is. But that doesn't mean you can't have gorgeous flower beds filled with bright, colorful plants in your small garden.

There are several ways to make the most of a small space with tailored flower beds that enhance your yard rather than crowding it. Consider unconventional flower beds that use containers, trellises, wheelbarrows, pallets, ladders, or even birdbaths. Keep the colors simple and consider planning cool-colored flowers (like purple or blue) rather than warm colors (like red or orange), which can appear closer than they are and make your yard seem even smaller.

With proper planning and the right types of plants, you can transform your small yard into a breathtaking space filled with colorful blooms and unique features. Consider some of these unique flower bed ideas to make your lawn stand out this summer.

Rather than planting flower beds along the edges of your yard, plant one in the middle of your lawn to make an island. An island flower bed can be any shape you like, depending on the space you're working with. Plant low-growing flowers to prevent obscuring your view of the rest of the yard, which would make it look even smaller than it is. Avoid adding an island garden bed in a high-traffic area where it would obstruct movement.

A container garden flower bed is ideal for a small space like a balcony or patio, though it'll also look great in a larger yard. Choose basic plastic planters or decorative pots and fill them with your favorite flowers and plants. Planters are ideal for annuals, perennials, vegetables, or herbs. Research which plants will thrive in your climate, and follow the care instructions for your plants carefully. Frequent watering is especially vital for potted plants, which dry out faster than those planted directly in the ground. In the hot summer months, you might need to water potted flowers and plants twice daily to keep them happy and healthy.

When space is limited, make your garden appear bigger by planting tall flowers and shrubs that draw the eye upward. Upright grasses, like feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) or switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), add texture to a small garden without taking up too much space. Plant these grasses alongside low-growing perennial flowers or wildflowers to create a visually stunning flower bed that will come back every year to add color and character to your yard.

Trellises look timeless and romantic in any garden — and, in a small space, they are ideal for growing vining flowers and plants without taking up too much real estate. Place the trellises strategically in your garden so they enhance the space rather than overpowering it. Plant climbing roses (Rosa setigera), passionflowers (Passiflora incarnata), or clematis at the foot of the trellis so the plants can grow upward, and use string to tie the vines to the trellis if needed. Check the care instructions and water the roots as recommended for your chosen plant and your climate.

Raised beds are often used to grow vegetables in areas with poor soil, but they can double as unique flower beds for small yards. These low-maintenance garden beds are known for their superior soil drainage and can be placed on small patios or balconies as well as in yards. Raised beds are ideal for annual flowers like marigolds (Tagetes), petunias, and pansies (Viola × wittrockiana), as well as perennials like daylilies (Hemerocallis), purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), and hostas.

One clever way to repurpose an old wheelbarrow in your garden is to turn it into a small, unique flower bed. Wheelbarrows can be placed anywhere in a small garden and moved as needed, making them the ideal planter for your flowers. Drill some holes in the bottom of the wheelbarrow for drainage, then fill it with potting soil. Plant your favorite flowers in the wheelbarrow; annuals are best because you can simply empty the wheelbarrow in the fall and refill it with fresh flowers the following year.

Old wooden pallets can be transformed into the ideal flower beds for your small garden. Simply place the pallet upright and lean it against a wall or railing. Then, attach the plant pots to the pallet. Consider clay pots for a rustic look or hanging cup holders for a modern, clean aesthetic. A pallet garden is ideal for growing fragrant flowering herbs like rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) or basil (Ocimum basilicum), but you can also successfully grow annuals like begonias (Semperflorens Cultorum Group) or geraniums (Pelargonium) in small planters.

A living wall garden is similar to a pallet garden, comprising plant pots filled with herbs or flowers and attached to the wall. In a small yard, this is a great way to add extra greenery without taking up valuable ground space. Use terracotta pots for a classic look, or mix it up with colorful pots containing colorful flowers. You can even paint your own pots for added personalization that will brighten up your garden in a way that meshes with your personal style.

Got an old wooden ladder hanging around? Use it in your small garden as a unique plant stand that maximizes the available vertical space and can easily be moved around. Paint the wood in your chosen colors, then place planks across the ladder slats to make a flat surface for your flower pots. You can use your DIY plant stand to grow flowers, herbs, or even vegetables. And it can also be used as a makeshift trellis where you can grow vining flowers and shrubs.

Fairy gardens are fun and whimsical for children and adults alike — and they don't take up much space, making them ideal for small gardens. Start with a planter and some soil, then add some small plants and flowers. Next, place some decorative accessories (like glass pebbles, acorn caps, seashells, and miniature figures) around the pot to make it look like a fairy paradise. Not only is a fairy garden an adorable addition to a small yard, but it's also a fun rainy-day project to complete with the family. Research some fairy garden ideas that are downright magical and will make your small yard shine.

A birdbath is ideal for attracting winged friends to your garden — but it's also a unique base for a succulent garden if you live in a hot climate. A birdbath is shallow, which isn't ideal for planting annuals or perennials, but flowering succulents will thrive if you plant them in cactus or succulent soil topped with loose pebbles. Drill a hole in the bottom of the bird bath for drainage, then arrange the plants in the soil however they look best. If the birdbath is in full sun, you'll need to water the succulents more frequently to prevent them from drying up and dying.

Window boxes are perfect for homes without much (or any) garden space. Choose a deep box to accommodate a flower garden and plant begonias, petunias, geraniums, zinnias (Zinnia elegans), or nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) for a pop of color. Add in accent plants like ivy (Hedera helix), heather (Calluna vulgaris), and inch plants (Tradescantia zebrina) to fill in any gaps; these plants will drape over the edge of the window box to make it flow.