WI may have struggled with a few plants — I even confessed my Fiddle Leaf Fig failures — but I love creative gardening in small spaces. Whether it’s a teacup on a windowsill, an old box on the porch, a single pot on the deck, a pallet mounted to a wall, or a tiny courtyard, little gardens bring me joy. I’m not a gardening expert, I just find working with plants therapeutic and fun, and I look forward to creating more small plant spaces each spring.
This little front garden near my former home in Lake Oswego always caught my eye. It’s a tiny space but full of charm, and seeing gardens like this inspired me to find ways to have my own miniature gardens both inside and outside.
This was my small backyard about twelve years ago in Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood. I designed the patio and planted the beds myself — it remains one of my favorite memories.
Last summer we added a pea gravel patio that’s practically begging for pots and plants. I can’t wait to fill it with tiny gardens and play with different arrangements.
Whether you have room for a small backyard plot or just a tabletop planter, here are some of my favorite small-garden ideas and projects.
An old cement table makes a great surface for potted herbs and vegetables. I even grew tomatoes on mine — you don’t need much space to get a satisfying harvest.
A pallet garden is a compact, creative way to display plants and add privacy. It’s perfect for tight spaces and vertical planting.
I used a teak teacart on the deck to house herbs and potted plants. It offered plenty of room for a variety of containers and gave the space personality.
Succulents tucked into the lower shelf added a cute, low-maintenance touch to the cart.
A single potted plant in an interesting container can feel like a tiny flower garden and brighten any room.
I’m always drawn to miniature or fairy gardens — they’re whimsical and fun to create on a tabletop or in a crate.
Boxed gardens in a crate are another simple and charming option. Divide a crate into sections and plant a mix of small plants and decorative items for an easy centerpiece.
Terrariums are a hassle-free way to enjoy a miniature indoor garden. They’re easy to assemble and low maintenance.
We started a tiny secret garden in our backyard last summer — it’s shaping up to be a peaceful little hideaway.
Of course, I’ll be sharing it with Jack and Lily if they have any say — they’re just as drawn to small gardens as I am. I’m excited to keep planting and watching this space grow.
A front porch is an ideal spot for small gardens — a few well-chosen plants make the entry feel welcoming and lived-in.
An old dresser or table can be repurposed outdoors as a charming plant display. It adds character and gives you multiple levels for pots and arrangements.
Look for unexpected containers — nearly anything can hold plants. We’ve used a fireplace log holder for mums and found it made a great seasonal statement.
And who can resist a quirky little owl planter? Little touches like that bring personality to a small garden. Happy gardening!
Do you love tiny gardens?
