While I once confessed my struggles with a Fiddle Leaf Fig, my love for creative gardening in small spaces remains strong. Tiny gardens — whether nestled in a teacup on a windowsill, tucked into an old crate on the porch, arranged in pots on a deck, built from a pallet, or composed on a small patio — are endlessly inspiring. I’m no gardening expert; it’s simply something I find therapeutic and joyful. Each year I look forward to creating new little plant-filled corners. Spring can’t come soon enough!
I used to pass a charming front garden near my former home in Lake Oswego that always caught my eye. It was a tiny plot, full of personality and plants, and it inspired me to create small gardens of my own, both indoors and out.
About twelve years ago, I designed a small backyard patio in Portland’s Eastmoreland neighborhood and planted the beds myself. It remains one of my favorite projects and memories.
Last summer we added a pea gravel patio that’s already calling for pots, planters, and a cozy collection of plants. I can’t wait to fill it — it will be so much fun.
Whether you have a backyard plot or only a spot for a tabletop planter, small gardens offer endless possibilities. Here are some of my favorite tiny garden ideas and examples from my own projects.
An old cement table makes a great surface for potted herbs and small vegetables. I even grew tomatoes in a similar setup — you really don’t need much space to get started.
Pallet gardens are a fun, vertical solution for small yards or patios. They provide a creative way to display flowers, herbs, and even add a little privacy.
A teak tea cart is another favorite planter idea. It holds a variety of pots and herbs and brings instant character to a deck or porch.
Succulents are perfect for peeking out from the lower shelf of a cart or for filling small containers; they add texture and charm with low maintenance.
Even a single potted plant in an interesting container can feel like a tiny flower garden and brighten a kitchen or entryway.
Miniature fairy gardens are irresistible. They’re a playful way to create a little landscape on a tabletop or shelf.
Boxed gardens in a crate are simple to assemble. Divide the crate into sections, add soil and small plants, and tuck in decorative items for variety and interest.
Terrariums are ideal for a contained tabletop garden. They’re easy to build and maintain and make lovely centerpieces for small spaces.
We started a small secret garden in our backyard last summer. It’s becoming a quiet retreat where I can hide away and enjoy a little green sanctuary.
Of course, the space won’t be all mine — Jack and Lily love small gardens as much as I do. I’m eager to keep planting and watching this area grow.
A front porch is an ideal spot for a small garden. A few well-placed pots and planters make any entry feel welcoming and alive.
Repurposed furniture like a dresser or table can become a unique plant display. We placed an old dresser on our porch and used it to showcase a variety of potted plants.
Look for unexpected containers — almost anything can be a planter. We even used a fireplace log holder for mums to create a seasonal display.
And who can resist a whimsical accent, like a little owl with purple “hair”? Small details make a garden feel personal and fun. Happy gardening!
Do you love tiny gardens?
