How to Use Your ’Too Small’ Garden Corners Well

We’ve all had that moment: standing in part of the yard thinking,


"There’s just no room here."


But what if the space isn’t the problem? What if it just feels small?

Here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again in garden design:

🪴 The places we use feel big. The ones we don’t? They shrink in our minds—even when they’re not small at all.

This simple idea can change how you see your whole yard.

So if you’re working on your garden layout—or just wondering what to do with a forgotten corner—here’s a gentle, practical way to start seeing your space differently:

Step 1: Sketch Your Garden from Memory

Take a piece of paper and quickly draw your garden.
 No measuring. No peeking outside. Just a simple sketch of what you think it looks like.

This isn't about accuracy—it’s about noticing where your attention goes.

Step 2: Compare It to Reality

Now head outside, sketch in hand.

• Which parts look smaller than they actually are?
• Did you forget entire corners?

• What spaces “grew” in your memory—maybe that favorite chair nook or veggie patch?

Chances are, the places you use and enjoy took up more mental space.
 And the awkward or unused corners? They might’ve vanished altogether. Did you find spaces that were hidden in plain sight?

Step 3: Rethink the “Too Small” Spots

Now take a fresh look at those shrinking zones.

Ask yourself:

• Could this area hold a bench, a planter, or a winding path?
• Would a small tree or screen make it feel more inviting?
• What if this became a quiet place to sit—or a surprising entrance to another part of the garden?

Often, those “wasted” spaces aren’t too small at all. They just haven’t been given a role yet.

Step 4: Start Small, and Stay Curious

You don’t need to redesign everything.


Start with one corner and experiment—add a chair, a potted plant, a stepping stone trail.

Sometimes, all a space needs is a little attention to start growing into itself.

Step 5: Take out your measuring Tape

Next, measure the area to get the dimensions right and sketch out your ideas on paper. List the materials and plants needed. Schedule a weekend and add your new favorite corner to your garden.

Remember:


Garden design isn’t just about square meters.

It’s about how you live, move, and feel in a space.

And the best part? You already know more than you think—you just needed a way to see it.

In the next part, I’ll share what we imagined for a narrow side between the house wall and a clipped hedge.

Want more thoughtful garden prompts like this?


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Missed the first post? You can find it here: “Why Some Corners of Your Yard Feel 'Too Small' (According to Your Brain).”