If you’re a fan of home improvement shows on cable TV, you’ve probably seen and heard a lot about the Tiny House movement. It’s an architectural trend that advocates small space living.

So, I can’t help but wonder if a Tiny Garden movement will soon follow.

After all “lack of space” is one of the top reasons people give when asked why they don’t garden. Yet, growing things in small spaces is easy and, in my opinion, a lot more fun than trying to tame a big, open area. With a tiny garden you get to create colorful, intimate spaces that don’t take a lot of work to maintain.

Here are four tips and techniques you can use to create your own tiny garden.

1. Go Bold
For the biggest impact in a tiny space, choose plants with bright colors. In this postage-stamp sized backyard, the combination of pink mandevilla and yellow hibiscus (at left) improves the view and makes the space look a lot larger then it really is.

2. Use Every Square Inch
If you think you’re short on space, take a closer look around your home, townhouse, or condo. You may be surprised at all the nooks and crannies you find where a few well placed plants will add color and joy. In the narrow alley at left, a white bird of Paradise holds court with colorful croton and variegated schefflera.

3. Save Your Side Yard 
Too often, side yards become catch-all’s for garden tools, mowers, and garbage cans.Instead of letting this space go to waste, why not turn it into a lush and lovely garden? At left, a trio of long, narrow raised beds transformed a once boring and barren space. Annual flowers, veggies, and even snake plants share the space.

4. Choose Compact Plants
If space is at a premium avoid planting large, floppy annual and perennial flowers. Instead, look for varieties that stay compact, yet still have big impact. Just a few of my favorites include: heuchera, hosta, perennial geranium, blue fescue, hens and chicks, dwarf marigold, sweet alyssum, Profusion zinnia, pansy, impatiens, lamb’s ears, and campanula.

Written by Doug Jimerson