In recent years, the New Zealand population has been increasing by at least 1% yearly. That’s 1% more people to find homes for. A standard solution is to make yards smaller, allowing more homes to be built in a much smaller area.

Small backyards suit many people’s needs perfectly since they require minimal upkeep. However, their small size means we must get creative with how we turn them into usable spaces. If you’re stuck for ideas on converting a small backyard into a functional space, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a few helpful ideas below!

Assess Your Needs

Assessing your needs is the first step towards creating a functional backyard with everything you need. Think about the activities you’ll want to enjoy on your own property.

For example, you might be an eager gardener keen to grow your own vegetables. You might also want a space for entertaining guests, somewhere for the kids to play, and a safe and secure area for your pets. Assessing your needs can help you start planning how to make the most use of your small yard.

Establish Zones

We can’t all be living the quarter-acre dream with a sprawling lawn and no defined areas. When you’re short on space, it can be important to create zones. That way, you can avoid your small yard looking cramped and chaotic with no organisation or order.

Dividing your backyard into functional zones can be easier than you think. For example, you might use planters to border an entertainment area. Furniture can also signal where an entertainment area ends and a play area starts. Some people even use border gardens to establish pathways and provide a space to grow fresh vegetables.

Use Vertical Space

We tend to spread outwards when we have the space to do so. However, using a small space to its full potential can sometimes mean using more vertical space. When you have no room for a garden shed, you can install shelves, racks, and hooks on fences and walls for all your gardening goodies. Fences and walls can also be the perfect places to show off your outdoor décor.

With a lack of space for garden beds, consider buying hanging planters and vertical gardens. These can ensure that you’re able to grow as much as someone with a larger yard but without the need for extra square footage.

Focus On the Illusion of Space

Sometimes, you don’t need more space to make it look like you have more space. It’s all about perception. For example, light-coloured furniture can make an entertainment space look open and airy. Mirrors can also trick the mind into thinking there’s more space than there is.

It can also be a good idea to avoid clutter since too many knick-knacks and garden ornaments can make a yard look much smaller than it is!

Get Creative With Flooring

Defining different areas can require a lot of planning, especially when using furniture and accessories. However, you can also let your flooring materials guide the way. For example, outdoor rugs can take pride of place in an entertainment zone, while grass might be your flooring option of choice in an area set aside for your children and pets. You can even create magic with deck tiles, gravel, and paving stones.

Use Space-Saving Furniture

Browse your local outdoor furniture shop, and you’ll notice that the most popular options are large outdoor table and chair sets and loungers. While these are the perfect option for large patio areas and decks, they are less suitable for small yards.

Fortunately, plenty of standout options exist for properties on the smaller side. You might opt for affordable folding tables and chairs that you can put up and take down at a moment’s notice. Some people also invest in built-in benches that can function as both tables and chairs.

Storage benches can also be a suitable choice, especially when you can tuck away gardening goods underneath the seat. Finding the perfect outdoor furniture can take time, but you’ll be surprised by how many great options there are.

Be Careful With Plants

The plants you see at your local nursery might look nice on display, but don’t let them fool you. If given room to grow, they can quickly expand to a size that might not be suitable for your conservative yard.

Always research plants for small spaces in NZ before shopping. You’ll find a number of suitable options, such as pansies, dwarf fruit trees, salad greens, and herbs.

Convert Your Small Backyard Today

Starting is often the hardest part about converting a small backyard into functional spaces. Now that you have a few ideas up your sleeve, you can have the confidence to begin! When in doubt, talk to your local landscaping and gardening company for help. They’ll be more than happy to roll up their sleeves and help you create something special.