Tiny outdoor space ideas!

What a great project, but You've not given much info about the aspect or structure of the garden, but as far as plants go......
It’s worth thinking about putting in some perennial structural plants that will last a long time and be value for money, in the long term.
I’d also look at the sad plant shelves of the garden centres or Homebase. Often these reduced plants perk up considerably when looked after.
Also, ask friend for cuttings of plants that do well.
Have a look at small gardens on Pinterest.

We have a tiny garden and the first thing I would do is get rid of any lawn if there is one.

We use lots of evergreen plants/shrubs for structure (as J52 suggests) and interesting climbers. Then, pots are your friend - filled with colour from bedding plants adding shrubs and perennials as and when you see/acquire them. Scented plants work well in a small garden especially if it is enclosed.

You will need a bench or some sort of seating too - that's what gardens are for!!

It's pretty much square - around 25-30 sq metres. Pinterest is my new best friend. The sad plant shelf sounds like a great idea!

scented - yes! I hadn't thought of that yet. Definitely need some folding chairs

Which direction does it face? Does it have high walls/fences/hedge, is it overlooked?

Water is also a must, IMO. We have a feature that works by solar gain and recycles the water, so no electricity or plumbing needed.
If possible, a little pond could be made from an old bath or tub. Then apart from attracting wild life, you could plant some lovely water plants.

Yes you need to know which way your garden faces.
How much sunlight does it get?
Get a cheap garden soil test kit and test your garden soil to see if it is acidic or alkaline. It is very important to make sure the plants suit the soil and not all garden centres etc are very honest about the soil needs of particular plants.

Same with them not making it really clear that some plants cannot withstand low temperature. (As I see with many of these lovely Hebes.)

What is the soil like? Sandy, rocky or dreadful heavy clay.
Buy your plants to suit the soil.
My soil is on the acid side and I can grow rhododendrons etc.

I have though resorted to liming soil in some pots to grow Aubretia in pots and I have had sucess for the first time.

They always used to wither and disappear without trace.
I have more or less stopped buying plants that need an lime based soil. Enjoy.

Forgot water! We have an electric water feature that tumbles - the sound is fabulous.

I think the light is the most important thing too. Whenever we have bought a house, we have taken a compass when looking round. With a small garden, it is important to know where the light is; and whether parts are in shade (from fences and walls) at certain times of the day.

I also think that pots are the way to go - different sizes and levels to add interest.

Does she need to have a space for children to play? That needs to be taken into consideration too. You can have a lot of fun in a small space.

Hi could do with bit more info re south north facing etc.
Also is it a court yard or open space?
I think structural works quite well.
Large ferns in shady corners (tiny ferns can often be found growing by drains).
Just because space is small it does not necessarily mean you have to go for small plants.

Dont forget to think upwards.
Hanging baskets are useful for growing Tom thumb tomatoes and strawberries.

Plant seeds now.

Herbs in window box in easy reach of the kitchen.

Do you have friends with gardens who you could beg politely for some cuttings?

Some garden nurseries or centres have hospital corner, I have often rescued an under watered shrub or plant that has gone on to thrive.
Hope you have an enjoyable and fun time
Laurelie?

Mine is similar size and shape. I’ve paid to have it paved with a circle of paving in the centre, varnished so it stays shiny. I have a narrow border on the sunny side with lots of shrubs and I add bedding plants in the summer, lots of daffodils in the spring.
Can’t be bothered anymore with high maintenance hanging baskets so I have hung solar lamps on the brackets instead.
Climbing shrubs up the sunny fence.
A white cast iron table and chairs at the bottom in front of the shed and a rattan effect small corner sofa near the patio doors. I’m really pleased with it

(Gr. Just typed a long post and lost it, here's the short version):

Our patio is small. We have 3 tree ferns that "make" our little garden for shade and show. Two came from the "sad plant shelf!" They survive London winters. The rest is in containers with plants that come back every year. (Not shown, cute bistro set table and 2 chairs!).

You have certainly covered so many of the needful aspects here, proving you are a keen and canny lot of gardeners!!!
Personally I love courtyards as they can be such a riot of greenery and colour, but not too much work as in mundane mowing for instance!!
But don`t forget any windows overlooking the area,it is your chance to add colourful window boxes, whilst any walls could hold Hanging baskets or/and these half crescent baskets brimming with seasonal colour.......... which when added to the main greenery will ensure you have a real sanctuary of pure pleasure.
(I am searching for examples and hope to be back later.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201804/medium-786412-025.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201804/medium-888912-048.jpg

Some of my own efforts

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201804/medium-591668-025.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201804/medium-134664-048.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201804/medium-756571-041.jpg

You are certainly a very knowledgeable and canny lot of gardeners.
Whilst talking of courtyards, you have touched upon my personal favourite kind of garden
So much one can do with that pocket sized piece of land, fully utilising the 4 walls/fences if possible, plus not forgetting those overlooking windows.
The walls are ideal for those climbers when the right aspect is chosen,plus one can add a few colourful hanging baskets and those half crescent kind to the walls,whilst those window cills make great places for a riot of colour in the form of window boxes.
With the base filled with all manner of greenery shapes together with all the colourful displays, you have a ready made sanctuary awaiting for the sun furniture of your choice.
A home from home which will give constant pleasure but much less work than say the mundane mowing of a lawn.............which seems to never cease!
I shall now try to post a few of our courtyard pictures but as a novice,please bear with me!!!

Try again!

I have a tiny deep bed that gives us salad & spinach all year round. At this time of year, I often buy a cheap 'living salad' from the supermarket and plant it out. In autumn I sow lambs' lettuce to make winter salads. I usually add some tumbling tomatoes and dwarf french beans during the summer.
I also have pots of herbs so I am not paying extortionate prices for a bit of thyme or sage.
I have found that mint in pots only lasts happily for a couple of years, so every year (just now) I take cuttings and plant up a new pot. I use the old pot for the first part of the summer whilst the new one is establishing itself, then chuck the old one and use the new one.

Wanted to add that I have, in a cafe, seen a 'living wall' of salad, but that is quite beyond my rudimentary gardening skills!

Apologies for making a bit of a mess with my posts earlier, but that came about with my trying to get those pictures posted.........I now have learnt the art and promise there will be no further mishaps (hopefully!)

Lovely garden pics from all and oodles of advice for small gardens.
Getting rid of lawn is key for a small space and creating height with verticals at the back, evergreen if possible, bamboos or a cheaper option the lemonygreen firs that sell for around £5 each and grow really quickly.

south facing - which is great!

Brick walls on three sides - about 5ft. Yes, the kids will definitely be outside. All of your answers have been really helpful! Thank you. And your gardens look gorgeous. I hope I can make a real success out of it and will keep checking back.

Panache I love your garden, a large g&t and a sit in that chair, I would be a very happy girl

Nannylovesshopping...........indeed that chair has had me sat there supping many a fine cold drink believe me............and those days are surely -almost- here again!!!!!