Courtyard Gardens - Designing & Planting

When designing your courtyard garden remember that the space is limited and fast growing plants may quickly out grow the garden. Simple gardens are often the most successful; try to keep the pallet of materials, including plants and paving choices, to a minimum. It will be easier to tie together the garden elements and help avoid the “one of everything” look. Consider leaving a bit of space between the paving material for planting small groundcovers. Courtyards have little planting space so take advantage of every planting opportunity. When choosing flower colors remember that cooler colors, such as blue, green and purple, make a space seem larger than it is. Planting dwarf varieties of trees can also create the illusion of a larger garden. There is a huge range of dwarf conifers that would be suitable.

While most courtyards are at times shaded, this is not always the case. Courtyards which receive too much sun will benefit from the planting of a small deciduous shade tree, such as a dogwood or river birch. Providing shade is essential, for at least part of the day, is essential. Deciduous trees are preferable as they’ll provide shade during the sun and allow the sun to filter through during the cooler months. Those courtyard which are surrounded by tall buildings and receive little sun should be planted with shade loving shrubs and perennials

Paving is sometimes the dominant feature in a courtyard. Try to determine which type of material will best compliment the space and surrounding architecture. As general rule, material such as brick or fieldstone are considered informal while bluestone is suitable for a more formal space. Consider adding lighting to the garden. Highlighting specimen shrubs is a wonderful way add interest to garden garden at night.

Containers, including hang baskets are a wonderful way to add interest to a courtyard garden. A great characteristic of container is their abilities to moved around and rearranged allowing you create different designs throughout the year.

Trellises are a flat, vertical garden structures which are perfect for the limited space courtyard garden. Placed against a bare wall and planted with a climbing vine or ivy, a trellis allows you add color, texture and fragrance to the garden. Vines can also be grown on pergolas or arbors to provide the courtyard with partial shade. Espaliered plants and vines require very little ground space, and are good for small courtyards.

Previous: Courtyards Gardens Overview

Related Articles: Paths, Garden Walls, Garden Design, Garden Structures, Patios