Garden Style & Design Ideas: Small Courtyard Garden
A small garden in a courtyard can be a charming and tranquil oasis amid a bustling city. With the right design and style, it can become an outdoor extension of your home, inviting you to relax and unwind in nature. Here are four garden style and design ideas for a small courtyard that will feel like your own private paradise.
Mediterranean
Bring the warmth of the Mediterranean to your courtyard with a design inspired by the sun-soaked regions of Italy, Greece, or Spain. Use terracotta pots filled with fragrant herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme to create a beautiful and functional aromatic garden. Add a water feature like a fountain or small pond to create a soothing atmosphere that will transport you to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Zen Garden
For those who want to create a peaceful retreat right in their backyard, consider designing your courtyard in the Zen style. This minimalist approach emphasizes simplicity and balance with clean lines, natural materials, and carefully placed rocks or boulders. Use plants with simple shapes, such as ferns, bamboo, or even native Australian plants to complement this serene aesthetic.
Cottage Garden
If you want something more whimsical and romantic, consider creating a cottage-style garden in your courtyard. This design could feature raised garden beds and an abundance of colourful flowers arranged in uneven clusters that mimic the look of an English country garden. Choose plants such as roses, peonies, or daisies for their bright colours and sweet fragrance.
Urban Jungle
For those who love greenery but have limited space, an urban jungle-inspired courtyard might be just what you need. Create layers of foliage using hanging baskets, a pergola with climbers, wall-mounted planters, or tall potted plants to give your space depth and texture. Choose plants with different leaf shapes, sizes, textures, and colours for added interest – think ferns, palms, succulents, or even ivy.
Contact us to get started on your dream project
At Great Spaces, we specialise in beautiful and functional landscapes. Browse our past projects, get inspired, and get in touch when you’re ready for us to help turn your raw ideas into reality.
