A recipe for successful small or confined spaces.
Countless people tell me they don’t have green thumbs, and have convinced themselves that they’ll kill any plant they come into contact with, and I on the other hand am so lucky to blessed with such a wonderful green thumb. Rubbish! You cannot kill plants, if you follow some simple directions on their little name tag. You will not kill plants. Relax! Besides, I am a great neglecter of plants. Remember me, the lazy gardener? It’s true. Sometimes I forget to water plants, rarely fertilize and never fuss, but the plants battle on despite my cruelty. Yours will too.
Small areas, such as lanais or enclosed patios, with restricted spaces are not difficult to design, they just require a little extra imagination. We find the challenge a lot of fun as we tap into our creative spirits. Try to think of one of these small spaces you have as an advantage. Don’t be disillusioned, but be happy, because some small spaces make the most excellent gardens.
Regardless of the size of the area you have, be sure to incorporate the same elements you would for a larger, rambling place of acreage. Include the element of water. It is essential. Don’t argue. Just do it. Even though you may have limited space to work with, there are plenty of small water features of endless styles and design to suit the most miniscule of spaces, some are so miniature, they’ll fit on top of a coffee table. A mini waterfall, stream and pond can be designed to look very natural in even small spaces, but be sure to use all natural materials. The benefits of water are far too numerous to list. Having one will reward you many times over. Enhanced prosperity, love, holistic benefits, and the purifying sound alone are just the tip of the ice berg in terms of what lies in store. Don’t under estimate them. Aside from water, the benefits of live plants on your lanai or patio are immeasurable. Please don’t be tempted to use fake silk plants, no matter how convincing they look, or no matter how smooth the salesman at the silk plant factory was. Silk plants offer very little, and actually collect stagnant energy, a negative kind of energy you don’t want to be around. Besides real plants purify the air, add life and energize any space. They grow and evolve. They produce blooms. They have an earthy, pleasant aroma and will be sure to provide more joy than the fake variety.
One of the best plants to start with, for those of you who are still convinced that you’ll kill plants, is a Yucca plant. It is virtually indestructible. Its plant label may suggest plenty of water and high light. It will actually do well in low light and without much water at all. Sometimes I’ve travelled for months at a time leaving house plants un-cared for. The Yucca always survives. It is a plant which does very well if neglected. Plant one of these into a large, decorative pot and plant the outside edges with ivy, coleus, or some trailing flowering plants.
Things appear to be magnified in confined spaces such as these. We are closer to the textures, colors and fragrances. Sounds like water tumbling over rocks and pebbles seem more audible. The availability of walls is something less common in larger spaces, so use these walls for a vertical expression of art. Grow flowers and vines up a trellis to break up the monotony of the masonry, or use the space for a mural of your favorite scene, or to showcase a ceramic mural mounted on a framed board, which will make it easier to bring with you if you decide to move.
Be wise about the choice of furniture in restricted spaces and find something which is multi functional, space saving and practically aesthetic. I love the rotating sun lounger, shown here, for its versatility and durability, and minimalist design. It rotates, allowing one to be in the sun all day, or shade if one so desires, as it comes with an optional shade. One rotates it with the simplest of ease, ending the need to constantly have to get off and realign it to the sun’s position. Although it is the same length as a traditional sun lounger, it takes up three times less space than three chaise lounges would, yet it can comfortably accommodate three people. It is made from sustainable teak and it’s design shape is one of Nature. Rectilinear, shapes don’t exist in Nature, whereas the round shape of this bed is Feng Shui inspired for the ultimate in positive energy, flexibility and the most simple of fashion statements, for the person who wants to relax outside in the shade, or the sun worshiper alike.
