Do you live in a tiny house or apartment where there are times when the walls seem to be closing in on you? Do you have to decorate your small space in order to fit visitors comfortably but have no ideas short of putting chairs on the roof? People who live in less than spacious quarters try all they can to utilize and make the most of their living quarters and maximize space.

Just as important as it is to decorate, make and arrange comfortable seating in small living areas to include a number of visitors comfortably, so it is in making your outside.

Majority in the villages have too much space at their disposal hence have no problems in gardening. For some in the cities, gardening just isn’t feasible. Whether it is a problem of area, or small children, some may have to see their dreams fade away. But not necessarily; your small compound can be turned into a small garden that can change your home’s entire look.

Gardening in a small space allows you to polish in on exactly what types of plants and flowers you want. According to Jacqueline Legishon , a Landscape Architect, Incorporating a small garden into your outdoor space will bring beauty and color to your property.  A good garden needs patience and nurturing. “It’s not just the installation but the endless maintenance that will give u the best outcome.” She adds

Legishon also notes that to have a good garden, one must have good topsoil. Most urban areas only have a thin layer of topsoil over compacted clay.  “You need an expert to help you test your soil, but all you should know is if your proposed garden is found within an area with black cotton soil u may need to excavate at a depth of 7-10 inch and introduce red soil of which will support your plants.” She says. Getting a complete soil test helps one in finding out the nutrients missing in it.  Hence you can add amendments accordingly and enrich the soil before you plant your garden

If you only use straight lines when landscaping a small backyard, you will only accentuate the fact that your backyard is small. Most backyards are square and by keeping to this dimension you are missing out on creating an inviting, larger looking area. Curved walkways and paths that lead along rounded planter beds create the illusion of more space.

The fact that you are landscaping a small backyard space doesn't mean you can't add a water feature. Ponds and containers full of water do not have to be large. You can do small features that will fit in your area. Water features can be a store bought pre-molded form or made from materials you buy separately and install.

Keziah Njuguna a House wife in Ngong’ started planting flowers and herbs as a hobby but has recently turned it into a business.  According to her, the most important thing to know before starting up a garden is to choose suitable plant types for your growing conditions. “Choose varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests, and suited to your region.” Njuguna notes

She creates more space for planting in her Small flower garden by using flower pots and containers. Containers are the perfect way to fill up your favorite flowers and plants into the garden while freeing up needed space on the ground. “Using containers is a good idea if you are landscaping a small backyard. Containers come in so many different varieties of materials and sizes that can fit into anyone's budget and decor.” She adds

They can be placed and moved about anywhere and plants can be replaced easily if they die or get too large. Containers are also the ideal space to use for planting seasonal flowers like violets. Each season; change your containers out for a fresh new design. Mix up different heights and types of plants for a well-balanced bed.  In such hot and dry months like January and February, It is important to spread a layer of mulch over the plants to help retain moisture.

She also advised that she creates the illusion of a larger garden space using light colored plants.  Njuguna also Plants the taller flowers and plants in the back of her garden bed and Works her way up with the shortest and low-growing plants in the front as another way of creating the fantasy of a larger space. This creates the feeling of a larger bed without appearing overly crowded.

Gladys Martinsen, a resident in kitusuru doesn’t have to complain about the exorbitant salad greens and herbs prices in our supermarkets anymore. She has done a vegetables or herbs for an edible garden on a small patio. “I have grown an abundance of vegetables to make my family healthy. No meal is complete without the right herbs and spices.” She Reckons

She thinks of growing a good garden as an adventure by constantly trying on new vegetables, new varieties, and new methods of cooking.  So far she has Broccoli, spinach, Pepper, Lettuce, Mint, cauliflower, sukumawiki, tomatoes and carrots. “Now we know we can't be healthy without them. Fresh vegetables well cooked or eaten raw certainly taste better than a doctor's prescription and cost less.” Martinsen says

Her garden is near the house.  The nearer it is, the fewer steps one has to take. Make your garden so pretty you won't mind having it near the house.  One important thing that she notes is that if watering takes up more of your time than gardening and if you are constantly wondering why, despite these efforts, your plants aren’t thriving, there’s a good chance you are trying to grow the wrong plants.

There has been a saying that says that some man said this is the secret of successful gardening "Never plant more than your wife can cultivate!" Nowadays, however, wives are smarter. They not only get the man to help in cultivating the good garden, but have come to insist in this practice.

There is nothing as satisfying than enjoying the fruits of our labour.