Gardening in small spaces is increasingly important from both an aesthetic and environmental point of view. Therefore, this week, we are going to take a look at how to transform even the tiniest of areas into a calming place of relaxation in which to shed the stresses of everyday life and emerge refreshed.

A large percentage of urban dwellings, even in what can be classified as ‘city centres’, are blessed with hidden away courtyards, narrow strips of surfaced access areas running at the side, behind or in front of houses, office buildings and the like. All these, dare I say ‘without exception’, offer themselves up for garden creation of the minimalistic kind.

Such areas are rarely suitable for cultivating vegetables or fruit in as, quite often due to the close proximity of other buildings, sunlight is restricted. An important point, which cannot be stressed enough, is that daily access to the potable water in sufficient quantities for food production is an increasingly dim and distant dream. However, let’s not forget that some varieties of fruit and vegetables, not all, are perfectly content to be given a daily drink of grey or otherwise recycled water.

Keeping water scarcity in mind, it is preferable that such areas are designed with water conservation given priority: that reasonably drought tolerant and shade-loving species are used and, this is a great approach, ornamental stonework is made a basic part of the overall design.

If the area already has a ‘hard’ surface like paving stones, tarmac or otherwise, then — depending on the amount of privacy offered — it is a relatively simple matter to make it ‘comfortable’ by installing some comfortable garden furniture and pots/containers of ornamental plants. The choice of plant species depends on the amount of water available and, as with all forms of plants, their size and eventual spread at maturity. If privacy is limited, lattice work of interwoven bamboo or suitable lengths of wood, dense green netting or strong, weatherproof canvas, can be — as long as it is securely fixed in place — used to create privacy from prying eyes and to screen out potential hazards such as traffic fumes, both of which can otherwise render the sought after peace and quiet impossible to achieve.

Don’t have a huge place? Fret not; Zahrah Nasir will explain how to make a perfect garden in the small space available

If the area comprises nothing more than bleak concrete surfaces which soak up, and then retain, blistering summer heat, then some form of awning is also a good idea. Another idea is the erection of a strong, preferably wooden, loggia over which shade giving, pot/container grown creepers and climbers can be encouraged to make their home. This will provide natural, ever changing, from season to season, protection and is not as difficult to achieve as one may initially think.

Hand-painted clay ‘tray’

An unpaved or partially surfaced courtyard/access strip is simple to transform into a veritable paradise by the introduction of suitably sized raised beds — remember essential drainage provisions please. One can also make artistic arrangements, with emphasis on ‘less is more’, of stone chip/gravel/brick designs with just a few, strikingly decorative pots of perennial or annual ornamentals carefully placed to liven up the scene. Walled or fenced sides of the area can also be used to excellent effect by securely fastening hanging baskets, flat-backed planters, colourful ceramic tiles or do-it-yourself, hand-painted — household, lead-free, gloss paint works well — clay pots/bowls/trays on them for that unmistakably individual impression.

It is important that, before making a start on creating your ‘private sanctuary’, each and every consideration is taken into account: how much direct sunlight does it receive? How far away is the nearest water supply? Do people need to walk through it regularly and is there planet of space to allow for easy, unrestricted passage, etc?

Then, of course, there is the cost factor: once you have a plan in mind, check out, from every conceivable source, the price, availability and transportation expenses, as well as the cost of labour if it is required, before making any irreversible decisions. And please do not forget that making maximum use of salvaged or otherwise recyclable items will keep costs down whilst also being an environmentally sound move.

Gravel and stone paved loggia festooned with climbers

Additionally, if you cannot find, in the way of materials, what you seek in the local markets then let your imagination run riot and see what you can be personally inspired to make out of whatever materials come easily to hand. Don’t worry if you haven’t actually got down to the physical task of making anything before, just take the initiative, don’t be afraid to experiment and, I’m sure, you will be suitably amazed by the results!

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer will not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, August 31, 2014