Small House Landscaping Ideas

Proportion

• Don't swamp the yard with plants, whether with masses of perennials or one giant conifer. Plant larger, proportional trees and shrubs to the outside of the lot, framing the house and emphasizing the small house's charm and character, suggests the University of Missouri Extension. Gradually decrease the size of the plantings, leading towards the front door. Surround the front entry with low plants or curving beds. Trees should be proportional to the house; tall trees overwhelm and visually shrink the home.

Balance

• Draw an imaginary line down the center of the home, usually at or near the front door. Vegetation and landscaping need equal weight on either side. One medium-sized tree on the west side of the home, for example, balances a grouping of smaller shrubs on the east side. A balanced design anchors a small home firmly in the larger landscape, giving it a sense of belonging.

Depth

• Create layers within the landscape, where the eye rests on its journey to the front door. A rectangle of grass or straight lines do nothing to interrupt the visual field, according to Fine Gardening, and stresses the small size of the home. Garden beds or mixed woody plants, arranged throughout the lot and along walkways, guide the eye through the yard. Intersperse the plants with clusters of boulders or small seating areas for variety. Terraced beds also create layers and add interest to the yard; don't neglect variations in height as a landscaping tool. Keep the area near entryways open; this gives a smaller yard a spacious, welcoming feeling.

Accents

• Accents draw the eye to a focal point and distract from the size of the home. Create only one area as an accent; too many make a yard cluttered and cramp the house. Choose an accent feature that suits the style of the house; a cluster of birdhouses fits well with a cottage bungalow, while water features or an arrangement of brightly-potted container gardens complement modern architecture. Place the accent near the front door or along an entryway. The accent area also becomes an extension of the house, increasing the perceived size.

Theme

• Small homes adapt well to landscaping themes. The owner has more control over smaller spaces, building an extension of their personality and creating outdoor 'rooms'. Southwestern homes lend themselves to Mediterranean gardens, while cottage gardens enhance a four-square or bungalow. Small homes with simple architectural details embrace Asian themes. Ramblers suit butterfly, woodland or wildflower gardens. Keeping to a theme stretches the walls of the home into the landscape.