In an exclusive interview with H&G, James explained his small garden ideas – and shared techniques that will work in urban and country gardens alike. And his solution is refreshingly simple.
1. Small garden? Choose large plants
‘One of the most important things with small spaces is to not feel like you can only fill them with small plants,’ James begins. Instead, he suggests choosing a select number of large statement plants that will demand attention in your garden. ‘People often think that small spaces mean small plants, but it makes them feel more cluttered. Large plants are much better,’ he adds. However, James Wong’s tips on how to make a small garden feel bigger stretch beyond his large plant technique.
2. Hang strategically placed mirrors
The size-enhancing benefits of decorating with mirrors are already a favorite amongst interior designers – but now experts are reflecting their power beyond our four walls. ‘If you have, for example, a small courtyard garden, you can use a mirror to create – what looks like – a window,’ James says. Plus, the Chelsea Flower Show winner not only suggests using mirrors to design a window but to create the illusion of a separate room too. ‘If you have an archway or another structure, and you put your mirror at an angle and put your plant in front of it – it tricks your eye into thinking there is another room next to the garden,’ he says. However, before you invest in a looking glass, James reminds you to treat outdoor mirrors with caution to prevent bird injuries. ‘I wouldn’t use them in a big open space near a bird feeder,’ he adds.
3. Blur boundaries with tropical plants
Following his mirror tip, James shared another secret that will improve the size of your garden and add a vibrant injection of color. ‘In using mirrors, you can see yourself, so you should try to break up the outline of that by using large tropical plants,’ James says. ‘If you break up the outline of a boundary, then it disappears.’ He explains this by suggesting that you should use trellis ideas to add a climber to your wall before placing a big plant in front of the greenery. ‘The wall suddenly melts away. It gives it a green, almost fizzy backdrop with a big plant in front of it – and it blurs it,’ James suggests. Plus, after discussing the best trees for a small garden, James has teamed up with TheJoyOfPlants.co.uk (opens in new tab) to explore the benefits of biophilic design, but in the garden and inside your home. More information is available via their website.
