Contrary to popular belief, small spaces are not limited when it comes to landscaping and you can have a beautiful design if you plan the space carefully. Problem-solving skills and an eye for design will transform your exterior space into something spectacular, and while it can be challenging to create the perfect garden in a small space, it is possible, and analyzing the following key factors will help:
Lighting
Every plant has unique light requirements and some need bright sun for extended periods while others prefer shade. You need to look at how the sun’s light moves over your space so that you can select plants accordingly. Look at patterns and take trees, buildings and fences into consideration as these elements can affect the lighting in your garden.
Heat Sources
In addition to the sun, there are other entities that produce heat as well, so you need to consider your location. Cities are known to be warmer than the suburbs by at least a few degrees and this can affect vegetation. The reason cities are warmer is because of elements like warm asphalt, mechanical exhaust and reflected light, which are all sources of heat.
Water Flow
You need to do some research regarding the frequency of rain in your area so that you can determine which type of vegetation is best. You need to know how water flows through your space, so take note of this on a rainy day. Most plants cannot survive without water but a high volume of water or fast-moving water can be detrimental, so you need to understand water flow.
Soil Quality
High-quality soil can be hard to come by in urban settings and the existing soil is probably not great, so you need to test this aspect before you install any living landscape elements. The results you receive from the test will help you determine the right soil amendments that need to be made and will also notify you of the plants that can survive with the quality of soil you have in your garden.
Air Flow
This element will vary based on your location because buildings and other types of structures will create tunnels that can increase the speed of wind in small spaces. Plants can handle some air movement but strong winds can damage vegetation, so you need to be mindful of this aspect.
Site-Specific Requirements
Not all urban landscapes are the same, so you need to consider the requirements that are unique to your situation. The type of garden you have will impact your landscape design and your decisions, so keep local regulations in mind during your planning process.
If you need help with your landscape design, EnDesign can help. We offer architectural rendering services and can create conceptual designs, so if you have been looking at different animation studios and want to work with a reputable company in the Chicago area, give us a call now!