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Andrew Mangwarara
WHEN you have a small space, you wonder whether it is possible to green it up. The good news is there are many ways of making it an enviable garden.
A typical example is found at Pemabwe Guest Lodge in Avondale, Harare, where the small space has been turned into a garden of unparalleled beauty.
The place mainly boasts lodging and dining areas, as well as a safe parking lot.
When a garden is small, start by using the perimeter fence as a trellis for climbing plants. A number of climbers can add colour and a new dimension to a space. Climbers such as the golden shower (pyrostegia venusta), the clematis montana and the sweet pea elevate the garden space to eye level.
The garden furniture at Pemabwe is movable. There are garden chairs in every available space.
Try to incorporate plant containers in a small garden; they can be single, grouped or stacked pots. You can also have hanging baskets.
After cutting down a large tree, you can use the stumps as tables or stools.
Another idea is to place pots on an old ladder, creating variety in height.
Use colour to your advantage. More colour adds variation, which dispels boredom.
Incorporate both small and big plants to create variety. However, avoid very bushy specimens as they will take up valuable space.
Create a layered garden by using different levels of planting. The ground level and raised beds create an illusion that there are more plants than what are actually available.
Attract wildlife even if a garden is small by placing seed feeders for birds. You can also have bird baths.
Colourful flowers will attract butterflies and bees.
Create a miniature herb garden to maximise space.
Use every corner of a courtyard to create sitting areas. Place window boxes on window sills to further increase the number of plants in the small garden.
Choose coarse grass for the garden.
The lush green lawn at Pemabwe gives the place a carpet-like feel when you walk across it.
You can use an old barrel as a fish pond, as opposed to building one.
Pergolas, with their umbrella effect, are another great way of maximising on space, but choose a good climber such as the Zimbabwe creeper (podranea brycei).
To enjoy your small garden as an extension of the indoor space, make sure you add good lighting, without necessarily straining your budget.
If you like to be featured in our green-up campaign, get in touch with us on: [email protected] or [email protected]
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