Small gardens can still pack a punch. It’s all about creativity and making the most of every part of the garden. 

If you can incorporate dual or multiple usage of different areas, this unlocks all sorts of possibilities. Thus, the garden shed provides a wonderful opportunity for the addition of a living green roof, and the covered wood store or decorative bin storage area creates room for a vegetable or cut-flower raised-bed planter on its roof. The dark and dingy north-facing section of an outside space can be transformed into a cosy jungle den for the children, surrounded by lush ferns and ivy, and it could even house a firepit around which everyone can gather in the evenings.

Garden steps might be adorned with pots of colourful bulbs, perennials, grasses and annuals, and trees can double up as wildlife havens with the addition of bird feeders, nest boxes and insect hotels. Then there are the fences! 

Climbing Plants
Choose your climbers with care. Not only do you need to consider the requirements of the individual plants, but also their habits with regard to height and spread. Neighbours should be a consideration because a vigorous climber is capable of spreading far and wide. The majority of climbers will require support in terms of wires or trellis. Some produce tendrils that curl around their support, a few are self-clinging as they grow little suckers, but others, such as climbing roses, will need to be tied to something structural.

Which Position?
Clematis are suitable for a wide range of planting places, with many preferring a sunny aspect and others happier on a north-facing fence. You can put multiple clematis against one fence panel, but be aware of their pruning needs, which differ according to their category. 

Both the passion flower, Passiflora, and the star jasmine, Trachelospermum, love sunshine and warmth. The exotic blooms of the former are said to represent the crucifixion of Jesus, whilst creamy star-shaped flowers of the jasmine have a most delectable scent. 

Honeysuckle is a great climber that provides wildlife habitats, scented nectar-rich flowers and berries for birds too. It prefers a partially shaded site because the leaves can be scorched by full sun. 

On your shadier fences you might consider foliage plants that are self-clinging, such as ivy and Parthenocissus. Both Boston ivy and Virginia creeper will be too vigorous for a fence panel unless you are able to keep them well-pruned. But they produce spectacular autumn colour that is second-to-none.

The climbing hydrangea petiolaris also uses suckers. It’s a great choice for a shady wall, but once again it is likely to grow very large once it has established, so be prepared to prune hard once it has reached the top of the fence.