21 beautiful British back gardens with ideas to copy

Best Solutions for Small Gardens: Family-friendly and low maintenance, Yorkshire Gardens Yorkshire Gardens Minimalist style garden Wood-Plastic Composite
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If you've been procrastinating about getting your garden sorted, we think that a slew of fabulous finished projects might be the final push you need to get your landscape architect or Gardener over for a cuppa and a planning session! Whether you fancy a contemporary and social garden or a traditional country-style space, filled with plants and flowers, we've got some brilliant ideas for you, right here. 

So, let’s be inspired by some of the most beautiful small gardens on homify…   


1. Talk about low maintenance but high impact! The simple white beds here and sleek decking are amazing!

2. Colourful furniture cushions will pick out all the gorgeous hues and design throughout the rest of your garden.

3. Shaped lawns make a very dramatic statement and have an almost heritage look to them! So pretty!

4. Oooh! How about a zen garden design that really sticks to a definite theme. The red and black here is fantastic!

5. Small gardens work so well over multiple levels and with sweet little space dividers! Some colour is fun too!

Adding popping hues (reds, pinks, etc) to your front- or back garden has been proven to add not only character, but also visual spaciousness.  

6. We love the idea of building raised planters and trying to grow some food in our gardens, don't you?

7. Why waste time with a lawn, if you don't want to commit to the upkeep? A gravelled seating area will look just as great!

8. If you like an element of control, a small garden is perfect for some decking, contained wooden planters and a bistro dining set! So sweet!

9. Using a blend of natural materials will always create a cohesive and beautiful garden. We love the dark stone accents here!

10. If you are a social butterfly, you know you have little option but to turn your garden into a lovely outdoor kitchen, right? So handy!

11. A luscious lawn and bustling borders look wonderful in front of some sharp wooden decking. It's pared back but lovely!

12. Slate chippings are a wonderfully high-end take on the classic bark border coverings! What a neat finish they create!

13. This garden is such a lot of fun and shows that if you have an eclectic side, it can be extended out to the garden as well!

14. What an amazing terrace! The pale flagstones work so well to divide the natural and sociable elements!

15. This is the epitome of an English country garden, with unstructured planting and rugged stones!

16. Isn't it a great idea to make designer furniture pieces the focal point of a garden, rather than the plants? So contemporary!

17. What's not to love here? The shaped lawn, colourful borders and lovely pergola are all utterly beautiful.

18. The blend of natural stone and pared back wood here is creating a fantastic warm ambience. Love that pond as well!

19. Stone gabion walls are such a modern aesthetic that make a definite statement. The industrial overtones are just so chic!

20. The contrast of bright white and luscious green in this garden is inspirational. The contemporary finish is so undeniable as well.

21. This beautiful back garden design really proves the power of effective outdoor lighting and has so many inspirational elements. Just look at those lawn lights!

The do’s of back garden ideas

• Trust the landscaping/gardening professionals, since they are pretty clued up on your local climate etc. and how it pertains to front- and back gardens. In addition, working with them also saves you precious time and hassle. 

• Plan before you plant. If you’re not prepared to commit, then don’t choose plants that require lots of maintenance. Also, consider the size of those plants/flowers and how they will look in your beautiful small garden before you buy them. 


The don’ts of back garden ideas

• Be careful with invasive plant species – sometimes they just don’t take to a new climate or soil and, instead of enhancing your garden design, wither and die pretty quickly. 

• Don’t plant a tree too close to your home as it could negatively influence your roof, views, amount of incoming sunlight, etc. Always consider its height and branch length. 

Since we’re busy sprucing up our exterior spaces, why not take a look at these 23 cheap but effective (and stylish) garden fence ideas


Don't forget about arrangement! The key to a beautiful back garden is adding the right flowers in the right places.

When you aren't sure what flowers to add, our professionals can help you to figure out what kind of style would suit you best and which options will mingle nicely. Whether it's a dreamy English countryside or a traditional Japanese garden, there are plenty of options for garden design ideas in the UK. Before you make a purchase or a design plan, it's best to start investigating which flowers you'd like in your garden and whether they'll clash or complement. Of course, keep in mind which flowers may be too difficult to upkeep as well.


Perennial or annual? Take this into account when coming up with garden design ideas.

Again, it's important to start with low-maintenance plants and flowers if you're new to gardening. Don't try to take on too much at once! When you're looking at back garden ideas, consider whether you'd prefer to take care of plants yearly or to keep them up for longer. Perennial and annual aren't the only types of flowers available — biennial is another option. Some plants will break the rules. The takeaway is that you'll need to make a plan and know your garden.

Scroll through this ideabook to inspire your garden landscape plan.

Know thy garden — be a regular!

Finally, be a regular in your own garden. By monitoring how your plants take to the climate, what animals might pop by, and any issues that might arise — bugs, cold spells, too much or not enough rain — you'll become an expert on gardening in your own backyard. We hope you enjoyed these garden ideas for the UK.

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