Small Spaces: Outdoor Solutions for Condos, Apartments & Lofts
For the rest of us who don't live on sprawling estates, it's a challenge to find an outdoors area of our apartments, condominiums, lofts, or other attached multi-unit dwellings. Learn space-efficient ideas to make the most of your outside space. Discover the range of possibilities that could transform your areas outdoors into private retreats, places to entertain, or spaces to garden.
With an outdoor privacy screen, you can add some much-needed privacy to your pool, hot tub or spa area. Maybe you want privacy for a small space or certain area of your yard, patio, deck or balcony. An outdoor privacy screen gives you personal space away from the view of neighbors or passers-by. This photo gallery of shrubs, trees and other living privacy screens provide inspiration and creative …
Follow along as Marie Ianotti, About.com's Guide to Gardening, reveals challenges and solutions for small-space gardens and outdoor living spaces. "Virtually any plant or garden style can be worked into a small garden space," explains Ianotti. "The principles of good garden design still apply, but you’ll need to tweak them slightly."
Now that your terrace or patio is built, how will you tackle the landscape design? Follow the design strategies and approaches suggested by Marie Ianotti, About.com's Guide to Gardening, in this information-packed article.
You don’t need a farm to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits, according to Marie Ianotti, About.com's Guide to Gardening. "You don’t really even need a garden. Plant breeders know that after taste, home gardeners want a high yield in a small space. So they’ve been developing more varieties that can grow in a small foot print or even live in containers all year long."
"Not every gardener has the space for a large compost pile, and not all municipalities allow back yard composting<" writes Colleen Vanderlinden, About.com's Guide to Organic Gardening. "The good news is that it's very easy to compost in a small space. Even if all you have is a patio or balcony, you can use this method of making compost in a trash can."
Wherever you can find the space, try growing a small herb garden in your apartment, condo, or loft. Fill a container with dirt and seeds or plants like basil, oregano, and sage. If you don't have a balcony or outdoor niche, place your herb garden in front of a sunny window, water, and enjoy your efforts.
Look at your outdoor living area's size as an asset: you can think out every detail and there's no wasted space. Follow these tips from
Sunset for ways to include everything you want, including paths, dining, seating, water features and the landscaping you love.
