The 48p Shein buy that's key to making your tiny garden look bigger & five other ways to give the illusion of more space

The Irish Sun

29-05-2025

YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger.
But a plant expert has insisted you don't need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy.
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If you've got a small garden, there are some clever ways you can give the illusion of more space
Credit: Getty
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A hanging planter is one such trick, and this gorgeous macrame one is 48p on Shein
Credit: Shein
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Use a well-placed mirror to reflect the light in your green space too
Credit: Getty
The bargain in question is from Shein - a macrame plant hanger.
"Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,'
"Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit."
They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them "feel like little hideaway - kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city," the company's founder Jo Lambell added.
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Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall.
"Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets," Jo suggested.
"It's a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme."
You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall.
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Tilt it, and make sure it's properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle - creating an "eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature".
It's also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose - such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench - to "maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free".
I gave my garden a small patio corner using black and white paint from B&Q and people say it's 'gorgeous'
Make the most of the corners in your garden too.
You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos.
"Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies," Connor added.
"It's one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture."
Another option is to create a corner seating area - which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets.
Add some weatherproof cushions to make a "snug lounge area that's both budget-friendly and space-efficient".
How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger
Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger.
Add shelves
- for additional storage and place to hold more plants.
Use foldaway furniture
- to take up less space when not in use.
Add privacy
- with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging.
Add a water feature
- to make your garden seem like a natural retreat.
Go bright
- when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop.
Use large planters
- to get more plants in less space.
Plant vertically
- add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger.
Use blue flowers at the edge
s - blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger.
Grow tall plants
- it's better to think big when it comes to a small garden.
Keep clutter a minimum
- as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is.
Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to "visually double" the space.
Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger.
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Dust off your DIY skills to put together a garden furniture set from old pallets
Credit: Getty