Do you have a small yard in Ottawa? Don’t let limited space limit your dreams. Your backyard can become the perfect outdoor retreat—whether that’s an entertainer’s paradise or your private garden sanctuary. These four practical tips show you how to maximize every inch with smart, stylish designs built for our local climate.
Ready to transform your compact space into something extraordinary? Keep reading to learn more, including how NeighborScape can help.
Start Thinking Vertically
When planning your outdoor living space, the sky’s the limit—literally! By thinking vertically, you can uncover hidden potential in your backyard. Think: stacked planters, climbing vines, hanging baskets, and more. Installing a custom pergola is the key here: it provides overhead structure for vining plants while creating shaded seating below, stacking multiple functions without eating up precious ground space. Suddenly, your backyard can feel more lush and alive, all without adding a single square foot.
Choose High-Impact Hardscaping Designs
When turning a small yard into a functional outdoor living area, say goodbye to endless green space. Instead, opt for strategic hardscaping like stonework or interlock. These durable surfaces create patios, pathways, and seating zones that deliver big impact without dominating your yard. The result? A landscape design that feels intentional, organized, and somehow larger.
With over 20 years of experience, NeighborScape specializes in this type of work. Contact us with your small yard ideas—we can help create seamless designs that incorporate fire pits, BBQ areas, and garden beds into cohesive outdoor living spaces built to handle Ottawa’s demanding climate.
Be Strategic with Plant Selection
Small yards are all about making the most of your space, all the way down to plant selection. When space is limited, choose plants that pack maximum beauty but take minimal space, like petite hydrangeas, compact evergreens, and ground-hugging bushes. We also recommend thoughtful layers of local perennials, which can add depth and beauty to your backyard garden without the intense upkeep of other options on the market.
Prioritize Your Personality
Ultimately, your space is your own. Your design and landscaping should reflect that. When working with limited space, consider: How do you plan to use your backyard? Are you a social butterfly who hosts garden parties every weekend? Or are you more interested in a quiet oasis sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Ottawa life?
These insights will help inform your vision. For the socialite, prioritizing entertaining space might be more important and extensive horticulture and garden design can take a back seat. On the other hand, a design for an avid gardener should dedicate prime real estate to planters rather than patio furniture.
During your initial design consultation with the NeighborScape team, we’ll go above and beyond to capture your personality, then craft practical backyard designs that maximize every inch while still staying true to you. Looking for inspiration? Explore some of our previous projects or get in touch with our team.
Start Designing Your Dream Today!
Ready to start your backyard design and build project, but not sure where to start? The NeighborScape team is here to help! As a trusted full-service residential landscaping company in Ottawa, we’ve turned hundreds of backyards into dream spaces. Learn more about our team, explore our past projects, or contact our office for a quote. Let us help you build your outdoor oasis.
