Small Spaces can be advantageous when it comes to gardening. Done well, they can seem bigger then they actually are, be more intimate at the right moment, or more accessible when a quick nature break is the perfect remedy.

Of course, planning the space first and working with a strong design concept is vital.  Stretching our imagination, pushing the possibilities and maximizing every inch available for us to enjoy.

Just because the space is small doesn’t mean all our plant choices need to be timid.  Crazy as it may seem, a couple “over the top in scale” plants can visually make the space seem bigger. Generally, smaller gardens offer more protection from the elements by design. Creating micro-climates, which in turn, expands the plant palette to select from.

Following are a couple of options in the tree category to consider:

Sweetbay Magnolia – Magnolia virginiana

This truly is a micro-climate, specific plant for our area and site conditions are important regarding placement. Sweetbay Magnolia may be a perfect candidate for providing that husky foliage in a smaller space. The leaves are long, bluish green on top with a silver underside, and in the 5-8″ range in length. The tree is usually multi-stem and the overall size of the plant is 12-15 ft in both height and width. Not to over emphasize the point, but sited properly, this plant is considered to be one of the hardiest, semi-evergreen Magnolias within the lower Midwest Region.

Emerald City Tulip Tree – Liriodendron tulipifera ‘JFS-Oz’

If this tree’s height can be accommodated within the space, its upright shape and refined form makes for an excellent cultivar in smaller spaces. The leaf itself, represents the outline of a tulip. Its flower’s are pale yellow with an orange center, blooming towards the end of May. They have a narrow habit, being only 25 ft. wide, yet grow twice that size in height. Showing off again in the fall with a wonderful yellow coloration for the season.

Small Spaces and BOLD IDEAS – now… There’ a Plant for That!