The Illusion of Space
by Tom Hewitt
When grouping pots, elevate some for added effect. Photo by Tom Hewitt
The back patio of Michael Becktold and Maurice Caron’s West Palm Beach home is living proof that good things come in small packages. Every square foot is meticulously planned, making it appear way bigger than it actually is.
Visually expanding space is nothing new, but Michael pushes the limits. His instincts as a landscape designer kicked in the moment he saw the place. The previous owner had been an avid gardener and garden writer for the Palm Beach Post. But by the time the couple bought the property, the only things worth saving were a gumbo limbo, a gardenia, a coconut palm and a handful of bromeliads.
To make matters worse, the limbs of a massive royal poinciana towered overhead, shading everything underneath. They knew they wanted a pool, so cutting back the tree was first on their list. But they also wanted areas for gardening and entertaining, so Michael drew up a plan that takes best advantage of the 50 x 70 foot area, which also includes a small guest cottage.
Today the pool is the centerpiece of the garden. Five jets on opposite sides shoot inwards, and a small waterfall at the end spills water into a trough. These features add ambience, but also help mask the noise of planes from Palm Beach International Airport flying directly overhead. By offsetting the pool, a wide seating area was created between the pool and cottage. Instead of having the brick patio come all the way to the cottage, a green buffer curves around to the front entrance, providing privacy for house guests.
Layer and stagger plants along a border to make an area look bigger. Photo by Tom Hewitt
Green buffers, no matter how small, help give the illusion of more space. Areca palms line one side of the property, creating a backdrop for a narrow mix of annuals, shrubs and perennials. “If your property is fenced,” Michael says, “arrange plants so that you cannot clearly see a boundary and your yard will automatically appear bigger.” Layering and staggering things also helps.
Michael pulls out every trick in the book to fool the eye. “Just keeping the center of a small yard or patio free of clutter goes a long way towards creating the illusion of more space,” he notes. But he also offers less obvious suggestions for making small gardens seem larger, starting with the selection of plant material.
Michael attaches orchids, like this cascading Oncidium, to tree for color up high. Photo by Tom Hewitt
Everyone knows cool colors recede in the garden, making a garden seem bigger. But fine-textured plants also tend to fade into the background. By putting coarser plants in the foreground and finer plants towards the rear, you can actually exaggerate the feeling of distance. The same holds true for garden art. Placing larger pieces in front and smaller ones further back can greatly alter the viewer’s perspective.
Perspective can be altered in other ways as well. A pathway will look longer if it’s wider in front than it is towards the back. If a shed is visible in the distance, make its door and other features proportionally smaller and it will appear further away. Mirrors and trompe l’oeil wall panels also help fool the eye.
Tall plants and other features carry your eyes upwards, Michael says, and keep you from dwelling on the smallness of a garden. He attaches orchids to trees and uses hanging baskets. Anything that provides vertical interest helps, from pool backdrops to umbrellas. Vertical plant supports and vines also work well. When grouping pots, elevate some for added effect.
Create intimate seating areas, Michael says, but don’t “wall things off.” Photo by Tom Hewitt
Even a difference in elevation of a step or two can make a small garden appear larger. Curves pique interest by making people wonder what lies beyond their view. Creating intimate seating areas also helps, though he cautions against “walling things off.” It’s much more effective if you allow at least a glimpse of what lies in the distance.
Borrowing scenery from a neighbor is another way to visually expand a garden. If there is no need hide a view of your neighbor’s property, don’t bother. If a particular view offends you, or you need to block a neighbor’s window, just screen what’s necessary. In many cases, a hedge at eye level is enough.
Maurice likes using colorful foliage in shady arrangements. Photo by Tom Hewitt
Simplicity is the key in a small garden, Michael notes. “Repetition is good, but stick to a limited palette.” Use containers made of one material to give a cohesive look and help minimize clutter.
Today, every square foot of landscaping perfectly complements the couple’s 1924 Mediterranean-style house. “It’s important to carry through with a common theme,” Michael notes. “Put the bones of your garden in place, then simply tweak the details.” In other words, learn to know when enough is enough.
Tom Hewitt is a garden designer and consultant from West Palm Beach.
© 2013 Tom Hewitt. Originally published in Florida Gardening, Aug / Sep 2013. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Stretching the Limits
Keep things simple and stick to a common theme.
Create intimate seating areas, but don’t wall things off.
Stagger and layer plants along a fence or property line.
Borrow from your neighbors by screening only what’s necessary.
Use vertical elements to draw the eye upwards.
When choosing plants, keep their mature size and textures in mind.