Small Garden Plants
See how a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials and vines can be used in a small garden
By Janet Loughrey
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The white or pink flowers of Kousa dogwood bloom from late spring into summer.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The berry-like fruits of Kousa dogwood are edible, and provide food for birds well into fall.
Photo by: Randall C. Smith
The new spring foliage of coral bark maple is striking against the dazzling pink bark.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The soft green foliage of coral bark maple turns brilliant yellow and orange in fall.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The serrated oak-like foliage of oakleaf hydrangea complements the blush white flowers, which fade to pink and beige with age, lasting well into fall.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The fall foliage of oakleaf hydrangea is a variable mix of bright orange, red, yellow and burgundy.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Boxwood is useful for edging pathways and defining spaces, as seen here in the garden of Nancy Cutler.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Boxwood lends structure and order, helping to define spaces, as seen here in the garden of Eloise Carson.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Another example of how boxwood is useful for edging pathways and defining spaces, as seen here in the garden of Eloise Carson.
Photo by: Randall C. Smith
Dwarf conifers such as ‘Nana Gracilis’ hinoki cypress are invaluable in small spaces for their slow growth habit and year-round appeal.
Photo by: Tesselaar Plants
Flower Carpet® roses make attractive container specimens provided they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight.
Photo by: Tesselaar Plants
Use Flower Carpet® roses as edging along a patio or pathway for season-long color.
Photo by: Tesselaar Plants
Flower Carpet® roses come in an array of colors and forms, including this soft ‘Appleblossom’.
Photo by: Tesselaar Plants
Flower Carpet® roses come in an array of colors, including this bright single-petaled ‘Coral’.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
‘Nelly Moser’ clematis performs well in partial shade, making it a good choice for small courtyards or entryways.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Many varieties of clematis can be successfully grown in a container on a deck or patio, as seen here in the garden of Mary DeNoyer.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Coral bells make great container specimens when combined with other plants. Shown are ‘Sugar Plum’ coral bells, ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra, ‘Bonfire’ begonia, and ‘Marguerite’ sweet potato vine. Design by Suzinn Weiss.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Newer hybrid hellebores come in a diverse array of colors, forms and patterns.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
The nodding bell-shaped flowers of hybrid hellebores are best seen from a raised wall or container where the flowers can be enjoyed up close.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Japanese forest grass, seen here in the foreground, lights up this deeply shaded pathway in the garden of Nancy Cutler.
Photo by: Janet Loughrey
Japanese forest grass is invaluable when used as edging for pathways, as in the garden of Ann Davis.
