THE trend towards smaller housing blocks and townhouses also means smaller gardens.
But there is a lot of scope in a courtyard to create an intimate paradise and, with less space to fill, there's more money to spend on quality rather than quantity.
If you have a narrow garden, add width by using the same paving material right across the space.
Light coloured gravel or pavers will create an illusion of spaciousness as well as brightening a shady area.
Soften walls with climbers that will also act as natural cooling.
Climbing plants also reduce the sense of height in high walls as they connect to lower plants around the edges of the garden.
Another option is to use a tall object such as a water feature or planters in the middle of the space to draw the eye away from the height of the surrounding structures.
Keep clutter minimal with a simple design.
Less "stuff" in the form of plants or furnishings will create a spacious atmosphere that will also make it a more relaxed space to spend time in.
Go for a clean, minimalist look that matches the surrounding architecture.
Block plantings of two or three plants will also minimise the appearance of clutter.
Try sticking with similar shapes in built features such as benches, outdoor fireplaces and water features.
If you don't want to grow vines on garden walls or fences, use them as a backdrop for other objects such as tall pots with sculptural plants.
This is truly where the benefits of a small garden become apparent.
With less quantity to buy, you can afford to indulge in some truly beautiful pots and sculptural plants that will leave that wall well and truly in the background.