Chicago homeowner Stephanie Harrold has enhanced her small gardening space to make the best use of every inch. The secret of this garden's charm is that it's designed in circles and curves. The circular seating area defines the space and works as a focal point. The trellis, fountain and staircase all lead the eye into the seating area. When planning her garden, Stephanie's goal was for the space to be viewed from both the living room and the kitchen. Brick on the house and the garden walls needed to be lightened to make the area appear larger than it actually is. The circular brick pattern on the patio floor is set in sand so that it could be softened by moss growing between the bricks. A fountain is the focal point of this small garden. It masks street and air-conditioner noise with its cheerful splashing and works as a buffet table too--a bonus, as the garden is too small for additional furniture. The entire family enjoys eating and lounging outside during the warm months. You can get more color into a small space by using plants with strong vertical growth habits such as delphinium, cardinal flower and veronica. Vining plants such as trumpet vine also provide a vertical expanse of color. Narrow-trunked birches also lend vertical interest, with their contrasting white bark.
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