For some, working with soil evokes nostalgia for childhood summers, smelling thorny roses in bloom and plucking ripe tomatoes off the vine. For others, it might recall memories of a specific person. Aloe vera, for example, will always remind me of my grandmother, who grew the the medicinal plant to sooth my sunburns and scratches. Gardening is the sort of activity everyone—green thumb or not—can have a relationship with. (It’s also a hobby worth picking up if you need a mood boost: Numerous studies have shown that those who garden are happier, healthier, and live a whole lot longer.)
This is all well and good, but if you’re like me and live in an urban environment with no traditional garden to speak of, you might be stuck on a few logistics—most urgently, where to put it all. “Smaller spaces can actually be a gift,” explains Gardenheir co-founder Alan Calpe, “because you can truly transform any space quite quickly.” Whether you’re working with a fire escape or a humble stoop, Calpe argues that gardening is about working creatively through your own unique parameters. “You can always start small,” Teresa Kao agrees. (She’s the farm manager at The French Laundry Culinary Garden.) “Begin with just one planter and build from there.” It takes a little creativity, but small garden ideas can crop up from anywhere.
Vogue’s Guide to Small Space Gardening Essentials
The Gardening Almanac
Anna Pavord The Seasonal Gardener: Creative Planting Combinations
Jump to reviewThe Herb Garden Essentials
Sereniseed certified organic herb seeds
Jump to reviewThe Windowsill Pots
Terrain earth fired clay pot + saucer
Jump to reviewThe Catch-All Tote
The Six Bells countryside inn garden tote
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With the weather warming up and spring blooms beginning to reveal themselves, now is the perfect time to scheme a garden—whatever size you’re working with. Read on for small garden design tips for the city dweller, based on advice from the pros and our favorite essential tools on the market.
Photo: Getty Images
