It’s no secret that New Zealand’s urban homes don’t have the biggest gardens. The closer you move to the centre of the city, the less green space you’ll likely have access to. But small gardens can be beautiful, if you know how to use your space right!
One of the areas we’re proud to specialise in here at Paramount Gardening is small space gardening in NZ. If you’re staring down a small patch of grass and you’ve got big dreams for it, then stick with us for inspiration (and a bit of know-how) as we take a tour through some of the best urban gardening ideas New Zealand homes have to offer.
Go the native route.
First and foremost, you can’t go wrong with native flora and fauna. When space is limited, you want to install plants that will thrive without constant attention, and there are so many native New Zealand species that are perfectly up to the task. These beauties are adapted to local conditions, so even with the urban heat island effect cranking temperatures for urban gardens, you can create a beautiful and robust space.
Not to mention, native flora can attract native birds and pollinators, both of which are sorely lacking in urban spaces. To achieve this, consider planting species such as Korokio, Coprosma, Pittosporum, or small Flax varieties. These are all hardy, easy to shape, and look incredible when planted in layered clusters.
Add a few rocks or driftwood pieces to create a natural, coastal feel that ties everything together.
Grow your own food!
Take back sustainable homestead living in the heart of the city by embracing one of the core principles of small space gardening in NZ: frugality. Many urban gardening ideas in New Zealand centre on turning these spaces into spots for growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Think your space is too small? You’d be surprised! Even if you only have a garden the width of your balcony, you can grow a lot with a handful of planters and some creative dedication.
Start by trying out herbs like basil, parsley, or mint near your kitchen door. You can also utilise vertical space by planting lettuce, chillies, and tomatoes, or growing beans up trellises to conserve ground space. Climbing beans, peas, or even hanging berry baskets are all ideal for this.
Urban edible gardens are having a huge resurgence for a reason. They’re an excellent way to take back your food supply, and they connect you to your space in a way that few other hobbies can. After all, nothing beats harvesting something that you’ve grown yourself, even if it is just a handful of herbs for dinner.
Use structure to your advantage.
If you can’t go wide, go tall! Vertical gardening is one of the smartest urban gardening ideas New Zealand homeowners are embracing, especially in cities.
Trellises, stacked planters, or even wall-mounted pots utilise vertical space, allowing you to clear the ground for other growth or keep that minimal garden space clear to enjoy for yourself.
If you want to give this a try, start by combining plants like jasmine or star creeper with hanging herbs and succulents. This will give your garden a lush, layered vibe that feels full without crowding you (or the things you’re growing).
Small space gardening in NZ, like this, opens up a world of possibilities. Try using screens or raised planters to create “zones”, which are perfect for small courtyards where you might want a dining area and a green backdrop.
Go for colour.
Finally, you might just want a splash of joy in your backyard. For many people doing small space gardening in NZ, this is the goal! That’s where florals come in.
When it comes to florals and small spaces, you’ll need to choose compact flowering varieties that bloom throughout different seasons. This means committing to a rotation and setting up beds for different co-planted varieties that you can keep alive throughout the year. Once their season comes, their blooms will reward your hard work.
We recommend lavender, marigolds, or geraniums as some of the best colourful and low-maintenance choices for urban gardening ideas in New Zealand. If you have some shady corners, try impatiens or fuchsias to bring colour where it’s usually missing.
If you have the room and want a bit of balance, a few well-placed hanging pots of greenery make all the difference. Even if you don’t have soil, the right balance of pots and trellises can make even a concrete courtyard feel like Eden.
The bottom line here is that, while small space gardening in NZ might require some creativity, it’s also one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to transform your city space.
Ready to explore what’s possible with your small garden?
The team at Paramount Gardening is here to help you design, plant, and maintain a garden that fits your lifestyle. Bring the multitude of urban gardening ideas in New Zealand to your own backyard, and learn how it feels to cultivate a small, special space at home.
Get in touch with us to book your first garden care session today.
