Great choices for small gardens

Planting in small gardens or on balconies can be tricky, but with the right plants, you can turn even the smallest outdoor area into your own piece of Eden.

Here are some great choices for small gardens:

• Yesterday, today and tomorrow (Brunfelsia spp.) grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is semi-hardy and grows well in containers. It produces masses of white, lilac and purple flowers and has a wonderfully sweet smell.
• Azalea is a great container plant for semi-shady areas. It flowers in spring but has attractive evergreen foliage all year round.
• Lamb’s ear (Stachys Lanata) is an attractive grey-green ground cover that’s ideal for lighting up dark corners. It grows well in sun and semi-shade and is incredibly hardy.
• The indigenous African daisy (Arctotis) grows well in pots, rockeries and garden banks. It grows best in full sun and will tolerate strong winds and very cold conditions. It is available in a range of bright colours.
• Climbing plants are a great choice for small gardens as they create the illusion of space by drawing the eye upwards. Try bougainvillea, black-eyed Susan, climbing roses, clematis and sweet peas.