The Gardening Mind by Jo Thompson

The Gardening Mind by Jo Thompson

Why it works - how to design and create a tiny romantic garden space

A quick-read how-to for a small garden space

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Jo Thompson
Feb 04, 2026
∙ Paid

Thank you so much for your comments on the first Tiny Garden Design case study - today, we’re going to take another quick midweek look at the tiniest of garden corners, and why this design works.

Here in The Gardening Mind you’ll find lots about garden design, plants, basically anything garden-related - if you love a Before and After garden design, you might like this. If you’re just landing here for the first time, a great big welcome, you can find out lots more about The Gardening Mind here:

Just browsing? Read this first

Just browsing? Read this first

Jo Thompson
·
January 1, 2023
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Thanks to its thousands of members all over the world, The Gardening Mind is the No.1 gardening newsletter here on Substack - please do come and join us. There’s a lot going on here, and it feels like a nice, cosy place to be.

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Small courtyard garden with layered planting, curved brick path, ceramic fountain, climbers, and flowering perennials creating a lush, intimate outdoor space

This tiny space is so pretty - and so simple. There’s feeling of, oh I don’t know, bountifulness? Shambolicness in a good way? Relaxation? Charm in a teeny garden?

Essentially, this space is simplicity itself, and it’s something that could be so easily replicated in a small garden spot.

My mission today is to explain to you what it actually is about this space that works. I’m going to break down all the elements into the easiest of how-tos, with a few adaptations, for sun/shade, balcony/garden etc.

Overall, this garden works because every element contributes to the whole space. We’ve got structure, space, movement, planting, and materials all in tune with each other. There’s no DFDS: every design decision has an impact on how the space looks, and how it’s used

I'd like to join please

Here’s why it works:

Firstly:

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