Family garden on a thin plot

• Thin plot garden design
• Low maintenance garden on a thin plot
• Secluded garden on a thin plot
• Family garden on a thin plot

Dividing up a family garden with informal, sweeping curves gives you flexibility to fit in all those extras, like a bigger shed and a play area. Use trees and shrubs to blur the boundaries between each area and hide anything you don't want to see; climbers such as clematis will quickly screen the shed. Sunflowers are a great favourite with kids, and can form a fun summer screen. And don't forget to pick accessories in natural materials for the play area.

Will it take much looking after? You'll have to trim loose branches from trees to protect children, and the lawn needs mowing up to once a week in summer. You can cut down on other tasks by choosing low-maintenance plants.

How can I cut costs? Increasing the size of the lawn to replace or reduce some of the borders will work out cheaper. Using bark chippings in place of paving will cut costs, too.

Chosen by House to home