Small Backyard Space? Come Sit By Me!
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
― The Secret Garden
Don’t let a small backyard space stop you from entertaining.
Friends we live in Florida and almost everyone has a pool in their backyard.
However, the Captain and I have a pool in our front yard.
Yes, you read that right.
Our pool is actually in our front courtyard.
So since we have so much space in the front of our home, including a large front yard which leads into a rather large courtyard surrounded by a 9 foot adobe wall…we have a very narrow back yard.
In fact it is about 22 feet to the property line from the back of the house.
We have also planted Areca Palms around the perimeter of our fence for additional privacy.
And yet we have packed this small area with 3 seating areas, dining (eating area), plants, flowers, a covered pergola and a water feature in the form of a 3 tiered fountain.
I really love the sound of water trickling down the two basins to the holding basin.
I named this small backyard space “Kari’s Secret Garden”.
“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”…
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…”
― The Secret Garden
Before Hurricane Ian, we had it planted with lots of palms, plants and flowers.
Living in Florida has afforded us a long growing season so many of the remaining plants that survived Ian… as well as new plantings that have matured, fill the small space we call the Secret Garden.
The Captain and I love to sit out there knowing it is quite private from any of our neighbor’s views.
It has also proved to be a good place to entertain our friends and family.
Before Hurricane Ian hit, we had been using solar lights to spotlight certain palms and other areas.
Needless to say, those lights are most likely somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, so we decided to have a professional come in and run underground lighting which makes the
Secret Garden seem a bit magical at night.
You step outside the French Doors into my personal little wonderland.
We love our Secret Garden and you too, can use any space… no matter how small …to make a special place to entertain.
For this tablescape, we invited a couple over for a relaxed, casual BBQ of Smoked Ribs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
I have a tip for you.
I prefer a small group for dinner rather than a larger group. So, I often use the SAME tablescape and sometimes the SAME menu for a different couple on a different night.
Even though we had one couple for dinner, we had two couples over a couple weeks ago.
(Six is enough as I don’t have to do a lot of prep and I have more time with my guests.)
We may have one couple one night and a few weeks later, a different couple… but everything else is the same….the food, the setting etc.
I have been known to do this on consecutive nights.
Not the same food, but the same menu.
I figure if it works…and it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.
For this tablescape, I kept things simple and used twig placemats, Bamboo flatware, Tropical Palm napkins, and rustic Bamboo plates with salad plates featuring a palm leaf.
The centerpiece is a galvanized trough with various succulents.
For comfort, I have small pillows for each chair with a palm print that carries out the tropical theme.
I also like for my guests to be comfortable so all the dining chairs have arms.
We also pipe very “soft” music, according to theme to the Small Secret Garden.
The water glasses are unique in that they are hand blown and have a yellowish/orange ribbon around the center of the glass.
The outdoor dining table seats 8 but can easily accommodate a smaller, more intimate group of four, such as we have here.
We started with lemonade using fresh sprigs of mint from my herb garden which also resides in the Secret Garden.
We took these drinks in the cutest glasses to the Secret Garden to drink, relax and fellowship together.
By the way, I love unique glasses.
I think I need an intervention because I am running out of room in my various cabinets to store them. 🤦🏼♀️
As the evening wore on, the outdoor lights came on and made a lovely ambiance for our food and conversations.
The green “dots” are actually laser lights which make the evening more magical. EXCEPT….
Except for the white hanging basket that is sitting near the light in the above picture. LOL
I tend to “start” plants in older baskets that I can easily move around and I forgot to move this particular basket out of camera range.
Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden – in all the places.”
― The Secret Garden
The two solar lights sitting on the banister are so cool as we stick them on the fence posts or around the Secret Garden. (The four little dark pieces are petals from Night Jasmine that have fallen to the banister from the pergola…just keeping it real folks…these things happen) 🥴
This is another sitting area. Do you see the little stool to the right?
I love the uniqueness of it.
One side looks like a face, can you see it?
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”
― The Secret Garden
We have flowers pretty much all the time as it is always “season” here in SW Florida.
In my small backyard are some of the blooms that are native to Florida as well as many others that grow well here such as Crepe Myrtle, Zinnias, Columbine, Bird of Paradise, Firecracker plant, Wandering Jew, Magnolia, Croton, Ferns, Banana trees, Hibiscus, Red Ti (or Twisted Sister), Plumaria (waxy Lei flowers), Oleander, Dipladenia, Orchids, Night Jasmine, Bougainvillea, Meyer Lemons and Lime bushes and many, many kinds of palms.
As you can see, this small garden space is very private, but filled with flowers.
I love how the purple Crepe Myrtle resembles the lilac which we cannot grow here.
This garden space has so many plants and seating areas for such a small garden space.
It shows that one does not need a large garden space to entertain.
This is where I like to sit in the early morning hours and sip my coffee.
We have also used the fireplace on cool evenings in the early Spring or late Fall.
Note the Pineapple Plants on either side of the fireplace.
“The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place.”
I like to use console tables to give the area a homey feel and gives me a place to sit extra food and drinks.
I have two and this one sits close to the house near the outdoor sink.
I saw this sweet bird rain gauge on line and it didn’t disappoint.
I have several aloe vera plants that are huge and this twisted one behind a seating area is a great conversation piece.
Jesse James decided to photo bomb the pic.
He was coming back from exploring the West end of this narrow Secret Garden area.
He likes to visit the bird bath as the birds are making a splash!
Friends, please entertain al fresco no matter the size of your garden space.
Your friends will appreciate you.
Thanks for reading ‘Small Garden Space? Come Sit By Me!’
“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done–then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”
― The Secret Garden
Blessings Always
Isaiah 61:11
“For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.”
Thanks to Rita for organizing another Hop! She is the Master Organizer…perhaps she will come down from West Virginia and organize my garage! LOL
Never mind, that is way too much to ask of my dear friend.
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Oh Kari! You have created a tropical paradise in your garden! It is so inviting and cozy! Your table decor is simple, yet pops against the lush natural greens. I have only ever seen a Birds of Paradise in a flower shop, so I was tickled to see one in your garden! You be hard pressed to get me to leave the yard. The lemonade looks so refreshing in those unique glasses! And, the lighting really completes the entire look! So lovely!
Thank you Maureen for stopping by and for your kind comments. We love to entertain but with smaller groups and the Secret Garden has proven to be a perfect place. Have a great summer and it is always fun to blog hop with you.
What a lovely spot – I remember your secret garden from our Traveling Teacup days, and it looks even more lovely now! The lights and the gardens make it truly magical. Thanks for inspiring me with my own tiny yard – I know it can be done! 😊 Always so nice hopping with you! Hope you have a great summer Kari!
Thank you Barb for remembering….I remember the traveling teacup with fondness. The Captain and I spend a lot of time out there which makes it even more special. Enjoy your June…it will soon be July and we will all be celebrating again. Hugs my friend.
Hi Kari, your secret garden space is lovely and I’m sure your guests feel very welcomed and enjoy spending an evening there. I live on the Atlantic side of Florida and have an even smaller backyard. I wish I had your sunshine so that I could have some of your blooming tropical plants for color.
We just got home from church and I saw your sweet message Karen…thank you so much for stopping by. Where are you that you lack sunshine in Florida? We are in Cape Coral and it is fast growing in population as well as tropical plants. They grow 24-7 here….we have been here almost 20 years and believe me Kansas was nothing like this as far as growing seasons….Plants grow while we sleep. Have a great Summer.
Kari, what an enchanting place you’ve invited us to! It is secluded yet welcoming, magical, and a delight for the senses. Assuredly for the sights and I can almost scent all those flowers. It is truly a beautiful setting for entertaining, and your table holds it own within the garden. I’ve enjoyed hopping with you — have a great weekend!
Thanks Sandra! The Captain and I enjoy it very much even though we all know it is MY Secret Garden. LOL! Happy Summer
Kari, your secret garden space is so very inviting and your tropical themed table is too. Thank you for having us. A glass of lemonade sounds perfect. I’ll join you day or evening. Happy Summer!
Thank you for stopping by Sarah. We do enjoy the secret garden….altho we are having lots of rain this week. Happy June.
Kari, your secret garden is beyond beautiful! It is cozy and lush and tranquil – a perfect place to relax and entertain. I love that it is surrounded by plants and trees and that you have all the privacy that you want. I am so glad that it gives you and the Captain so much enjoyment and it is indeed magical at night. Your table represents your tropical hideaway just perfectly. I love the twig placemats and the bamboo edged plates and flatware, and your succulent centerpiece is lovely. The fresh lemonade sounds delicious and your glasses are so pretty. I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t want to be in that lovely place with you. Thanks so much for sharing lovely lady, and wishing a fabulous summer!
Thank you Kim for stopping by. I find these days that my energy level is pretty low so having a more casual way of entertaining works for me. You are too kind in your sweet comments, I am so appreciative. If you were here right now, we would be sipping on a glass of lemonade. Enjoy your family this summer. Hugs
Oh Kari, I love the idea of your “secret garden.” What a beautiful spot to reflect and enjoy coffee, tea or a delicious meal. Your tablescape is just beautiful and a perfect welcome to summer. The lemonade looks refreshing, and the glasses you chose are lovely. I adore their interesting shape and can see why you liked them so much. You have so many pretty flowers. Thanks so much for sharing them with us as well as your outdoor entertaining tips. It is always a treat to join you on these hops. Happy summer, sweet friend!
Shannon you are so kind, thank you. I find I look for the simpler way of life these days and the Secret Garden provides the peacefulness and calmness to begin my day (sorta a rejuvenation)…as well as for doing casual entertaining. It goes back to the old saying…’stop to smell the roses’. Have a great and fun summer with your family.
I love this, Kari! Your space, as narrow as you describe it, is still larger than ours, yet my little secret garden delights much the same. I love your table setting and how you will entertain multiple couples and use the setting and meal repeatedly. Why not? Especially if you and your Captain enjoy the meal. I know you enjoy the ambiance. It looks as though you’ve fully recovered from Ian, everything looks so lush, and the lighting is gorgeous. I love that Twisted Sister plant, as well as many of the others. Your Secret Garden passages throughout make the perfect commentary. Thank you for being a part of this blog hop and bringing the Sunshine State to the group with your easy-living approach to entertaining!
So, how long should I plan to stay? 😉
LOL!!!! our doors (and entrance to the Secret Garden) are always open to friends….and there is no restriction on staying time.
Thank you for your kind comments, as you can appreciate small spaces. I think you have a more difficult planting plan because your season is much slower than ours and we can use lush palms to hide some of our unsightly spots and they shoot up almost overnight, filling in, etc. I can remember planting a tree or lilac bush in the Midwest, and 7 years later there was not much growth. Here, our growing period is a few months and you have almost instantly grown plants. That is the upside, but the downside is, one is constantly pruning etc.
Don’t work too hard as it will be really hot soon as you well know. I can’t wait to see your garden’s progress. What you have done so far is amazing.
Kari, If I had to think about a “secret garden” I would definitely come up with yours. I feel like I am at a luxury resort in the tropics. The beautiful patio furniture and lighting does not all feel like it is a small space, just a cozy one. Full of lush foliage and beautiful flowers. I am sure you can almost “hear the waves” from your patio. The outdoor fireplace is a great piece too for those cooler nights. I can only imagine what those moon-lit nights are like in front of the fireplace surrounded by such paradise. Enjoy every bit of it. I really enjoy your hanging rattan lamps above your patio table and your choice of large leaf patio chair cushions. It adds to the greenery throughout the patio. It is beautiful.
Marsha I don’t know what it is, but the area does seem bigger than 22 feet wide. It is long and narrow and the Captain measured it for me to be sure I was stating the size correctly. LOL I think the size just makes it cozy. I like the rattan lamps too and they are solar, so the Florida sun takes care of those. I never thought I would enjoy the underground professional lighting as much as I do…but I find myself saying…why didn’t we do this sooner. Have a great day!
I love love your secret garden Kari! I love how private and special it feels! Such a beautiful place to entertain and relax. The bamboo plates, flatware and twig placemats are so perfect and I do like the pretty lemonade glasses. You have so many beautiful flowers, how fun to have Bird of Paradise blooming in your own garden! The lights at night are indeed magical~ For it’s small size, you have several spots to sit and enjoy. I know your friends enjoy coming over! Thank you for sharing your secret garden with us!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna…we do enjoy the Secret Garden and I really like that no neighbors can see in it. The foliage has grown up all around the perimeter which gives us such privacy and it is home to so many birds that give me such enjoyment when I sit alone in the early mornings. We actually have two birds of paradise growing…one that is in the pic is not native to Florida but the white one (not shown) is native…and it pops up everywhere. LOL thanks for stopping by my friend.
I’m so very happy to read your blogs and can fully understand your love of your secret garden and entertaining. You are a wonderful hostess and a special friend who appreciates the wonders a garden can bring to the soul.
Many hugs from across the pond.
Ross
Thanks Ross! So glad to hear from you. I have been keeping up with your dancing fun and your grands. We have been having rain everyday (a week) due to a tropical storm in the Gulf and for some reason I thought of you in England…altho I know you don’t have this much rain….so they were good thoughts. LOL
Much Love and Hugs Always my friend.
Kari, Your secret garden looks like a tropical paradise! So lush and inviting and perfect for entertaining with your seating and dining areas. What a great spot to enjoy your morning coffee or evening cocktail. I love the lights, they add such wonderful ambiance! I’m with Ricki Jill, I would love to see your pool area in the front of your home. As always, it’s a treat to join you at the table and hop with you again, Happy Summer!
thank you Mary…we really enjoy our time in such a small space.🥰
What a beautiful secret garden! You’ve made some wonderful changes since I was last there…what 10 years ago?
I’ve always loved the unique design of your property. The front yard is large enough and no one would ever know what lies behind your fortress walls! Such a relaxing pool and jacuzzi patio with so much privacy. And now you’ve made an even cozier retreat in the back! Kudos to both you and Tom for designing such relaxing areas to hibernate in. I know like us, when you’ve got a home to enjoy, it makes it harder to want to ever leave.
Thanks for sharing!
Janet
thanks Janet, our little space doesn’t compare to your beautiful Hawaii but it is the next best thing. I pray you both are well. We always love seeing you when you come back our way. Next time we will have you over instead of eating out. Hugs
Kari, I adore Kari’s secret garden. Such a beautiful spot tucked away from the public eye. The lights over the table are lovely. Such a beautiful place to enjoy with your husband , friends or yourself. Your gardens are so pretty, loving the palms and those gorgeous flowers 🌺. The plates with the palms fit in so nicely with your secret garden. The glass with the lemonade is so unique. I would love to have a seat at your lovely space. It looks so magical at night all lit up. Always a pleasure taking a virtual seat at your table.
Linda I know you appreciate a lovely outdoor entertaining space. Thanks for stopping by.
Kari, may I please come to Florida and enjoy your beautiful secret garden?! I love that you included quotes from the book, and by the way it is a favorite of mine. You have used your space so well, the garden doesn’t look small! You have created a tropical paradise with the lighting, flowers, and seating. The table looks so inviting with the twig placemats and the rustic bamboo plates. You certainly pamper your guests…small pillows, arm chairs, and soft music. You are a wonderful and caring hostess. Kari’s Secret Garden is magical and I would love to sit and drink lemonade and enjoy conversation with you, sweet friend💚
Pam I would love to have you in my Secret Garden…it would make my day complete dear friend.
“The Secret Garden” was pre pf my favorite books growing up. I love the idea of having spaces that are tucked away from the public eye where you can relax and enjoy an intimate gathering. Your tablescape fit the space so well. I’m sure your guests enjoy dinner, the ambience and, of course the conversation. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Lynne
Lynne I have books I hang onto from my childhood…that seem a part of me. Thanks for stopping by.
I love your beautiful tropical paradise better known as Kari’s secret garden. I enjoyed seeing all your seating areas and your plants. It’s even more beautiful at night if that’s even possible! I know you must enjoy spending time out there. I want to see photos of your pool out front. I’m sure that area of your garden is beautiful, too! This is a super-cool post.
Ricki Jill I will do a post of the courtyard…it is special in it’s own way. Thanks for stopping by.
What a lovely garden oasis! I adore your lemonade glasses – what a unique shape! And it looks so delish and refreshing. All of the flowers are stunning – enjoy your bounty! Happy Summer
Patti I have to admit I am a sucker for a pretty glass and my guests seem to enjoy them too!
Hi Kari! Thank you, I WILL come and sit by you with a glass of refreshing lemonade at your charming table–what a lovely spot and I adore the quotes from Secret Garden, one of my favorite books! Pinned! Blessings, Cecilia @ My Thrift Store Addiction
Thank you Cecilia…we enjoy our quiet time out there as well as entertaining.
Kari, I just love your Secret Garden. It is so beautiful and peaceful. What a cutie Jessie James is. He fits right in your Secret Garden. I would love to have a Secret Garden, but I have gotten too old to make one. We have a huge double deck, which we used to have huge picnics and barbeques years ago, but we can’t anymore.
Enjoy!
Love
Sandy
Sandy it take energy to entertain which I don’t have much of these days but I try to make it simple and the Captain helps tremendously. But the Secret Garden provides us with a peaceful solitude that we really enjoy….just the two of us. Hugs to you and Ron!
I felt as if I was there in your Secret Garden with you. What a Lovely place to entertain your friends or sit alone with your coffee in the morning!
Your tablescape is perfect for the surroundings. And I love the glass you chose for your lemonade. It is beautiful.
A perfect Al Fresco dining area.
Thank you for having us!
Thank you for your kind words Nancy….Have a great week and enjoy every minute with your sweet man.