Creative Small Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Toronto Homes
If you live in Toronto, you know how precious every square foot of your backyard can be. But here’s the good news: small doesn’t mean limiting or less than. In fact, with the right landscaping ideas, a small backyard can be cleverly divided into zones for escape, gathering spots, even a garden oasis. Trust me! Even a small space can become your favourite part of the house!
I’ve worked with homeowners across Toronto who thought their yard was too cramped to be beautiful. And every single time, we’ve found ways to open it up, personalize it, and make it a space that is cozy and inviting. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only see what’s possible—you’ll know exactly where to start.
Let’s dig in! (pun intended)
First, Think in Layers
Designing for a small space is like decorating a studio apartment: everything matters, and every inch counts. The trick? Start thinking vertically.
Instead of spreading everything out, build upward with raised planters, vertical gardens, or trellises for climbing plants. Tall, narrow trees like columnar maples or cedars draw the eye upward without taking up much horizontal space.
You can also use different levels—maybe a raised seating area or a sunken fire pit—to create the illusion of more space. It breaks up the yard visually and gives each area its own identity.
Create a Focal Point
When you don’t have much room, your best strategy is to give the eye one thing to focus on. That could be a cozy seating area, a water or fire feature, sculpture, a specimen tree like a Japanese Maple, or even a stunning planter filled with vibrant blooms.
I recently worked on a yard where the entire space was tight. We added a small corner pergola with hanging lights and climbing clematis vines. Instantly, it felt like an outdoor room—private, welcoming, and intentional.
Want to see some similar spaces? Here are ideas to inspire you for your own small backyards. I promise you'll walk away with ideas worth copying!
Keep It Simple
When space is tight, it’s best to keep things simple. But that doesn’t mean your backyard has to feel boring. It’s all about choosing a few materials and plants—and repeating them to create movement and cohesiveness, drawing your eye through the space.
Maybe that looks like stone pavers with pea gravel borders, or an interesting paving pattern like a herringbone with a simple border or inlay, or cedar fencing paired with a cedar planter box. For plants, lean into perennials that do well in Toronto’s summer heat and winter freeze-thaw cycles: plants like Hostas, Sedum, Perennial geranium, Catmint, Coneflowers, Astilbe, Panicle hydrangeas, or ornamental grasses. The Toronto Master Gardeners have great resources if you’re curious about plants that thrive locally. Depending on your light conditions, choose 3-4 plants of varying heights and textures and repeat them through the space.
Pro tip! Don’t forget lighting, either. Soft solar, LED landscape or string lights highlight pathways for safer circulation. Up-lights make a feature of a special tree or shrub or piece of art like a sculpture. Lighting makes your space feel magical at night, lets you stay out longer to enjoy the space and creates the illusion your space is bigger than it really is.
Smart Seating Changes Everything
No backyard feels welcoming without a place to sit and gather. In a smaller patio areas, every inch counts. Instead of larger format seating, try built-in benches or furniture that serves two purposes—like a fire table that can act as a dining table or a side table to double as extra seating. Or smaller scale furniture will make sure you don’t overwhelm the space with furniture.
In one Toronto backyard, we added an L-shaped bench into the corner of the yard. It gave the homeowner plenty of seating, created a natural separation between the dining and garden zones, and didn’t eat up floor space like traditional chairs would have.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a new patio to your outdoor space but aren’t sure what materials to use or how to accessorize the space, let’s chat! I offer personalized consultations to bring your ideas to life and change the way you live in your outdoor spaces. Contact me here if you’re curious.
Mix Softscape and Hardscape Wisely
A successful backyard isn’t just about plants—or just about stone. You need the right mix of both. Hardscaping (like patios, walkways, or decks) provides structure and usable space, while softscaping (plants, grass, mulch) brings it all to life. In the City of Toronto (Zoning Bylaw), residential buildings require a minimum of 50% of the rear yard for soft landscaping, if the lot frontage is greater than 6.0 metres; and (B)a minimum of 25% of the rear yard for soft landscaping, if the lot frontage is 6.0 metres or less. Before starting any landscaping project, make sure to consult with your local by-law requirements or hire a Landscape Designer to take the guesswork out of the process!
In smaller yards, try narrowing the lawn area and extending the patio or garden beds. Low-maintenance ground covers like creeping thyme can take the place of grass entirely, especially in shaded areas where turf struggles. You can learn more about alternatives to turf from the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
If you’re into that cottage feel, flagstone paths surrounded by perennials can give you a lush, inviting look with very little upkeep.
Don’t Underestimate Privacy
You might be surprised how much privacy matters in a small space. A neighbour’s window or a busy alley can make a tiny yard feel even smaller.
Privacy screens, tall grasses, cedar hedges, or even decorative fencing panels can block sightlines without closing off your space. For a modern look, I often recommend horizontal wood slats—clean lines, minimal footprint, and easy to customize for your yard.
Want something more lush? Layer shrubs and evergreens to create a living wall that changes with the seasons. Hydrangeas, yews, and even Serviceberry trees work well in Toronto’s climate.
Add a Touch of Personality
The best small backyards always feel like an extension of the people who live there. Add a personal touch with:
A bold colour on a shed or fence
Outdoor art or mirrors
A feature planter filled with your favourite herbs
Seasonal container arrangements
Need ideas for what to plant this summer? I’ve got a full guide to summer planting in Toronto that breaks down flowers, veggies, and perennials that are perfect for hot weather. You might also want to explore container gardening tips from Landscape Ontario.
Think About Maintenance
Finally, remember: every square foot you landscape is a square foot you’ll need to care for. Keep that in mind when thinking about materials, plants, and layouts.
All plants need water and nutrients. Consider if you are going to do your own maintenance or hire a Landscaping company to do that for you. Until plants get very established, they need regular three times a week watering. Consider if you can commit to this or maybe an irrigation system is a better option. They use low levels of water and can be programmed for the early hours of the morning. Irrigation systems are very sophisticated today and can be controlled straight through an app on your mobile device.
If you are looking for an ultra low-maintenance outdoor space, consider drought-tolerant plants, artificial turf, or gravel paths. Want a backyard you can enjoy but don’t have time to maintain? Let me help you design something you can love without the stress of all the decision making that goes into creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
Let’s Make Your Small Backyard Feel Big!
It’s not about the size—it’s about how you use it. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet escape with a glass of wine or a place where your kids can play and explore, your small backyard has big potential. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Reach out anytime for a consult, or visit my Inspiration Page to see more real-life transformations I’ve helped bring to life. You might just find the perfect idea waiting there for you.
You ready? Because your dream backyard might be smaller—and closer—than you think.
