6 Surprising Benefits of Evergreens in a Small Garden

Often one of the most underestimated plant groups, many gardeners overlook evergreens for showy summer flowers like coneflowers or roses. But when winter rolls around, evergreens become the unsung heroes of the garden.

In small gardens, where every plant needs to pull its weight, evergreens truly shine. They provide year-round color, texture, and interest, ensuring your garden looks vibrant and alive, even in the coldest months.

Whether you’re designing a cozy courtyard or a compact urban oasis, incorporating evergreens is a must for creating a lush, inviting space all year long.

In this post, we’ll explore why evergreens are essential for any small garden and how they can transform your outdoor space!

The surprising benefits of growing evergreens in a small garden

These resilient and versatile plants are more than just a backdrop – they have some unexpected benefits too! Here are 6 surprising benefits to having evergreens in your outdoor space…

1. They May Boost Mental Health

Studies have shown that evergreens can help to counter the winter blues and also support mental well-being in winter.

When trees have lost their leaves and summer flowers have faded, the steady presence and lush foliage of evergreens can boost your mood, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm during the darker, colder months.

To keep your small garden full of life and color, you could create a winter friendly hanging basket with dwarf conifers or grow some climbing evergreens like star jasmine.

2. They Create Structure

In a small garden, every plant needs to earn its keep, and evergreens excel at providing structure. They act as the bones of your garden, giving it shape and definition.

Whether you use them as hedges, topiaries, or focal points, evergreens help create a coherent and well-organized garden layout that can anchor your design throughout the year.

When space is tight, opt for narrow evergreens like Juniper ‘Blue Arrow’, or bamboo. Just note the bamboo can spread quickly, so keeping it in a container is often best in a small garden.

3. Low Maintenance Heroes

Evergreens are generally low maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening. Because they are slow-growing, they tend to require a lot less pruning and care compared to many deciduous plants.

Their hardy nature means they can withstand various weather conditions too, so you spend less time preparing plants for winter and more time enjoying your garden.

Related Read | 11 Must-Do Winter Tasks for A Small Garden

4. Privacy and Screening

Privacy is often a concern in small gardens, especially in urban areas. Evergreens are perfect for creating natural screens and hedges that offer year-round privacy from neighbors or busy streets.

Tall evergreen plants like boxwood, yew, and holly can provide a green barrier that keeps your garden secluded and peaceful. Climbing plants like ivy can also be grown to create a privacy screen.

Related Read | Top 10 Ways to Provide Privacy in a Small Garden

5. Wildlife Friendly

Evergreens are not just beneficial to us! Many evergreens provide shelter and food for birds and other small animals during the winter months.

Holly, for example, produces berries that are a crucial food source for birds. By planting evergreens, you’re creating a mini sanctuary for local wildlife.

6. They Can Create a Microclimate!

Thick, bushy evergreens can also play a role in regulating the microclimate of your garden. They provide windbreaks, reducing the impact of cold winds and creating a more sheltered environment for other plants.

This can be particularly beneficial on exposed balconies where every bit of protection can help more delicate plants thrive!

Incorporating evergreens into your small garden is a wonderful way to ensure it remains vibrant, structured, and lively all year round. Their versatility, low maintenance, and myriad benefits make them a staple in any garden design.

Whether you’re looking to create privacy, support wildlife, or simply enjoy a garden that looks good in every season, evergreens are your go-to plants.