Maintenance by its very being involves cost and gardening is no exception; the only difference is that perhaps it is more likely to be ongoing simply by its existence. Being a ‘live entity' it is prone to the elements, be they sun, drought or storm, or simply man made mistakes!Small gardens can be an oasis of tranquility or an area of mundane activity. The former is less labour intensive because it is maintained, whilst the latter is allowed to ‘do its own thing' which is the forerunner for an unwieldy area. In considering what is best suited for your site, create a list with likes and dislikes which will develop into a foundation for the finished product. Location will play a big part in your decision making; is the site exposed to the elements, protected, in shade or full sun? The answers will assist in your working through to a design stage.Small gardens need to be kept in scale and perspective and function should be incorporated as deemed necessary. Of course a small garden is subjective, so be realistic with your parameters. Hard and soft areas should be in harmony with each other. Plant selection to a great extent will be determined by location, plant size is also important to factor in, as poor selection can lead to overgrown plants in a very short time, and pruning is not necessarily the answer. Determine whether a small tree is a good idea and if so, why. What will its usefulness bring to the garden? Examples of small trees; Parkinsonia aculeata Jerusalem Thorn attains a height of 20ft with light ethereal foliage and spiny stems, yellow flowers in summer; needs protection; Lagunaria pattersonii Norfolk Island Hibiscus is an evergreen small tree with pink waxy flowers. Crescentia cujete Calabash a small tree to 25ft; is deciduous with small yellow flowers and the unusual habit of the fruit growing directly from the branches or trunk.In smaller gardens, shrubs should have an interesting flower, seed, foliage, shape or fruit to capture and enhance their presence. In protected gardens such plants as Punica granatum Pomegranate, medium sized shrub with red flowers followed by the fruit add interest during summer and into autumn. Thryallis glauca Cloth of Gold is also a good medium sized plant with yellow flowers in summer into fall. For a rambling shrub/vine consider Cryptostegia madagascariensis- rubber vine, compact habit with strong foliage and purple bell shaped flowers in summer to fall. Jatropha hastata Peregrine has scarlet flowers for most of the warmer months it has an upright spindly habit but if pruned correctly forms a good head of growth. When inter-planted with the blue form of Plumbago auriculata the effect enhances any border.Smaller plants and ground covers add to the mix but also assist greatly in reducing weed growth. Some interesting candidates include; Dianella tasmanica variegata Variegated New Zealand Flax, variegated strap like foliage to about 24 inches giving good contrast to green foliage; Senecio vitalis, has a low mounding habit and unusual foliage. Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi has a low mounding habit; leaves are ‘succulent' grey/green with a purple fringe, good for hardy areas. Crassula argentea Jade plant, has a very compact habit is evergreen in protected areas and prefers dry conditions to grow well.In very small or courtyard garden, think low maintenance, create patios or “hard areas”, forget about grass. Combinations of brick patios and “crazy paving” laid with planting areas between for such plantings as ferns, Sanseveiria, Lantana, Dianella, Dietes, Kalanchoe et al; also the use of containers placed on pavers. Small areas have an immediate impact, therefore select plants with texture, colour and shape to make a bold statement. Courtyards are usually enclosed on all sides or three sides making the design element important as the area will be viewed from numerous sides and should therefore be of interest from all sides! Consider such elements as wind, sun and shade as this will impact on plan types used and their success or otherwise. If containers are incorporated in the design, keep them to the scale of the area. Too large a container can take away the impact of a creative design; likewise shape and colour should also be given careful consideration. Old fashioned clay pots do not in my opinion fit into ‘landscapes'. Consider clay pots square or round with straight sides or a decorative finish. Glazed containers can be interesting but should be used with care taking into consideration other ‘hard' surfaces.Determine the location of the patio as the focal point (also size and shape), this should be a ‘solid' surface such as brick or stone slabs or similar abutted end to end with its neighbour. Determine shape in relation to the size of area as a square might overpower the area if it is too large. Small patios can be bedded on sand with the outside line being fixed on a soldier course as foot traffic should not move stone if ground is firm. Stone slabs can be arranged accordingly some being close together whilst others creating the edge of a planting area; again scale is important as to not overpower the stone or make the area look smaller. Allowing small plants to trespass slightly over surrounding stone slabs or brick is acceptable, as it creates a feeling of a garden effect by removing the edges of surrounding hard areas. Furnishings for small gardens should also ‘fit the area' small statues, chairs, etc, should be such they do not become a nuisance with regard to maintaining the area.January is a good time to start to plan for the year ahead as function and need are integral to design, especially for the small or courtyard garden.griffm@northrock.bm