Many of us live in urban settings with little or no yard. Gardening becomes a challenge with a small backyard patio. Making the most of small spaces presents many challenges. The best way to go is with vertical planting and containers. Vertical planting can be used as privacy screen in small apartment settings. They can be planted in long rectangular containers. The plants can shield you from your neighbors, harsh sunlight and urban noise. Flowering hedges are particularly attractive. Using flowering vines as screens will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Fruit trees in large pots help block the harsh sun of early morning or evening with the added benefit of fresh fruit in season. Some beautiful vines include grapes, kiwi, hyacinth bean vine, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, morning glory vine, scarlet runner beans, just to name a few. You can also plant edible plants vertically such as squash, mini-pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes and many varieties of pole beans.

Hanging baskets are also popular and easy to grow. Lettuce, carrots, greens, herbs and a huge variety of flowers can be grown in containers. You could have a small herb garden right out your back door in hanging pots. Basil, lettuce and greens grow well in pots if kept watered. Basil and lettuce varieties come in many shapes, colors and textures. Exploring and finding your favorites could be a real adventure. Be sure to check out scented herbs at your local nursery. These sweet scents will aid in your relaxation and enjoyment of your patio garden space.

Adding small water features and a variety of flowering shrubs will give you an unbeatable back yard oasis. Add pots out into your yard will enlarge your area. If allowed by your landlord cut out pieces of sod and adding steppingstones will bring the outdoors in to your living area. This will add more growing space and places to put more pots. By making a garbage can cage of a little lattice and lumber affords you another spot to grow beans or flowering vines. Think in terms of using every square inch of your patio area.

Strategically placed chairs will allow for tables that also could hold several pots on, beside and under the table space. Spraying plastic pots with faux paint finishes will add drama to your patio space. Stagger your pot heights to incorporate many kinds of flowers, vegetables and scents in your outdoor living room. Complete with comfy chair and table will make you patio a favorite destination after a long day. You may not want to go to work.