Courtyard Garden ideas with Agriframes

How to Make the Most of a Courtyard Garden - the Perfect Summer Spot

Tucked away from the bustle of everyday life, courtyard gardens offer a really great opportunity to create a peaceful, private retreat in even the most compact space - Courtyards were heavily featured at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and are getting a lot of interest right now so it’s the perfect time to revisit a forgotten part of your garden and create your very own oasis!

Whether your ‘courtyard’ is a modest urban patio or a larger walled area, the right layout, planting and structure can transform it into a beautiful and hugely useful part of your garden. At Agriframe our Courtyard Garden Range is designed to help you make the most of every square inch with elegant solutions that bring structure, style and year-round interest.

Think Vertical -  Maximise Your Space

The biggest challenge in a courtyard garden is usually space - or rather the lack of it - but small doesn’t have to mean limited. Think upwards rather than outwards when planning your layout  and remember that vertical gardening not only makes the most of the space but also draws the eye upwards, giving the illusion of height and depth.

A Wall Trellis or Screen is an ideal solution - slim but architectural they add instant character to bare walls and are perfect for training climbers such as clematis, roses or jasmine. Position one or more trellises along boundary walls or fences to create a tapestry of seasonal colour and scent - they won’t dominate the space, but they’ll work hard to soften hard surfaces and create a ‘living’ feature wall.

For freestanding interest, the Elegance Queen Obelisk or the Elegance King Obelisk can be used in raised beds, containers or directly in borders. These sculptural supports give vertical drama to your planting and are ideal for compact climbers like sweet peas, thunbergia, or morning glory. Even in winter, their elegant silhouette adds structure to the garden.

Define the Space

Courtyard gardens often serve multiple purposes – from entertaining to quiet relaxation – so it’s worth dividing the space into distinct zones. Use a small Wall Arch or a pair of Zinc Planters to frame different areas and lead the eye through the garden. This creates a feeling of journey and discovery, even in the smallest courtyard.

A seating area can be enclosed with Elegance Screens for a cosy, intimate feel. These decorative wirework panels give a clear sense of structure without blocking light, and they can be softened with planting on either side. Consider climbers like evergreen honeysuckle or winter-flowering clematis for year-round interest.

Add Structure and Symmetry

Form and structure are essential to a successful courtyard garden – particularly in winter when much of the softer planting dies back. The Elegance Queen Obelisk makes an eye-catching centrepiece in a raised bed or circular planting area and can be used to support climbing edibles like runner beans, nasturtiums, or even cucamelons for a decorative and practical feature.

For a more formal layout, consider placing matching Zinc Planters or Obelisks in pairs or symmetrical arrangements. This creates balance and rhythm – something that’s especially effective in small gardens where every detail counts - choose from our range of rustic or coloured finishes to complement traditional or contemporary settings.

Planting for Courtyards

Courtyards are often sheltered and can be warmer than other parts of the garden – especially if surrounded by brick or stone walls. This microclimate is perfect for growing a wider range of plants but do take note of how much light your courtyard receives throughout the day.

• Sunny Courtyard: Embrace Mediterranean-style planting. Lavender, rosemary, thyme and euphorbia all thrive in warm, sunny spots and can be grown in containers or borders. Add bursts of seasonal colour with geraniums, agapanthus, and salvias.
  
  
• Shaded Courtyard: Focus on foliage and texture. Ferns, hostas, heucheras, and foxgloves all perform well in low-light conditions and create a lush, woodland feel. Add a vertical element with a Wall Trellis supporting climbing hydrangea or ivy.
  
  
• Containers & Raised Beds: In small spaces, containers are essential. Use Zinc Planters for herbs, ornamental grasses, or seasonal bulbs. Their timeless design works beautifully in traditional or modern settings and gives you the flexibility to move plants as needed.

Aim for Year-Round Interest

To keep your courtyard garden looking interesting through all seasons, include a mix of evergreen plants, structural features, and seasonal highlights. The Agriframes Courtyard Range is built to last and designed to look good even when the plants are dormant.

Include evergreen shrubs like box, pittosporum, or skimmia for winter structure, and use an Obelisk to display seasonal decorations, fairy lights or hanging lanterns during the colder months.

Finishing Touches

A well-designed courtyard is about more than just plants – it’s about atmosphere. Add a small bistro table and chairs, an outdoor rug, and warm-toned lighting to create a welcoming space you’ll use year-round. A water feature or mirror can also add depth, movement, and reflection – helping to bounce light around an enclosed space.

Match your finishing touches with the tones and materials of your chosen Agriframes products for a cohesive look. Matt Black finishes work beautifully with terracotta, stone and timber, while a Rustic or Sage finish offers a timeless retro feel that complements both period and contemporary homes.

With a thoughtful layout, vertical interest, and carefully chosen planting, your courtyard garden can become a sanctuary of life and style. Explore Courtyard Garden ideas with the Agriframes Courtyard Garden Range – a collection of elegant, durable pieces designed to help you transform even the smallest space with timeless structure and charm.