If you live in a busy city you might be looking for a way to disguise an ugly lot, an unsightly building, traffic noise or all of these things.  Here are some ideas on what you can do to create a garden in a small area.

1.  Use your plants and other decorative items as your focus.  You don't want too many as you want to keep your garden as open as possible to give you a feeling of quiet space.  There are many decorative planters out there in numerous shapes, sizes and colors.

2.  Consider what the outside of your home looks like and try to use materials that complement that architecture.

3.  Create a pathway or patio by using pavers or crushed gravel for example.  Somewhere to sit, like a bench or porch type swing which they make on stand alone frames will give you an opportunity to stop, relax and enjoy what you have done.

4.  A water fountain or bird bath that recirculates water will give you a calming sound and will cover up some of the traffic noise.

5.  Add lighting to your walkway for ambiance or use it to show off your favorite plants.  It will make evenings more enjoyable as well.

6.  An assortment of different size plants and trees will help you feel like you are sitting in a natural environment as opposed to having walls of hedges.  The different height and width of these items with be more pleasing and relaxing to the eye.

7. To keep the garden interesting you can choose plants that bloom at different times of the year or trees that have great fall color, you might even add a vegetable garden.  Choose items that really make you feel good when you look at them.  You'll know what that is when you see it.

8.  If you enjoy the sound of birds singing, bird feeders could be placed in the trees or on decorative hooks that you can put into the ground.  Of course a birdbath that is kept full of clean water is very attractive to birds as well.  You might also consider Hummingbird feeders. 

Whatever you choose to do, I know you'll enjoy it because you will have chosen things you love.  If something doesn't work, it's easy to change them out and try something new.  Have fun in your Courtyard in the City!