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Is your garden in the Goldilocks zone—not exactly small but not big either? If so, you may be reluctant to call it "just right." Many homeowners/renters find they're stuck for medium garden ideas.

Especially with a limited budget, a middle-sized garden can be an uninspiring canvas. But you just need to follow some basic dos and don'ts. Here are ten:

1. DO make use of lawns

Creative use of lawns can visually open up your space. Instead of a single lawn, for instance, laying two lawns side by side with eye-breakers to hold the gaze gives medium gardens in London the illusion of greater size. Furthermore, offsetting borders for overall symmetry will add to the visual appeal.

2. DO make way for seating

Introducing levels and textures is another good visual trick. Wooden decking, for instance, not only contrasts with grass but also with the concrete and brick that London medium gardens are framed by. Of course, a decked garden is good for seating too. And multi-use areas add to the illusion of space.

3. DO allow your borders to thrive

Thriving borders are a perennial mainstay of medium design gardens. And we're not just referring to plants. The right choice of shrubs and evergreens will also attract wildlife to your garden—while also reducing your carbon footprint.

4. DO choose native plants

It's best to choose native plants, though. They'll grow more easily in your soil—not to mention weather conditions—and are more attractive to local wildlife too. Middle-sized garden plans incorporating non-native plants tend to require more upkeep. And this may involve harmful chemical pesticides and fertilizers. 

5. DO start with younger specimens

 Sometimes the best medium garden ideas can seem a little counter-intuitive. The inclusion of large plants and trees, for example, might use up limited space but they add to the illusion of size.

Starting with younger plants helps to ensure they'll take hold.

6. DON’T have too many tender plants

Carefully consider the kind of upkeep your plants will require. Tender plants have demands that depend on the season, such as lifting and wrapping in the winter. And some may need moving elsewhere for storage. All of this can alter a medium garden design, impacting the illusion of space and overall visual appeal. 

7. DON’T choose bedding schemes or temporary plantings 

In fact, you may want to avoid seasonal plants in general. Middle-sized garden plans are carefully balanced to prioritize visual appeal. Hence bedding schemes and temporary plantings, because they're seasonal, are much better suited to larger gardens with areas you can't see from indoors. Evergreen borders are better. 

8. DON’T choose fast-growing plants

Fast-growing plants may not be ideal either. Hedges and climbers like Wisteria can rapidly overrun a medium-sized garden design—at least if you lack time to keep pruning.

Opt for slow-growing perennials instead, such as box hedge, lavender, and barrenwort.

9. DON’T host fish

Unnecessary clutter is the bane of medium gardens in London. By all means, have a pond or water feature, but resist the temptation to have fish. Fish-free ponds require far less upkeep and attention, which means less in the way of unsightly filters and pumps.

10. DON’T have too many planters 

Speaking of clutter, you might want to limit planters as well. Think of them as garden furniture, given the space they take up, and make use of containers sparingly. London medium gardens are usually better off with few patio planters and your other plants growing in the edges.

Small modern gardens in the city can feel crowded and oppressed by their surroundings.

Transforming such a space into an oasis of calm can feel hopeless and phoney at best—and even a little jarring in design. But the key is to captivate the senses. 

It might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes the only way to shut out distractions is with a garden that's even more distracting. 

Create an oasis with sand

Sand is an excellent alternative to paving for modern gardens in London. And it can be used in much the same way—whether as a focal point or to line the whole space.

The great thing about sand is that it contrasts almost entirely with an urban environment. It's soft, light, and malleable, and conjures happy memories of the beach.

It's hard not to feel relaxed around the sand. Adding a fire bowl or chiminea will transport you even further from the city, with its harsh, synthetic light. And a hammock will complete the look.

 Pave your way to privacy

 Paving isn't always a bad thing, though. It doesn't have to mean flat, angular lines. Flowing arc lines and clean, light stones can add a peaceful ambience to London modern gardens.

Again, the key is to make it alluring. Tiered planters and living walls can give the impression of depth in an otherwise tiny paved space. They can also add privacy to your garden. But choose plants for their aroma as well as their look. Creating a totally different headspace must involve a range of your senses. So think scents, sounds (e.g. wind chimes), and touch, in addition to visual appeal.

 Deck the space with lots of texture

Wooden decking has a wonderfully tactile appeal. And the right choice of finish can make it a focal point on its own. Complement its natural texture with beautiful plants, and perhaps experiment with sand or grass to visually separate your space into zones.

Floor cushions are another way to add visual and tactile appeal to modern courtyard gardens. They're also a great alternative to garden furniture when the available space is so limited. Weather-resistant cushions can be cleared out of the way or placed as needed—for entertaining or spending time on your own.

Submerge your senses and drown out the world

Fountains, pools, ponds, cascades, waterfalls—you name it. There's nothing like the sound of running water for a truly tranquil space. Not only is the sound soothing in itself, but it also obscures and softens the sound of the world outside—be it neighbours, traffic, or planes flying overhead.

But it’s not all about shutting out the world. Some parts you’ll want to invite in. A water feature can attract birds on its own, but how about adding some bird feeders too? The appearance of birds, not to mention the sound of their song, will enrich your outdoor space. And you'll be doing London birds favour too.

Of course, water features can host other wildlife as well—from koi carp to frogs.  And they can suit any courtyard theme. Classical, contemporary, natural, playful, exotic, and many other styles abound. Some don't even look like water features, but rather sculptures or art installations. Giant polished marbles, for instance, or stainless steel pipes look great in London courtyard gardens.

So, to answer the question 'can modern courtyard gardens in London ever be truly tranquil?', The answer is undoubted: Yes! But it's going to take a keen eye for holistic design.