• Use a little creativity to make small home landscaping easier.Garden image by TC from Fotolia.com
  
  Small homes need different landscaping techniques than larger homes. Making sure that the home is not overtaken by the yard is a big concern. Space is also vital when it comes to small home landscaping. Plants and lawn decoration need strategic placement in order for the yard not to look cluttered. Add in a small yard and the task can be daunting.
  
  

Height and Shape

• Recreate shapes and height throughout your landscape. If your yard forms in a circular shape, use the same in plants, accessories and furniture. Try circular container plants like kale or mosaic ball on tables and within the garden. For a square yard, try window boxes, which are easy ways to add shape and color around a home without taking up space in the yard. They come in a range of colors and allow for plants to grow easily.
  
  Height is also good in small home landscapes. "Layer plants of various heights, colors, and textures to add depth, and choose varieties with successive flowering times, so something is always in bloom," says the This Old House website. Add shrubs that grow at different rates. Or add pillars and lawn furniture to take the yard to another level.
  
  

Small Plans

• "When landscaping a small area, select a theme or style as you would for any garden, but think small scale in its development," suggests Better Homes and Gardens. Scale plants to the size of the home. Pick plants and trees that won't overwhelm your home. Consider small shrubs and dwarf trees instead of trees like oak. Choose short fences and gates that fit closely around the home. Place smaller scales plants leading up the stairs. Smaller furniture like garden benches and bistro tables can be added.
  
  

Simplicity

• A cluttered front yard on a small home will look disorganized and overpowering. Keep the landscaping as simple as possible. The more plants, the smaller the yard will look. Pick a few colors and varieties and stick to them. Or, try focusing on an elaborate trimming grass like monkey grass and keeping the rest simple. Add a little color by placing one or two plants with colorful foliage. Better Homes and Gardens advises you to "Choose plants with a range of leaf sizes, colors, and bloom periods, but keep the number of varieties to a minimum." Or pick one focal point and position plants toward it.