Small plants for a small space

1. African violets With their heart-shaped leaves and pretty flowers, African violets are the potted sophisticates of the windowsill. They need bright, indirect light, and bloom almost year-round in the right position. Their biggest killer is overwatering, so it’s best to use a wick watering system.
2. Baby banksias Small, easy-care native groundcovers and bushes make a statement in the garden. The dense shrub B. spinulosa ‘Birthday Candles’ grows just 40–80cm high with distinctive golden-red blooms and looks spectacular planted en masse.
3. Microgreens Sprouts, shoots and microgreens have undergone a revival, appearing in chef’s hatted restaurants and smoothie bars worldwide. Perfect for windowsills, these year-round nutritious greens are easy and fun to grow.
4. Mini succulents They may look cute and delicate, but these plants are tough. Grow them in any container you like. There’s no need for drainage holes, providing you don’t overwater. Push soil or potting mix into the vessel, plant, then keep them in bright light. It’s that easy.
5. Pansies Of all the colourful flowering annuals that thrive over the cooler months, pansies are one of the most recognisable. With their ‘happy faces’, these plants are full of personality. They like full sun to semi-shade and well-drained soil.
6. Dwarf fruit trees Peaches, pears and other dwarf fruit trees happily grow in the ground or containers. Smaller trees allow you to fit more plants in your garden, and they’re easier to manage, from harvesting to pruning and controlling pests and diseases.

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