What is the best way to plan out a garden in a very small back yard?

www.hometalk.com/categories/gardening-landscaping/landscaping/backyard

use graph paper - 1 square - 1 ft. sketch out your property lines. then show where your house sits, your drive way, side walk, septic tank/sewer pipes, underground electric. next plot out where the trees, patio, garden shed, detached garage are. any other fixed/ non movable item in the yard/ property. note north/ south etc.

make copies, and keep the original. if you entertain- do you do the cooking in the kitchen and bring it out or do you cook outside? grill, fire pit? space for cooler / cold drinks? how big a table do you need? bistro for 2, table for 8? measure the pieces you have- mark it out on a piece of new graph paper and then cut it out. do the same with the chairs. make these pieces mobile. try out different arrangements on the graph paper yard.

note where in the yard you would be sitting- what do you want to look at, garden flowers, bird bath? back of the house? do you want flowers for a season or to come back every year? check with your local plant nursery- show them the lay out-ask for suggestions. then go home and do some research. look up the plants they suggested. can they become a problem plant?

hope this helps!

I'd do raised beds and putting a patio in center.

use spray paint ...and mark out your area's ....the way you envision them.....u can make the design in any shape you want...such as ..kidney shape....circle ...etc.....decide if you want paving stones in one area to sit ....path to your flower garden.......mulch or large stone around your flowers.............firepit......so forth...i think you're getting the pic....the good thing one mowing and your paint is gone...lol