When transforming a small empty area into a usable space, select a theme or style as you would for any garden, but think small scale in its development. When buying plants, shrubs and trees, look for the words “dwarf”, “compact” and “miniture” attached to your favorites. Less is more, and a theme provides a single focus which allows you to enjoy the landscape as a whole instead of being distracted by out–of–place details. Click here to see a before and after of a “zen” garden I designed and installed which introduces peace, tranquility and intimacy to a previously unused, small and barren space. The water feature we installed surrounded by river rock serves as a great focal point which introduces you to the space before leading you in a counter clockwise direction through the garden and the intimate seating and entertaining areas.