Shirley Watts had impressive artistic vision when she planned this garden. Each element, from the paving to the furniture to the plants, displays an attention to detail that makes this small garden something special. 

I can't be the only one with Fannie Farmer daydreams of Sunday mornings spent in a garden that's been around for ages. Problem is, I don't have an old garden (or a new one, for that matter). If you're also looking to fulfill green thumb fantasies, here's how to get the vintage garden look, with splurge and steal budgets.

Isabelle Palmer founded The Balcony Gardener because she wanted to make the most of her small balcony in North London; she wanted to create a space where she could "look, sit, relax and grow my own little bit of green in the city." From ready made container gardens to gardening tools and outdoor furniture, The Balcony Gardener has an array of products you can use to create a garden escape of your own.

The versatility of the pouf is one of the reasons it such a mainstay in home decorating. It's an ottoman, table and extra seating all in one. That versatility is also what makes the pouf perfect for outdoor decorating — especially if your outdoor space consists of a small balcony or fire escape. 

I grew up in Chicago, where the lilac bushes were twice as tall as we were and lily of the valley grew in a magical swath the entire length of my parents' house and yard. But here in San Francisco, the lilac and lily of the valley in the flower shop where I work are met with amazement — "What is this?!"

This month we have focused on getting our yards, patios and decks ready for warmer weather, but that’s only half of the equation. How about enjoying the fruits of your labor by throwing an outdoor party? Even if you haven’t had time for improvements, these low cost ideas will help spruce up your space for a get together.

When it comes to making use of a small outdoor space, it's best to start with the basics. A bistro set, with a small table and a couple of chairs, is perfect for an alfresco wine and dine. As an added bonus, most bistro sets fold for quick storage.

I've heard many a renter lament — "If only I had a sunny spot to garden." But you don't need full sun to garden. At my last apartment I had a lush, beautiful green space that was deeply shaded by the patios above. It was actually my favorite apartment garden so far, a cool, peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. 

If you're looking for plants that want to soak up the summer sun as much as you do, here are 10 for your consideration.