Small home atriums often end up as eyesores: designing a small atrium garden for these homes can be difficult. Problems with light and drainage seem simple compared to deciding what to do with the space. The key to creating a pleasant atrium garden space is to keep in mind which rooms face the atrium and to work with the home’s architecture and the homeowner’s decorating style.
Most homes with an atrium are of a modern style; however, Asian or classically styled homes can also have atriums. Atriums in two-story homes are harder to design because less light penetrates into the space. When designing the space, investigate the light and drainage conditions in the atrium. Drainage problems in an atrium can adversely effect a home’s foundation, so any problems must be fixed before any designing or gardening begins.
Small atrium gardens can actually be designed with few or no plant materials. A gravel-filled space with favorite sculptures and a small bench provides good drainage, an interesting view from the home’s interior, and a protected spot to sit on fair days. Atriums can be paved to create a courtyard, as long as drainage is provided.
With a little light, plants can thrive in an atrium garden. Choosing shade-loving plants is required for an atrium garden, but there is a huge variety to choose from. If a homeowner wants greenery and sculptures, consider installing topiary frames and training shade-loving vines over them. A single large “structural” shade plant such as a small understory tree can provide four seasons of interest. Consider a deciduous tree holly (Possumhaw) or a dogwood for an atrium garden. Interesting shade-loving shrubs such as Oakleaf Hydrangea, American Beautyberry, or azaleas can be planted around a small bench. A single sculpture or seating area in an atrium surrounded by a groundcover such as a shade-loving vine is simple an effective: try a deciduous vine like Boston ivy or Virginia creeper. Mondo grass makes a nice groundcover for an atrium garden, as do annuals such as coleus.
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