Why are small gardens often designed with only a few carefully chosen plants?

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Palace of Versailles: gardens — garden and landscape design The gardens at the Palace of Versailles, France, designed by André Le Nôtre.

In small garden design, the use of only a few carefully chosen plants is a strategy rooted in the principle of austere simplicity. Rather than succumbing to the temptation of overcrowding a limited space with a vast variety of species, designers focus on a handful of plants to allow each one the necessary room to develop its proper identity.1

This approach is particularly effective in miniature schemes, such as those found in traditional Japanese gardens or modern patio designs. By limiting the number of plants, the garden avoids visual clutter, creating a more cohesive and attractive display that is easier to maintain.1