Big Impact in a Small Space: Why Olive Trees Belong in Your Micro Garden
You don’t need a sprawling estate or manicured borders to create a beautiful garden. In fact, 2025’s hottest garden trend is the micro garden—clever use of compact outdoor (or indoor) spaces to create lush, living havens. From tiny terraces to sunny balconies, a well-placed plant can transform even the smallest nook into your own Mediterranean escape. And what better centrepiece than the ever-stylish olive tree?
Olive Trees: Naturally Small-Space Friendly
Olive trees are naturally slow-growing, making them ideal for container life. While a tree planted in open ground can reach up to 8 metres tall over time, a potted olive’s growth is much more restrained. The container essentially regulates its size, allowing it to remain manageable and perfectly suited for courtyards, patios, and even sunny balconies.
But the real magic? Olive trees thrive on a good prune. In fact, regular trimming keeps your olive tree looking shapely, healthy, and compact. You can train your tree to stay in proportion with your space—neat and architectural in a modern courtyard, or gently rustic in a cottage-style patio.
Designing Your Dream Micro Garden
Here are some imaginative ways to make your micro garden sing—with or without a full-size olive tree from The Norfolk Olive Tree Company:
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The Mediterranean Balcony
Pair a potted olive tree with aromatic herbs like thyme, oregano, and trailing rosemary. Add a bistro table and string lights and you’ve got a holiday-worthy retreat with minimal square footage.
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Vertical Vibes
Make the most of your walls! Use vertical planters or trellised climbers (like star jasmine or evergreen clematis) to layer interest without taking up precious floor space. An olive tree in a corner pot softens the edges and adds a calming focal point.
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Edible and Elegant
Combine the beauty of olives with productivity: plant dwarf tomato varieties, aubergines,figs or strawberries in nearby troughs or hanging baskets. Bonus points if your olive produces fruit—it’s the ultimate blend of ornamental and edible!
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Sun-Soaked Serenity
Olive trees love the sun—so if your small space is south-facing, you’re in luck. Accent your tree with warm-toned gravel, terracotta pots, or lavender for that sun-baked Tuscan feel.
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Miniature Masterpieces
Don’t have room for a full-sized olive? Go small. Many nurseries (including ours) offer young or dwarf olives—ideal for tabletop styling or grouped in sets for visual rhythm.
Caring for Your Olive Tree in a Pot
- Sunlight: Aim for 6+ hours of sun per day—position is key.
- Watering: Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Olive trees don’t like soggy roots.
- Feeding: Use a slow-release fertiliser or seaweed feed in spring and mid-summer.
- Pruning: Don’t be shy! Prune to shape after the risk of frost has passed. Olive trees genuinely appreciate a haircut.
Is Your Garden Big Enough? Always.
The beauty of the micro garden is that it doesn’t ask for much—just a little creativity and a lot of intention. Whether you’re cultivating a single potted olive or curating a curated jungle in a courtyard, small really can be mighty.
And if you’re dreaming of a stylish, low-maintenance centrepiece that evokes summer in Santorini? The olive tree is your perfect match.
