A small garden is forced to be several things at the same time: a dining area, a play area, a garden, and a growing space. Typically, nothing gets decided about which function takes priority, resulting in none of the spaces being utilised properly.
Folding or stacking furniture is rewarded with space more than anywhere else in the home. A dining table that folds and flattens against the fence during the day allows the space to be used for other activities, and pulls out only for mealtimes.
Growing space, like everything else in the garden, eats into the sitting and play areas. Containing growing space along a boundary edge, like a fence, makes the boundary between the garden and growing space clear. A path or edging to define the boundary would cost more and be impractical.
Solar-powered outdoor lights are inexpensive and allow a small outdoor space to be used well beyond daylight hours. Lighting extends the use of the space and improves the enjoyment of the outdoors.
A multi-use space, if not controlled, becomes filled with toys and games. A fold-away storage space helps control clutter and occupy the space for its other purposes.