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Garden ideas for long narrow gardens


Long garden ideas: 10 rules for a long, narrow plot

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

These long garden ideas will help you turn a narrow outdoor space into a 'garden room' you will love. 

If you have, or have ever had, a long, narrow garden, then you’ll be more than aware of the tricky task of finding small garden ideas that make it look wider than it actually is, while desperately trying to ensure every corner looks pretty yet functional. 

You’ve probably spent hours rearranging garden furniture and trimming back hedges in a frenzied attempt to make your narrow garden space look more square, but in the back of your mind you know that, unless you move house, there’s just little you can do. 

Long garden ideas

Never fear – with these clever, narrow garden ideas and tricks of the trade, there are tons of ways to help turn that awkward, long garden into something the whole family can use and enjoy.

1. Install a water feature to create sound

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

In narrow, long gardens, the sounds from the neighbors can often be intrusive, but a water feature will help to soften or eradicate the noise entirely.  

It's an impressive focal point that feels sophisticated, yet will offer plenty of sensory benefits with its soothing sound, cool feel, and shimmering good looks.

2. Plant a sensory space

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton Photography)

It can be argued that all gardens provide sensory experiences, but long garden ideas with a sensory garden at their heart will have a concentration of different elements that stimulate the five basic senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. 

In the narrow and confined space of long gardens or courtyard gardens, scented plants work very well as they will fill the area with beautiful fragrance. 

A small garden shouldn't be a barrier to creating an enticing sensory space. Employ garden decorating ideas such as scented hanging baskets, tactile plants in containers, or simple herb-edged pathways.

3. Give each 'zone' a purpose

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton )

When you plan a small garden, give each 'zone' in your long garden a sense of purpose. One area might be for designed as a lounge area for sunbathing, one for entertaining and barbecuing, and another for indulging in a coffee or tea. 

Use a mix of lawn, paving and small garden decking ideas to create each 'zone' or 'room' – with clever planting and screens to differentiate each area.

4. Take shade and privacy into consideration 

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Think about how much privacy and shade you will need in a long garden. When it comes to garden screening ideas – getting the balance right is crucial, otherwise you risk blocking out the sunlight too.

The best trees for a small garden will provide excellent coverage without blocking too much sun, and can be trimmed back to suit your needs. Alternatively, temporary structures allow for a bit of fun and the chance to dress up the garden for a particular event.

5. Instead of paths, use hard landscaping to add zones

(Image credit: Future / Colin Poole)

If you put in a single walkway, however beautiful, it will dominate the view from the house – only serving to enhance the narrowness of the space. Instead, add zones to your long garden ideas with clever use of hard landscaping, as seen here. 

This contemporary design has been divided by beautiful raised flower beds and a seating area which cuts into the space, making it feel wider.

6. Don’t paint your fence using a dark color 

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Don't neglect your fence when it comes to planning your narrow garden ideas. In this shape of garden, the fences will be quite dominant to the view. 

Unsurprisingly, long gardens often have issues with shade – and painting the fence in a dark color will only swallow all the natural light – and make the space feel confined. Instead, incorporate the best garden shade ideas by training vertical plants up a trellis or slatted fence panel for added interest and intrigue.

7. Create screens using planting 

(Image credit: Future / Brent Darby)

Using the right planting is a key ingredient to successful long garden ideas. Get it right and the rest of the scheme will follow. 

Avoid solid barriers in a thin space. Instead, use trellises and vertical planting. Here, an internal garden screen is perfect for dividing a space into a series of ‘rooms’ and creating boundaries, allowing you to create private areas – as well as giving height.

8. Use ornamental grasses for privacy and shade

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Ornamental grasses can create a variety of wonderful effects, from the tall, arching Calamagrostis, which evokes the atmosphere of a cornfield, to the smart, ground-hugging Hakonechloa, which is ideal for shade, pots and long gardens. Tall grasses like Molinia, Miscanthus and Stipa will create a stronger but still informal barrier between different areas.

Being overlooked is the daily reality for most people living in urban areas with houses on either side, or immediately backing onto an outside space. If this is the case for your long garden, then consider investing in containers of wavy, tall grasses.

(Image credit: Future )

Laying a single path is one the biggest mistakes you can make in any long garden ideas. It will dominate the view and accentuate the narrowness. 

Also, laying down lawn and planting around the edges is another mistake to avoid. The shape of your lawn will highlight the length of the garden and the flower beds will only cut into the width. 

Instead, break up your backyard with 'zones' and eye-catching planting and landscaping.

10. Install a garden room at the end of your backyard

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

With more and more of us wanting to carve out some extra space in our homes, whether that be for remote working, starting a hobby or simply for quiet reflection, a garden room is one of the best investments you can make – and long gardens tend to be the perfect shape for them. 

It's a simple way to section up a narrow garden into smaller, more inviting – and useful – spaces.

What can I do with a long garden?

When it comes to landscaping a long or narrow garden, garden designer and CEO of Bowles & Wyer John Wyer shares some expert advice:

'It's really important that you can give a hint at what is going on further down the garden, without giving it all away,' John says. 'Often it's a good idea to have different rooms with slightly different characters or uses. Think about how you will use the garden – a sitting area, dining space, a zone for reflection – perhaps incorporating reflective pool ideas, or a herb garden.'

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

28 Landscaping Ideas for Long and Narrow Gardens

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Landscaping Ideas for Long and Narrow Gardens to make the best use of limited space and make it appear large and beautiful!

Do not let the small space in your yard stop you from adding a bit of appeal to the space. Here are some amazing Landscaping Ideas for Long and Narrow Gardens to help you out!

Check out some awesome vertical gardening ideas for small gardens here

Landscaping Ideas for Long and Narrow Gardens

1. Grow Tall Trees to Add Depth

houstonlandscapes

Growing tall trees amidst the groundcovers will add more depth to the bland landscape. Also, you may opt for stone paving with grass in between.

2. Grow Circular Patches of Lush Grasslands

Circular patches of grassy land bordered by brick walkways make narrow gardens appear wider. To make it more appealing, you may also add blooming groundcovers and shrubs.

3. Line Potted Plants by the Yard Fence

Line beautiful potted plants along the fence to use the corner space. You can also fill the garden with narrow plants which won’t spread much.

4. Hang Flowers Baskets and Creepers on the Wall

Hang flower baskets, install raised beds, grow blooming groundcovers, and train creepers to give your long and narrow garden an attractive look.

5. Plan an Urban Jungle with Tropical Plants and Large Boulders

Invite tropical vibes in your garden with lush foliage plants like Aglaonema, Palms, Bananas, and Agave. You may also add large boulders to complete the look.

6. Add a Pop of Colors with Vivid Foliage Plants

A long, narrow garden can benefit from the choicest play of colors with variegated plants. You can also add some flowers in between to enhance the appeal.

Discover the most colorful houseplants here

7. Divide into Sections

Divide your yard into grassland, gravel bed, and tiles sections to make the small area look appealing. Grow bushy groundcovers along the edges and set up a small dining place to relax.

8. A Beautiful Private Garden!

gardensillustrated

Design a beautiful private garden with a lush turf bed, sandstone paving, tall bushes, and a quiet sitting arrangement.

9. Hide the Sitting Space with a Clever Landscaping

Plan a clever landscape to keep your sitting deck private. Grow the tall trees and potted plants wisely along the fence to level up the aesthetics.

10. Plan a Grassless Courtyard with Pebbles and Paving Stones

Grassy courtyards require more maintenance. Save your time and energy by introducing a pebble walkway and sandstone paving to give your narrow yard a much-needed makeover.

11. Grow Raised Beds on Either Side

Grow raised beds to make the most of the limited space in the yard. Also, plant big trees to create a shady canopy along with other potted varieties.

12. Plot a Tiered Yardscape

A tiered landscape makes for a contemporary look. Utilize the long yard to create a bonfire at the center and border the edges with a succulent bed.

13. Design a Raised Urban Lawn with Pavings

A perfect landscaping idea for city dwellers! You can also install colorful fencing for an added charm.

Find out some beautiful urban garden ideas here

14. Don’t Go For a Single Path

Opting for a single path is not a good idea for long and narrow gardens—going for more than one path will deflect the attention.

Find out some formal garden design ideas here

15. Divide the Garden into Different Sections

Break the garden space and make different sections. Use plants and structures for creating screens. Install trellises and pergolas; create decks, paths, and paving.

16. Add a Water Feature

You can create a water feature in your long garden to eliminate the city sound. It will not only soften the noise but also look calm and soothing.

17. Make Different Garden Zones for Various Uses

Divide the garden into different zones. Develop the first for enjoying coffee and conversation, second for the sunken garden, and the third as a screened eating or entertainment area.

18. Choose Climbers Over Hedges

Enredadera

If your narrow garden has boring walls, borders, or ugly fences, install trellises with climbing plants. This vertical garden-like arrangement will create more growing space.

Look at the best shade-loving flowering vines here

19.

Paint in Cool Shades

While planning the narrow gardens, don’t overlook the walls and fences as they are very dominant to the view. If the area is small, always go for cool and bright shades.

20. Build Screen Using Plants

greenleafips

Do not use solid barriers in narrow spaces—instead, opt for vertical planting and trellises. You can also utilize the walls.

21. Use Hard Landscaping to Add Zones

You can add zones in long gardens by using hard landscaping. Build raised beds and sitting areas that cut into the space—this will make it appear wider.

22. Use Ornamental Grasses

Tall arching ornamental grasses create mesmerizing effects in your narrow gardens. You can grow varieties like Miscanthus, Molinia, and Stipa.

Look at the most stunning ornamental grasses here

23. Raise a Seating Area at the End of Your Garden

Position a seating area at the end of the landscape—the height will divulge the long line of view. You can also add tall shrubs to add a subtle screen.

24. Use Mirrors

Mirrors are an apt choice to make the space look bigger and reflect light into your long garden. Install a big one on a fence or wall as a focal point.

25. Set Bright Furniture

Add an aesthetic piece of outdoor furniture like a garden bench in your yard. It will make the narrow space look really dramatic!

26. Use Curves to Break the Long Lines

A twisting pathway is a good trick to break up the narrow lines. Round and curved shapes in a long and narrow plot make the space more natural and attractive.

27. Boost the Curb Appeal with Groundcovers and Creepers

Grow patches of groundcovers and creepers to complement the brick paving in the yard. You can also introduce a circular stairway to add a contemporary appeal to the overall look.

Look at some cheap ways to boost the curb appeal of your yard here

28. Pave an Asymmetric Concrete Walkway in the Yard

Concrete walkways look welcoming amidst a grassy yard covered with low-growing bushes. Pave the tiles asymmetrically to add more drama.

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Design of a narrow plot: layout options for a narrow long plot

An elongated elongated rectangle - literally a strip of land - is a fairly common form of land plots. They are often obtained by combining two plots in gardening, or go "to the fields" in the villages. And if a solid plot adjoins the townhouse, then, most likely, it will be of just such a shape. We are studying possible design options for a long and narrow garden plot.

BraytonHughes Design Studios

The layout of a long and narrow plot, the location of the house on it will depend on which side the entrance is organized from. And this, in turn, depends on the location of access roads and the layout of the area. It is good if the roads adjoin two boundaries of the site: as a rule, these are its two short sides, or this happens in the case of a corner location.

Travushka.ru

Important: One of the possible disadvantages of a narrow long area is shading - from buildings, their own and neighbors, from high fences. It is advisable to take this factor into account already at the stage of purchasing a site and when planning it. For such allotments, the location on the cardinal points is especially important. It is optimal if the site is stretched from east to west, and one of the long sides is oriented to the south.

READ ON TOPICS…
My sun: How to make a plan for a summer cottage based on the movement of the sun

GreenHeart, LLC

the narrow side of the long section is excellent: we separate the front part from the private part. Their boundary and natural transition zone will be the house. In the front part, in front of the house, the entrance zone is logically obtained, and the rest of the content remains in the back of the site.

Front entrance in front of the house will open your property to the street. Do not use absolutely all the landscape techniques that you like here: depending on the chosen style, compositions from cut shrubs will be appropriate, or one large bush with an expressive shape and flowering.

Agricultural Services

If you prefer classical symmetry, place two medium-sized shrubs on the sides of the entrance to the house - it, of course, in this case will be in the center. Maintaining their shape will need attention, even if you don't plan on turning them into complex topiary shapes. Otherwise, you may end up with an image of an old overgrown dacha. If this is exactly what you are striving for, feel free to plant a lush lilac, viburnum or mock orange.

In general, the entrance area can be left quite open with this placement, even if the rest of the site is enclosed by a solid fence. This does not mean that there will be no fencing at all, but openwork lattices and low hedges can be used here.

Tim Davies Landscaping | Perth

A clear separation of the front and private areas, their visual and actual isolation make it possible to implement multi-style solutions on one, even a small area. The entrance area can be arranged in the form of a regular parterre with its inherent attributes - lace patterns from the lawn or miniature shrubs, flower borders and topiary figures. Sculpture, classical, or, on the contrary, avant-garde, will also come in handy here. The private part of the plot, located behind the house, can in this case be solved in a more free spirit.

Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

This separation does not mean that parts of the site will only be connected through the house. Firstly, do not forget about safety standards - the house, if it is not a continuous building, should not adjoin closely to the fence. On its sides it is necessary to leave technical passages. With a similar arrangement, they will be quite narrow and long. They can be decorated with pergolas and decorative lamps. Also, with such a layout of a narrow section, for security reasons, it is worth organizing a second exit from the site - in its rear part.

SEE ALSO…
Scenic Gorge: Design solutions for bottlenecks on the site

The entrance area in this site layout most often has to be placed in front, shifting it to one of the side borders. If you still want symmetry, create it by placing plants on the rest of the site. In the center, draw a straight path to the porch, limiting it to the sides with flower borders. And in front of the house, leave a platform along the entire facade, connecting it with the parking area and side passages to the far private part of the site.

Affecting Spaces

All other functional areas will be located behind the house. Since the width of the site is small, they should be placed sequentially, moving away from the house as the use is active. Immediately behind the house, it is advisable to place a recreation area - as in the photo, a summer dining room and a children's playground. Then - a vegetable garden, a garden and economic zones. Some of the greens can be placed in containers next to the summer dining room so that they are at hand.

Ascher Smith

Garden trees can be arranged:

  • in a row along the perimeter of the site - in this case, they will help to arrange a not too decorative fence;
  • group them in the far part - they will create a green accent and visually make the area less elongated, dissolving its border;
  • or use them as a buffer zone to further subdivide the site.

Aralia: Innovation in Landscape Design

If possible, in the far part of the site you can arrange another secluded recreation area - a small gazebo, or just a bench surrounded by beautiful flowering shrubs.

Ekaterina Lieberman

Option 2: Entrance from the end, but the house is oriented along a narrow plot
several functional areas.

Fork Garden Design

An elongated entrance area will appear on the side of the house, leading deep into the plot. In this case, it is convenient to place the entrance platform and parking at the very beginning of the site, in front of the end of the house. Visually, high gates and plants will help protect it. A beautiful light canopy will make the parking lot more functional and replace the garage for temporary car parking if you visit the country house only on short trips.

The area behind the far end of the house, covering the entire width of the plot, is a great place for a recreation area and a barbecue. In the far part of the site, place a garden and economic zones. It can be separated from the "residential" space by beautifully designed outbuildings - a barn, greenhouses, a summer kitchen. Or plant a small garden here. Trees or buildings will act as a screen dividing the site into two parts. READ ALSO…0019

Dane Spencer Landscape Architecture

Landscaping Solutions

Tip: When designing a narrow lot, don't be afraid to use real screens. On a long section, they are more than appropriate - they help to zone an extended space and visually compensate for its overly elongated shape. Narrow enclosing elements - they can be hedges, shrubs, climbing plants on a trellis, light fences, vertical tiered containers for plants - will help to highlight backstage corners. In such a place it is good to place a miniature recreation area with armchairs, a dining group, or to hide a utility platform behind them. Due to the presence of isolated zones and fragmentation of space, the site will appear larger.

Archiverde Landscape Architecture

Option 3: Entrance on the long side of a narrow lot
If your extended lot extends along your driveway, this gives you more room for zoning. Again, home placement will help us with this. By placing it in the center of the site, you divide the space into two fairly separate zones, additionally getting a small space for the entrance area in front of it and a narrow plot of land behind it.

Freiraumplus

Acanthus Design-Denise Woolery

The layout of the long plot with the central position of the house allows you to clearly separate the "living" area with outdoor dining, barbecue and sun loungers, and the utility area - vegetable garden, orchard, sheds and greenhouses. They fit perfectly on both sides of the house. Since this way the site is divided into almost square zones, it will be easier to place equipment on each of them.

PLACE architect ltd.

If, with such an arrangement of the entrance, the house is moved to one of the short borders of the site, this will allow organizing parking and a utility site in this part. And plan the rest of the space, like the first design option for a narrow section.

Pocknell Studio

What Plants to Grow in a Narrow Lot
For not too big stretches, trellis trees and compact stem forms are ideal. They will help in zoning if used as visually light screens. In the same capacity, climbing plants on a trellis can be used. Trellised tree growing is ideal for narrow gardens due to the flat shape of the plants. Such a garden can be placed along the boundaries of an elongated area. In order not to visually increase the length of the fence, form trees in the form of palmettes with diagonal and vertical branches.

READ MORE…
Trellis in the Garden: How to Grow Odd Shaped Trees

Don't forget about container growing, too, as it will help compactly place both ornamental and garden plants.

However, lush shrubs in a narrow space should not be neglected. They will perfectly dissolve the far border of the site, making it visually more harmonious. They will also help in zoning, dividing different parts of the site.

Green Tree Garden Design Ltd

How to visually compensate for the elongated shape of a narrow area

1. Zone - a clear division into zones draws attention to the shape of a separate site and distracts from the overall shape of the site. As separators, you can use both various screens that give backstage closeness, and open zoning tools - paving, flower borders, clipped shrubs. They will help to divide the space into plans, making it more diverse and giving the eye clues at different distances.

READ MORE…
Zoning the lot: 11 steps, not counting the fence

John Davies Landscape

If you want a body of water but think the shape of the lot won't allow it, be bold. A narrow body of water - a stream or a geometric pond - will perfectly help in zoning a long narrow section. An alternative would be a dry stream.

READ MORE…0018 what is important to know

Kate Eyre Garden Design

2. Use relief - natural relief or artificially created, terracing will help in zoning and compensate for the small width of the site. Especially if the terraces are not straight and placed not strictly across the site.

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Over the mountains, over the valleys: How to take advantage of the terrain

Private Gardens, Public Places

3. Distract attention - When designing the area, use curved and broken lines in the form of paths and playgrounds. This will distract from the elongated shape of the site. For an additional effect, move the platforms relative to each other, combine different sizes.

Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes

4. Mask the boundaries - use plants of different sizes and shapes to divert attention from the boundaries of the site. Accentuate the far border to visually bring it closer. Also divide the long plane of the fence with plants.

SEE ALSO…
Decorative Fence: How to fence off strangers beautifully

Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes

Combine different types of paving, complement them with lawn and ground cover plants. Use this technique not only on horizontal, but also on vertical planes. A variety of textures, the use of murals, panels, and lamps will break an extended fence into separate fragments and make the elongated area more harmonious.

YOUR TURN…
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of stretched sections? What strategy helps to compensate them most effectively?

Narrow landscaping

Functional solutions for narrow areas

It is not easy to find an interesting and functional solution if you have a narrow and long suburban area. Often fantasy is limited to planting trees and shrubs along the fence and forming a small lawn in the center. In fact, this option visually narrows the area even more. It is more logical to divide it into separate functional zones so that different parts of the garden are visible only from certain places.

There are several ways to change the appearance of a narrow garden. It is worth trying to make the discount wider, which can even “climb” onto the lawn, highlighting this place with ornamental shrubs, for example, tree-like hydrangea or Japanese viburnum. These bright accents will allow you to divide the garden into zones. Zones with the same area look rather boring, so it is better to create sites with irregular shapes so that the garden becomes dynamic.

Viewpoints

If you correctly distribute the main viewpoints , then the site will turn into a real paradise. For example, deliberately place decor elements on the territory that will be important accents in landscape design: place a flowering shrub next to the terrace, put a stone figurine in the center of the garden, and place a gazebo at the far point of the plot.

A monotonous straight path stretching from the house to the end of the plot will attract even more attention in a narrow area. Therefore, for such garden areas, 9 is better.0224 choose a winding path , which will pass by a decorative pyramid with climbing flowers, pedestals, bushes with an unusual shape, thereby expanding the territory of the site.

Diamond or star shaped beds or a playground can also visually enlarge the garden. Diagonal paths between flower beds will serve the same purpose.

Ideas for long runs

Some design ideas for a long run. For example, a small garden measuring five by ten meters can be decorated with a hedge. Its zones can be two circles. Plant irises and poppies along the border of the first circle, and pave the territory itself with stone - this is a recreation area. And arrange the second zone with a flower bed of perennials, and place a magnificent stone vase on the site as a bright accent. Landscape composition of the garden will be completed by a pool in the shape of a semicircle, surrounded by globular maples.

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