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How to decorate garden brick wall


Garden wall ideas: 21 stunning looks for the boundaries of your plot

Are you in need of new garden wall ideas? Maybe your yard's current perimeter is making you feel boxed in, looks a little worse for wear, or doesn't complement the rest of your garden's theme. Or perhaps you're looking for something that offers a little more privacy from neighboring properties. Whatever the case, it's time to take action and put those garden boundaries to good use.

Just like with garden fence ideas, there are plenty of creative and practical ways that you can add interest, whether that's with the wall itself or with decorative features. There are a million paint tricks out there to try, for instance, but you can also use these upright surfaces as a chance to grow a new vertical garden, as a place to show off gorgeous new tiles, or to indulge in a decorative metal panel.

Of course, walls have practical uses too; they can help visually stretch your space (a well-positioned mirror or clever mural will do the trick nicely), support a water feature, accommodate smart lighting and even become home to a mood-boosting outdoor fireplace. Once you get started, you'll realize just how many opportunities a humble garden wall can present.

Garden wall ideas: 21 ways to revamp the borders of your yard

There are endless garden wall ideas to try, whatever the size of your outdoor space or budget. We've rounded up lots of our favorites below to get you inspired to transform your plot.

1. Grow a row of espaliered trees

This wall separates two garden zones

(Image credit: Paul Raeside/Future)

Tall walls and privacy fence ideas are important for making a space feel more exclusive and keeping prying eyes out. And, they're useful for defining different zones in a yard, too. Take this stone wall, for instance, which adds texture and character to a seating zone whilst screening off the pool beyond.

A row of espaliered trees is ideal for adding a shot of green to the scene and won't take up much space. Once established, it'll offer a welcome patch of leafy shade to the area too, as the sun moves throughout the day.

2. Elevate the mood with an eye-catching hue

This outdoor dining zone has been given a fresh new look with Little Greene's exterior paint in 'Puck'

(Image credit: Little Greene)

'Give your beloved "outdoor living room" a glow-up by painting your exterior space – it can make such a difference and is so simple to do,' says Co-Founders of COAT Paints Rob Abrahams and Rob Green. Plus, all you need is a tin of paint and a few brushes, so it's a great choice if you're after a budget-friendly update (or cheap fence ideas).

There are plenty of hues to choose from, but how about taking a cue from this set-up above? It will help your plot's perimeter blend in with the surrounding greenery of your garden. 'That way, you'll blur the boundaries of your outside space and make it look bigger than it actually is,' says Rob and Rob. Plus, it'll win you style points too, due to its soothing and sophisticated vibe. 

Why not attach simple wooden shelves as well? Not only will they add to your garden storage ideas but they'll also provide space for decorative features such as potted plants or solar lanterns. Perfect for an outdoor dining zone or kitchen.

3. Add a whimsical window

This wall is full of characterful features

(Image credit: Joe Wainwright/Future)

Whether you go for a modern look or a classic design like this, an arched window is a simple way to break up an otherwise imposing stretch of wall. This one frames the leafy views beyond beautifully, whilst a colorful window box makes a lovely finishing touch. 

Hanging basket ideas are also a great way to liven up garden walls, bringing more flowers and foliage into any sized space. Why not upcycle an old shelving unit like this one with a lick of paint to secure to the wall, too? Then, you can adorn it with matching planters filled with blooms, micro greens, or perhaps an aromatic herb garden.

4. Soothe the scene with a water wall

The Roots in Finland Kyrö Garden by Taina Suonio at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019

(Image credit: Sarah Cuttle/RHS)

We're head-over-heels for garden wall ideas like this. Although simple, it offers so much to the overall ambience of a plot due to its soothing sound and flowing movement. And, paired with a dark grey hue on either side, it allows the colors of the strappy green leaves and delicate pink blossom in front to pop.

Why not recreate the look as part of your modern garden ideas? If you're looking for more contemporary inspo, our guide has you covered.

Decorate your wall with a DIY creation

(Image credit: Photoword/Colin Poole/Future)

Looking for something a little more unique for your garden wall ideas? It won't last forever, but a giant outdoor wreath will certainly turn heads and makes a lovely accent for a garden party or special occasion.

If you're feeling creative, you could make one yourself from seasonal foliage and flowers from your garden. Spritz it with water to help maintain its freshness for longer, or opt for a dried design with the likes of lavender and eucalyptus for less maintenance.

Our garden decor ideas has more pretty looks to help you pep up your outdoor space.

6. Dazzle with tiles on your garden wall

This garden wall makes a stunning feature with its jewel-like hue

(Image credit: Kingston Lafferty Design)

Bring boring boundaries alive by adding richly-colored glazed tiles as part of your garden wall ideas. Stick to one bold shade for maximum effect and let natural light play across the undulating surface, picking out the subtle variations of tone. 

Look for unusually shaped tiles such as triangular, hexagonal or lozenge for a textured finish and ensure the glaze is frost proof.

7. Make it a fun feature

A vivid pink wall brings a sense of play to this plot

(Image credit: Polly Wreford/Future)

It's bold, it's pink, and it will certainly be a talking point. Garden wall ideas like these add an artistic, almost sculptural presence to a space.

With its cut-out design and the addition of animal topiary, it makes for a fun feature for any garden, no matter its size. It could also be used as part of your garden screening ideas – what a way to hide the compost bin!

8. Frame a bold garden wall

The Amberley sofa set from Garden Trading

(Image credit: Garden Trading)

Painting an outside wall black may seem drastic but with some careful thought and clever planning it can boost the color of plants and furniture around it and create a super stylish feature. 

Treat brickwork to a fresh coat of matt black masonry paint and add simple wooden pergola ideas in front for a 'frame'. Use this structure as a support for leafy climbers and strings of festoon lights. Then, bring groups of tall, planted containers in on either side and add comfy garden furniture to create the perfect outdoor chill-out zone. 

9. Hang laser-cut panels

Decorative metal panels from Peter Reader Landscapes contrast beautifully against a grey brick backdrop

(Image credit: Peter Reader Landscapes)

Add a decorative touch to a dominant brick wall with some laser-cut metalwork panels. A stylish and contemporary way to introduce color and pattern to an outside space, without appearing twee or fussy, there are many different options available.

Choose from off-the-peg panels in Corten or stainless steel or go for a bespoke steel design that can be powder coated in a color of your choice. This classy trio in burnt orange forms a key part of this design by Peter Reader Landscapes and looks stunning against the cool, grey paving and slatted timber fencing. 

This look would work just as well on a sturdy fence, if you're after garden fence decoration ideas.

10. Install a wall-to-wall mirror

A simple yet effective design by Silva Landscapes

(Image credit: Silva Landscapes)

Replace a boring wall with a space-stretching garden mirror and not only will it create the illusion of more room but it will also reflect extra light too. This concept is great for small, urban courtyard garden ideas such as this London plot by Silva Landscapes .  

Made up of several frameless panels, they have been carefully installed to create a single, flush-fitting mirrored surface that spans to the end of the garden. Planting right up against the mirror and encouraging branches and ivy to overhang the top edge enhances the effect and helps it blend in. 

Our feature on how to make a small garden look bigger has more space-enhancing tips. 

11. Fit fretwork screens

Weathering steel large decorative panels from The Worm That Turned

(Image credit: The Worm That Turned)

Decorative and undeniably beautiful, intricately cut metal screens make stunning alternatives to traditional walls and fences. They offer privacy and security while still letting daylight filter though. And, these garden wall ideas need very little upkeep too. 

There are numerous off-the-peg designs to choose from including leaf, flower or geometric patterns that repeat across entire panels or feature as a single, large scale motif. Materials vary too, from elegant rust-look Corten steel to smooth, powder coated aluminium. 

12. Play with texture on your garden wall

This scene designed by Gregory Phillips Architects sets an industrial-chic tone

(Image credit: Darren Chung/Gregory Phillips Architects)

Bring a playful yet industrial feel to your outside space with a textured wall. Perfect as a statement screen behind a lounging or cooking area, a wall with a three-dimensional surface can add a touch of pattern and warmth without being overwhelming. 

There are several ways to achieve this look. For instance, you could go for a bespoke style in cast concrete blocks as shown in this chic design by Gregory Phillips Architects , or try 3-D exterior cladding. Whatever finish you choose it will take on a whole different dimension when lit up at night with outdoor lighting ideas. 

13. Fake space with a mirror

This sleek garden space was designed by Robert Myers and built by Landform Consultants

(Image credit: Landform Consultants/Design by Robert Myers)

If you want to conjure up more space, try using well-positioned garden mirror ideas and never-ending paving. Best located in a corner where it can be viewed from an angle, the trick is to run a path and planting right up to the base of the mirror to create the illusion of a continuous space. 

Choose from lightweight acrylic or tough mirror glass and make sure the product is well-sealed against moisture seeping in.

14. Use a quick-build veneer wall

Give your garden wall some added sparkle with this Stoneface Drystack Nero Quartzite Mirror walling from Marshalls

(Image credit: Marshalls)

If you love the intricacy of a handcrafted stacked stone wall but can't justify the time and cost of installing the real thing, then cheat the look with a stone veneer. Perfect for retro fitting or covering a newly built flat block wall, you can achieve a naturally hewn, textured finish that will add structure and drama to your outside space. 

Highlight the finished surface even more by incorporating a timber bench into your retaining wall – a great space-saving solution for small garden ideas.

15. Grow a living wall

This verdant backdrop has been created using a pod system from Living Wall Solutions

(Image credit: Living Wall Solutions)

Do your bit for wildlife – and make the most of a limited space too – by planting a living wall. A lush tapestry of foliage and blooms is a great way to spruce up a plain wall and makes an eye-catching feature.

There are many different growing systems out there but one of the easiest to maintain is a pod system such as this one. Made up of a series of stackable planters you can easily arrange them to suit your space and grow a wide range of plants to get the look you want. 

It's also easy to arrange and replant them as needed, plus you can water the top row and let the irrigation system take care of the rest. 

16. Play with shadows

This contemporary garden incorporates sleek garden walls and a built in water feature. It was designed by John Davies and built by Landform Consultants

(Image credit: Landform Consultants/Designed by John Davies)

Just like gardens, walls can take on a different role at night. A crisp, stone-clad wall by day can easily become the perfect screen for displaying dramatic shadows and dancing plant silhouettes when lit up when dusk falls. 

Quick and easy to do, play around with affordable solar lights (you'll find our pick of the best solar lights in our guide). Tuck them into pots and borders slightly away from the base of key plants to get the best effect. Alternatively, invest in mains-powered uplighters that can be angled and layered as part of a permanent garden lighting scheme.

17. Paint a space-enhancing mural on your wall

This stunning mural by Alexa Ryan Mills Garden Design and SS4 Architects has turned a plain garden wall into a statement feature 

(Image credit: William Eckersley for Alexa Ryan Mills Garden Design and SS4 Architects)

Turn an eyesore into a work of art with a beautifully painted mural. Yes, it's a bold step, but as shown in this show-stopping garden design, it can add a spectacular and truly individual feature to your outside space.  

The secret is to go for an evocative image that will blur with the view beyond your garden – it could be the sky, rolling hills or an undulating row of trees. Avoid using any exacting details and use cool, gentle receding tones to help create the illusion of space.

18. Mix and match finishes

Steel Corten Luxury DesignClad wall cladding from London Stone

(Image credit: London Stone)

Treat garden walls as a blank canvas and make your mark by mixing color, planting and interesting surfaces. Timber panels, metal sheets, porcelain tiles and innovative ceramic stoneware cladding all have their own individual characteristics and can be combined in different measures to create a chic and contemporary look. 

Layer up with statement planting – such as this combo of clipped box, silver foliaged olive trees and white bark Himalayan birch – to bring the finished look alive.

19. Create an illusion of another world

This shuttered mirror from Cox and Cox has beautifully weathered metal shutters that work perfectly in a rustic or contemporary setting

(Image credit: Cox & Cox)

Add a surprise element to your backyard by hanging a shuttered mirror, false doorway or a garden gate idea. Surrounded by creepers and nestled amongst foliage, these enchanting gateways add a feel of mystery and intrigue and conjure up the illusion of extra space too.

20. Try sleek and versatile fencing

This family-friendly garden features contemporary fencing and a built-in sandpit in the modern decking. It was designed by Robert Myers and built by Landform Consultants

(Image credit: Landform Lambeth)

Great for a smart and contemporary look, narrow-slatted fences make an eye-catching alternative to traditional brick walls. Not only can they be painted any shade and help to visually lengthen a small garden, they can also easily accommodate water feature ideas and the best outdoor wall lights. 

Fitted in front of the existing boundary, any less-than-lovely pipework or wiring can sit neatly in the gap behind, out of sight, appearing only at the point it is needed. The finished result is chic and super smart as shown in this gorgeous garden.

21. Go for stacked timber walls

This black heat-resistant Stig log burner by Adezz at Flora Select has been teamed with a matching tall wood storage unit for an eye-catching feature in this garden

(Image credit: Flora Select)

There's no better combo than logs and flames for cozying up an outside space, so swap plain walls for a large scale, tactile wood pile. Held securely in place within tall steel storage units, the cut timber ends merge to create an organic patterned jigsaw, creating a fuss-free, contemporary look. 

Team with a freestanding log burner and black steel back panel and you've got the perfect outdoor snug. Or, our outdoor fireplace ideas will have you inspired.

More top tips for decorating backyard walls:

Looking for more fabulous garden wall ideas? The team from Gardenesque share their suggestions:

Clambering plants make a stunning backdrop for this Mayfair furniture from Bridgman

(Image credit: Bridgman)

Do you need foundations for a garden wall?

In short – yes, you definitely need foundations for a garden wall to keep it sturdily in place.  

The first step is to dig a trench. The wall will go in the center of this trench, with an equal amount of space on either side. How much space depends on the type of wall you're building, including its thickness and height, as well as the soil type in your yard. However, a good rule of thumb – at least for walls under 30in in height – is to make the measurements of the trench's width double the thickness of your wall. In terms of depth, a minimum of 12in is generally regarded deep enough for a light wall, if the soil is well-drained and firm.

The bottom of the trench is then filled with a level layer of concrete mixed with aggregate. This provides a stable 'footing', will make the wall easier to build, and will help it to last longer.

16 ways to define your boundaries |

The best garden wall ideas combine beauty and practicality in equal measure – defining boundaries, providing shade and privacy, and offering interest at eye level. 

As they take up such a large amount of surface space, walls are some of the most versatile backyard ideas, offering the ability to zone areas and create a clever landscape feature on an uneven or sloping site.

In terms of materials, there is a wide choice available – from crisp white render, to industrial concrete, warm brick and rustic stone – depending on your budget and house design.

‘Walls are the most solid option for boundaries, with the cost varying according to the height and thickness of the finished design,’ says garden expert Matt James.

'Bear in mind the height of a wall and its construction needs careful consideration when it comes to its ability to withstand strong wind. A good landscape contractor can help here.'

If you've also been looking at other backyard landscaping ideas, such as garden fence ideas, then why not combine the two?

‘To introduce a variation in color, form and texture, consider restricting the height of a brick or stone wall to three- to four-foot high and combine it with a two- to three-foot-high picket-style fence or a woven chestnut panel for example, installed on top,' adds James.

Garden wall ideas to inspire

Whether you're looking for front garden wall ideas, or garden screening ideas, there are so many options to suit every design style.

For garden wall ideas to uplift existing designs, consider adding elaborate trellis, statement artwork, or even a living wall abundant with foliage.

We’ve rounded up the best options to get you started and inspire your project.

1. Lead the way with curved walls

(Image credit: Oak Designs Co)

Curved walls not only soften hard edges in the garden, but can also be used as a clever design device to visually open up areas, and help guide your journey through the space.

In this project, curved retaining walls either side of steps make the most of a sloping site, and lead the way to a stunning oak-frame gazebo by Oak Designs Co . 

Beneath the canopy, a low wall and built-in pizza oven help to enclose the space, and tone in with the brickwork elsewhere.

Discreet lighting illuminates each step after dark, providing atmosphere and enhancing safety.

One of the most appealing aspects of creating a low retaining wall like this is the ability to introduce colorful and fragrant plants, such as lavender and roses, at eye level, while plants with a trailing habit can softly tumble over the top of the wall.

2. Lighten up walls in a courtyard garden

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond Photography)

Townhouses and urban homes often have enclosed courtyard gardens, which while possessing a secluded feel, can seem darker and more claustrophobic.

Brighten things up by opting for light painted walls, and introduce plenty of climbing greenery – espaliered fruit trees are attractive, while helping to expand your kitchen garden ideas.

The use of outdoor mirrors is one of the more clever courtyard garden ideas to enhance the sense of light and space, and give the impression of a glimpse through to another areas – but make sure they are positioned to reflect the best possible view. Framing them with greenery adds a romantic feel.

In this stylish scheme, built-in tiled seating enlivens the space, while stone garden antiques add character and a sense of history.

Reclaimed stone from a Georgian house was chosen as the focus. Joshua Sear of Barlow & Barlow used limestone for the paving and a reclaimed trough, lintel and stone cladding.

3. Include a viewing window in your garden wall

(Image credit: ©National Trust Images/Rob Matheson)

If you have a large yard or benefit from an attractive view, then consider incorporating a viewing window into your garden wall. 

Traditionally known as a clairvoyee, a viewing window creates a secret garden feel, and offers a carefully edited outlook onto another area.

‘Clairvoyees were historically a popular detail in both masonry and ironwork boundaries,’ says conservation expert Lee Bilson. ‘They tended to be positioned at the end of walks in a garden, offering vistas to grounds or back to the house.’

Consider positioning one with a view towards a garden sculpture or water feature, and frame the opening with beautiful climbing plants, such as clematis or roses.

4. Use crisp white walls for a modern Mediterranean feel

(Image credit: Mark Bolton)

Clean-lined rendered walls offer a crisp, modern look, and are evocative of Italian and Mediterranean garden ideas.

In this design, retaining walls have been added to create a raised terrace area, with built-in beds providing the perfect canvas for stunning white 'Iceberg' roses and jasmine. Lavender running up the steps adds an informal edge and enhances the Mediterranean feel.

Bear in mind there is added maintenance to choosing white walls, as they will need occasional cleaning, and eventually re-rendering to maintain the clean look.

5. Extend your garden wall with pleached trees

(Image credit: Bridgman)

Trained onto a flat framework, pleached trees add classic formality to a garden, offering screening and shade without taking up too much space.

In this beautiful outdoor dining area, featuring garden furniture from Bridgman , the mid-height stone wall has been visually extended with pleached hornbeam trees, which work particularly well due to their straight, slim trunks and leafy top.

The foliage can be trimmed to a squared shape – similar to a hedge – or left to grow slightly rounder.

Hornbeams are some of the best trees to espalier. They are semi-evergreen, so they hold their leaves through the fall, when the leaves turn to warm autumnal colors. They lose some, but not all, of their leaves over winter so still provide some privacy in the colder months.

6. Build low random stone walls to create rustic raised beds

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you’ve considered the potential for rock garden ideas in your yard, then random low stone walls, built in an informal sinuous line, will add a rustic country feel. They can be used to border beautiful raised beds and rockeries, as well as to define pathways.

It’s a brilliant way to break up a large yard, and makes tending to – and enjoying – plants much easier, as it raises them above ground level.

In order to support a raised bed, the wall will have to be able to hold the weight of the soil, so ideally keep them to no more than 12 inches in height, or they will require solid foundations.

7. Enhance a sloping site with a tiered seating and planting area

(Image credit: Bowles & Wyer)

A tiered, stepped area leading down to a sunken patio is one of the most fabulous sloped backyard ideas.

This stunning design by Bowles & Wyer includes levels for informal seating and low-maintenance planting, with Corten steel edged beds. 

Crisp, white walls and stone-topped tiers add a luxurious modern edge, while an integrated water table adds a serene feel to this backyard oasis.

'Far from being a problem, a sloping site presents some of the best opportunities in garden design,' says John Wyer, CEO.

'I allows plants to be arrayed in layers so that successive sweeps of foliage and flower build onto one another.'

8. Add a sculptural wall panel

(Image credit: David Harber water wall)

Whether you want to enhance attractive walls, disguise less appealing surfaces, garden artwork is the perfect way to do it.

This filigree water wall bronze sculpture by David Harber makes a stunning centerpiece, and has a characterful verdigris finish.

It serves as an eye-catcher on the landscape, drawing the eye, but also a work of art in its own right.

9. Introduce a living wall

Garden designed by Stephen Woodhams

(Image credit: Future / Alun Callender)

Living, or green, walls, once the domain of temporary, designer installations have become the must-have decorative design solution for residential gardens.

Colorful, verdant and providing aesthetic and ecological benefits, living wall ideas make use of vertical surfaces for planting – particularly useful where space may be limited, but worthy as an impactful design feature in their own right. 

In urban areas, green walls can help keep buildings cool, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. They also help keep rain water away from exterior walls and provide insulation.

10. Add a coat of paint

(Image credit: Future / Max Attenborough)

Feature walls are big in interiors so why not in exteriors? Give a blank wall, outbuilding or fence a new look by painting it a deep, rich hue and using it as a dramatic backdrop for plants and pots. 

Choose colors according to the amount of sunlight or shade the wall or fence receives, just as you would inside the house. This smokey charcoal hue brings the woven, steel and wood accessories to life.  

Use galvanized planters filled with herbs and decorative zinc watering cans – which can be hung on the walls – to catch the light. 

11. Consider a fence instead

(Image credit: Future / Annaick Guitteny)

Garden fences can define the edges of our garden, provide security, protection and privacy. With the range of choice on offer, there is so much a well chosen fence can do for your outdoor space, making them well worth considering as an alternative to garden wall ideas.

Having a well-maintained fence is a great way to ensure that your sell your house quickly and secure a top price for your property. Style is just as important as quality however, and choosing the right material and look is an important consideration.   

There is an increasing demand for unfussy horizontal linear designs as opposed to the rustic look. Regardless of the size of the garden, clear boundaries will give you  privacy as well as adding a smart finish to your space, and a garden fence is an attractive and relatively maintenance-free way of achieving this.  

Fencing also provides an ideal backdrop for plants, as well as protecting the garden from the extremes of winter weather. 

12. Link your garden by a thread of reused stones

(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)

With a huge focus on sustainability, it comes as no surprise that many of us are looking to areas in our homes and gardens that we can repurpose and reclaim.

Stone, often found in quarries and salvage yards, can be reused in garden wall ideas that are beautifully rustic and visually appealing. Any wildlife living amid the stones will only add to the narrative – these kind of garden walls provide sheltered homes for newts, frogs and insects. 

Stone walls can also be the perfect way to add terraces in sloping gardens.

13. Do away with a traditional wall

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

If traditional fencing or garden wall ideas are not on your agenda, worry not. A neat box hedge could be the answer to your prayers. 

The best fast-growing hedges offer lots of design possibilities and are also great for creating garden rooms. Understandably, it can be hard to get excited about hedges. They quietly do their thing, defining the boundaries of our gardens and providing a useful backdrop to other planting. But they can be so much more. 

It’s possible to make a feature of hedging by incorporating it into your design when you plan a garden and capitalising on the extra planting opportunities a hedge offers. ‘When it comes to design, they play a vital role,’ advises horticulturist and author Louise Curley.  

‘You can use hedges to divide your space into different garden rooms; taller ones will help you create secret places, or you can cut a hole into a hedge to capture a view – either taking the eye beyond the garden or giving a glimpse into a hidden corners.’  

If you're after something more classic in design, then the knife-edge precision in a hedge is an awesome thing, as if the line the gardener drew on their plan had been magnified a thousand times. Who can help but admire the workmanship which can produce a living straight line or a perfect wall of uniform, black-green yew. 

14. Increase your plantable space by growing plants vertically

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

Are you looking for small garden ideas that maximize on planting space? Vertical planting is the solution. 

One of the main ways you can enhance the pleasure you get from your garden is to ensure that every single surface of the walls and fences are put to good use. Far too many of these potential growing spaces are left bare, when they could be transformed into a stylish feature.  

New planting products such as wall mountable pouches now allow you to hang a curtain-like fall of planting over almost any wall, and that includes interior walls (given you have a space which gets enough light). 

They are instant focal points and can be planted with pretty much any choice of plants – think herbs or colorful trailing plants on a previously unloved garden wall.  

15. Let light in with a trellis

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

For a little extra privacy, add a trellis above an existing wall. Trellises and other frameworks can be erected to encourage delicate plants to grow in the directions you want. 

Traditionally climbing plants have been used to swathe walls with color – and edible climbers, such as blackberries and raspberries, can be trained against a sunny wall.

Trees and shrubs can also be 'espaliered' – pruned carefully so that their branches grow right against the walls – offering big harvests without encroaching on garden space.  

Alternatively, tall free-standing planters can be placed in front of bare walls to bring extra life to tired areas, or as additional garden shade ideas.

16. Be sympathetic to existing structures

(Image credit: Buono Gazerwitz Landscape Architecture)

Any garden structure should be considered in relation to the house. That’s not to say it needs to match – old-meets-new is very popular in garden design right now – but your choice should be sympathetic. 

Here, the design and materials of a low brick wall complement the style of the surrounding properties. 

As far as garden edging ideas go, this design creates a cohesive border, with the simple organic shapes of climbing plants softening the effect.

How can I make my garden wall look nice?

Vertical gardening is all the rage, and is one of the most sensational garden wall ideas for transforming a blank wall into a piece of living art. 

In its simplest form, a green wall consists of trailing or climbing plants planted in wall-mounted containers or pockets, sometimes with a sheet of polythene behind.

When it comes to choosing plants, think useful as well as decorative. 

Vertical herb garden ideas that feature bushy and trailing thymes with oregano, chives and tumbling nasturtiums, which can all be snipped for cooking and salads, are good options.

Alternatively, incorporate scented plants to complement more sensory garden ideas.

Regular and even watering is essential and you’ll get the best results if you can include an irrigation drip system at the same time as you construct the wall.

(Image credit: Future / Alun Callender)

How do I brighten a garden brick wall?

Color is the best way to brighten a brick wall, be that paint, flowers or foliage. 

Varying color and texture will bring an exposed brick wall up-to-date. Remember, lighter colors tend to dominate, so keep to dark tones on the bottom for a grounding effect. 

There is also a tempting array of wall-mounted planting options now available to encourage us all to get the best from every square inch of our plots. Troughs, pouches, tubs and other containers can be affixed to garden walls and fence posts with sturdy brackets, and filled with trailing flowers. 

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

How can I hide my garden wall?

It is relatively easy to hide an unsightly garden wall. If in doubt, consider using plants and foliage to add interest. 

A large range of herbaceous perennials, grasses, small shrubs, herbs and even fruit and vegetables can be used. Be creative and experimental – try including scented plants, seasonal flowers and bulbs.

However, be sure to check your chosen plants will suit the aspect, microclimate and conditions of the wall they will be grown on. North-facing garden ideas require very different planting to sunnier south-facing garden ideas, for example.

How do you cover a brick wall outside?

If you have an unsightly brick wall outside, then consider whether painting it could provide enough of a transformation to improve the look of your property.

Alternatively, add trellis to the wall and grow the best climbing plants, such as roses, clematis, honeysuckle, jasmine and espaliered fruit trees, which can be trained to cover unattractive expanses and distract the eye.

For a more instant transformation, explore the possibilities for adding garden artwork, build a plant theatre, or add hanging baskets.

Brick garden decor: a few ideas for arranging the site

Landscaping your own garden is what almost all summer residents do, who want to get a beautiful and well-groomed yard that will bring pleasure. There are many interesting solutions that allow you to create interesting and unusual corners in the garden area. In this article, we will look at a few ideas for decorating your garden with simple brick decor.

Contents

One-stop solutions for using old bricks in the garden

Brick is considered a very popular material that is used not only for the construction of houses or other buildings. By connecting fantasy, it can also be used for decorative purposes.

Original Brick Borders

Beautifully decorated flower bed with brickwork is not only easy to make, but also provides a spectacular appearance. Such ideas are perfect for framing beds and lawns.

Photo of borders in the garden using old bricks

Before laying decorative bricks for the garden as a border, prepare the markings on the site where the work is planned. Along the perimeter of the flower bed, it is necessary to stick pegs, pulling a thread or rope between them. If the flower garden has curved lines, then use old watering hoses for accuracy.

A trench will need to be dug along the edge of the flower bed. Its depth should be 15 centimeters, and the width - up to 25 centimeters. The recess is filled with mortar, left for 2 days, so that the cement gets maximum strength.

Then you can move on to laying bricks, stepping back from the lawn or flower bed 1 cm. The gaps between the decorative elements are filled with mortar.

Do-it-yourself red brick paths in the garden

Using bricks for laying paths between beds is also a popular solution that is actively used by gardeners when arranging their plot. To make such a path, you will need to use a shovel and bayonet shovels, a hammer, a rammer, a hacksaw. Additionally, the use of a rubber mallet, system, is useful. level, rules, tape measure, thin cord, wooden and metal stakes.

stages of laying a garden path from old bricks (photo from finegardening.com)

Among the materials you can not do without bricks, sand, cement, gravel, geotextiles.

It is necessary to start the process of creating a track from the layout. The universal width is 80 cm - 1 meter. If large trees grow nearby, then they will also need to retreat up to 70 centimeters.

The boundaries of the future path are marked with a stretched cord and stakes. Then, along the entire perimeter, you will need to remove the top earth layer. A gravel layer is laid in the prepared space. It will serve as a drain. Then they spread geotextiles, which will not allow the appearance of weeds.

Next - a curb is installed, it will fix the stones. The border can also be bricks or boards. The next step after geotextile is sand.

Now you can move on to laying bricks. For this, a rubber mallet is used. It is extremely important not to forget about a slight slope to one of the sides. This reduces the flow of water. Neighboring stones are laid with a small gap of 1-3 mm.

To fix individual elements, the path is covered with a concrete-sand mixture, sweeping over it with a brush. This allows the composition to get into the cracks and fix the bricks.

High beds and flower beds for growing plants and flowers

Bricks can be used to build high beds and flower beds. The advantage of these is that the plants will be able to get more sun, and it will be much easier for gardeners to care for the crops.

Do-it-yourself such "crafts" made of bricks for the garden are built like a foundation. The height is determined based on the convenience of the gardener. Garden soil is placed inside, but only after the formed drainage layer.

Other ideas for a brick garden

This stone can be used for other purposes as well. For example, patio areas decorated with brickwork on the floor look great. The principle of creation is practically no different from laying garden paths. Only here it is necessary to delimit the territory in advance.

Brick can be used as an original garden or patio area.

It is also a great idea to make a brick sculpture that can be filled with water, which will serve as a wonderful decoration for the garden area.

An old brick in a garden that is not suitable for rebuilding can serve as an excellent sign for plant names. Using a black marker, you can write the names of crops planted in certain areas. This will allow in the spring, when the greenery has not yet risen, to understand what and where is planted.

Brick frames for plant protection also look great. They serve as a certain insulator that limits the sun's rays, provides an optimal microclimate for growing certain horticultural crops. To create, you will need to build a brick structure of the required height, and then cover it with a glass panel on top.

A decorative brick wall in the garden will look very nice. It can separate parts, use it for the entrance group in front of the recreation area, for example. Weaving plants, such as wild grapes, or ivy, can be put on top of such a structure. It looks like this solution will be the most effective.

How else can brick be used in garden design?

Brick garden stove

This building is very relevant for those who prefer to cook in the summer kitchen, in the gazebo or garden. If the stove in the brick garden will be located in the open air, then you can think about a small shelter. In the department where firewood will burn, refractory bricks (chamotka) are used. For masonry, it is recommended to use sand with the addition of clay. Clay is pre-soaked in water for 2-3 days.

Initially, the foundation is laid, its depth should be lower than the freezing point of the soil. The foundation must be reinforced. On heaving soils, it becomes trapezoidal.

If the stove is small, one 10-15 cm slab will do. To arrange such a structure, you will need to remove the fertile layer of the earth, dig a hole 50 centimeters deep, then fill up to 15 cm of sand, compact with gravel. The next step is to set up the formwork. A reinforcing mesh is placed inside, and concrete is poured on top.

A waterproofing layer is laid on top of the foundation, the first row is installed. It must be checked by level, and also a plumb line should be used. The seams are filled with concrete mortar. Next, row after row is laid. When doors and slabs are installed, these items are lined with basalt wool or wrapped with asbestos cement cord.

A chimney is also to be installed, a modular system should be preferred. When installing it, be sure to take into account the fact that the process starts from the furnace. The parts fit together as tightly as possible so that gaps and cracks do not form. Finishing the stove is optional.

Brick decorative well for the garden

If there is a well on the site, it can be decorated with bricks. For work, be sure to use a tape measure, level, chisel, hammer, spatula, cement mortar and simple ceramic bricks.

The process looks like this:

  1. First, a mixture of cement and sand is prepared. The ratio is 1 to 2. Water is added to obtain the optimal consistency.
  2. A cement mortar is applied to the ground that is being compacted, its thickness is 1 cm. Then the first row of bricks is laid. Be sure to wet the stones with water.
  3. To get the correct shape of the masonry, you will need to make a template, it will rise as the rows are added.
  4. Next, 2-3 rows are laid in a spoon method, and reinforced wire is placed on the 5th row. It will provide the optimum level of strength.

It is important to check each row for height using a spirit level.

Barbecue in a brick garden

Another important building, which is indispensable in a recreation area on any plot, is a brazier or a garden hearth.

The simplest construction is the construction of a small barbecue, for which fireclay stones are used.

To protect this structure from rain, a dome-shaped smoke box is used. Comfortable use is provided by a medium-sized worktop. Coal from wood or firewood will be used as fuel. A brick barbecue in the garden can complement this design.

Outdoor hearth is quite easy to build, having free space in the garden or suburban area. Simplicity of design and short terms of its creation become decisive during the choice of this decorative element and at the same time a means of cooking. How to build a simple outdoor hearth can be seen in this video.

How to make a trendy brick wall with your own hands?

Brickwork in the interior is one of the most fashionable trends of recent times. This element of decor is especially relevant when decorating a room in a loft style. There are several ways to create a "brick wall" in a room. Each of them is good in its own way, but the choice should take into account the existing disadvantages.

Use of natural brick wall

The wall is cleaned of the remnants of old plaster, polished with a grinder with a petal disc, the inter-brick seams are corrected with a plaster mixture. To protect the wall from damage and shedding, its surface is coated with acrylic varnish or wax.

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Wall decoration with natural bricks

A redundant natural brickwork is made along the wall, and then a varnish or wax coating is used to protect the surface from external influences.

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In order to minimize the disadvantages, you can replace natural brick with clinker tiles: it is much thinner and lighter, while retaining the properties of natural brick.

The tile can have a different shape, texture and color, which greatly expands the design possibilities when using this material.

Using tiles with a brick-like texture

Currently, it is not a problem to choose a tile on the market that imitates various types of brickwork. This option is ideal for the kitchen or bathroom.

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Brick wallpaper

You can choose both the simplest wallpaper with a masonry pattern, as well as more expensive vinyl options that imitate the relief of a brick wall.

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Styrofoam tiles

To imitate brickwork, "bricks" made of polystyrene foam are glued to a plastered, pre-primed surface, and then painted.

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Imitation of masonry with plaster

The surface of the wall is plastered and given the appearance of a brick wall using special techniques.

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5 ways to apply plaster "under the brick"

To create a "brick wall" with plaster, you can use the following compositions: tile adhesive mixed with gypsum plaster in a 1: 1 ratio; gypsum or shaped plaster; thick paint. There are several ways to create an imitation of brickwork using plastering:

Brick Wall Design Tips


In order for brickwork to transform the space as much as possible, and not create the illusion of an uncomfortable room, it is worth observing the following principles of its integration into the interior: