Narrow landscaping ideas

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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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.

Lot Narrows: Lot Bottleneck Design, Photos and Landscaping Ideas

Narrow spaces can appear not only in small lots. They occur when a country house or outbuildings are located close to the fence or at a short distance from each other. This placement can be convenient on the scale of the site, as it allows you to open a wider view of the rest of it and apply more efficient zoning.

Often a cramped long yard adjoins a house in a townhouse development or is formed involuntarily during the reconstruction process. As a result, narrow and extended closed zones appear on the site, which are used as economic, and often the main passages. However, they can perform other functions, especially in case of an acute shortage of space, when you want to use literally every centimeter. Our tips will help you visually transform a narrow space and use it to the maximum advantage. nine0003

Notting Hill Gardens | Design Build Construction

Diversify the monotony
Monotony is the main problem of such places. Clamped between two blank walls, the elongated and narrow passage looks gloomy and dark, even if its width is not quite small. To destroy the seeming impression of its infinity, it is worth diversifying the same surfaces.

Decorate
Decorate a fence or wall with a painting. Use the trompe l'oeil effect - the illusion of three-dimensional space, which was used by the masters of antiquity. Depict an expanding perspective or dilute the monotony with a number of painted windows. nine0003

However, it is absolutely not necessary to follow realism. Abstract painting and bright graffiti can transform the space. Remember that in childhood everyone was an artist, and entrust this dull corner to little creators. Children will be happy to put their talents into practice and gain valuable experience in implementing their own project.

SEE ALSO...
All in the Garden: Important Tips for Children's Garden Play

If you're not ready to do a mural, hang the images in frames. Use materials suitable for the outdoors (this could be advertising printing technology or weatherproof wood paints), or set up a temporary exhibition. nine0003

Creative Gates Inc.

Organize the passage rhythmically
Contrast the monotony of the rhythm. Use alternating vertical elements: columns, pilasters, decorative lattices. If you are just planning to build a fence, instead of a uniform extended plane, alternate sections of different colors or materials. Accentuate the supports: let them protrude slightly and differ in finish. For example, combine stone and wood - their neighborhood looks noble and expressive. Functionally, the fence posts are placed at regular intervals, but this is not necessarily the rule. You can decorate the fence with pilasters that will not carry a supporting load, but rhythmically diversify the long plane. nine0003

Folia Horticultural + Design

Combine materials
This move will help both rhythmic organization and decoration of space: combine several materials in one plane. This applies to the walls, as I wrote above, but also to the covering of the track. Use tile or wood with pebbles. Tiles are best laid at intervals, rather than a continuous sheet, to create a fractional rhythm. This will help further divide the space.

Irregularly shaped materials will distract from the geometry of space: “torn” natural stone or geometric concrete slabs. nine0003

Tip: If decking is used, lay it across the path or diagonally. Or - with small dice deck laying to create a colorful pattern without a pronounced direction.

Read also ...
Illusion of increase: 10 ways to visually expand the garden

Mosaic Gardens

Break into segments
so that the narrow passage does not seem infinitely long, divide it into parts, change the layout: establish a decorative arc or a decorative arch or a decorative arch or a decorative arch gates. Let them not carry a functional load, but they will help to visually interrupt a long dull corridor - it's great if these zones are not the same. The difference can manifest itself both in length and in design. But still, they should not be made completely separate - they should be a logical continuation of each other. nine0003

Another way to visually divide the space is to use screens. They should not block the passage, but only divide it into planes. If the space is not extremely narrow and the width allows, screens will help create separate zones on a small patch.

Tyler Chartier Architectural Photography

Change the Geometry
The curved, floating shapes of these blind metal fences, combined with the sinuous trunks, distract attention from the size of the space and the overhanging height of the fences, destroying its isolation. Diagonals and zigzags will help create a similar effect. nine0003

LANDSCAPE SOLUTION SERVICE JSC

Winding path
Make the path slightly winding. This technique can also be used in very narrow aisles: create the illusion of bends in the path due to the smooth line of its edges. Curving line looks more interesting and adds a sense of variety.
An alternative to a straight continuous path will be natural stone, tiles or saw cuts laid apart. Fill the gaps between them with pebbles, mulch, moss, or ground cover plants. nine0003

SEE ALSO…
Good way: What to consider when planning the paths on the site

Place accents
Another affordable way to visually break up a monotonous space is to place accents along its length. These can be sculptural elements chosen in accordance with the style of the site, flowerpots with plants or even a fountain. And if the width allows - a beautiful bench. A classic bench with a curved back while maintaining the aisle can be installed if the width of the zone is at least 180-200 cm. However, a simple seat of laconic forms will require much less space and at the same time may look no less decorative. nine0003

LANDSCAPE SOLUTION SERVICE JSC

Emphasize the end
If a narrow passage ends in a dead end or a curve and you can only see a wall ahead, emphasize it. Highlight the end of the passage with color or bright painting - this will visually bring the wall closer. Or place a decorative element there: an ornamental lattice, a relief, a sculpture, which, drawing the eye, will help create an approach effect. If the light and width allow, plant a shrub there or plant a standard tree in a container. Dereni ( Cornus ), honeysuckle ( Lonicera ), callinwort ( Physocarpusopulifolius ) and snowberry ( Symphoricarpos ) will grow even in shady places, and their size is easily controlled by pruning.

Or place an upholstered sofa against the wall, which will beckon with its relaxing tranquility and turn a narrow enclosed area into a secluded place to relax. Use outdoor upholstery or wicker furniture made from natural or artificial rattan. Place a miniature coffee table next to the sofa or mount it on the wall. nine0003

TY LARKINS INTERIORS

Plants
Narrow space is no reason to forego plants. On the contrary, they will help decorate and structure a boring passage. A row of low container plants, as in the photo, will help to horizontally divide a high fence, eliminating the pressure. The smooth curves of the vines diversify the strict geometry of straight lines. By masking one of the walls with thick greenery, you will destroy the feeling of isolation, and vertical trunks will create a beautiful rhythmic pattern. Depending on the available width and light, you can choose one of the ways to place plants in this area. nine0003

Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc.

Plant Placement

Trellis

Crataegus

Tilia

Acer

Malus

Alley

This is a great way to rhythmically organize an extended space, and it's not just for wide driveways. If there is not enough space for two rows, place the trees on one side only. Plant in these places slow-growing species, trees that can be easily pruned or standard forms.

SEE ALSO…
Native birches: "Russian beauty" is back in the game

John Davies Landscape

Karena Batstone Design

Container plants will also be good in this zone. If there is not enough space for the alley, select the entrance part with two symmetrically located trees.

Pergola

Good news: if you have been dreaming of a pergola on your property for a long time, but could not find a place for it, a narrow passage (for example, between a house and a fence) is just perfect for this. Arrange the sloped beams going from the fence to the wall in increments of approximately 1.5 m (although the specific figure will depend on the length and width of the passage). You can lean them on fence posts or on separate columns, which, with their rhythm, will help break the monotonous plane. Or install metal arches for pergolas. Leave small plots of land near the supports or install flowerpots in which you will plant climbing plants. Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.)Planch ). It is undemanding to soils and illumination, resistant to diseases, frost-resistant, hibernates without shelter even to the north of St. Petersburg and grows rapidly. In addition, it will delight you with decorativeness all season: in spring and summer - with ornamental foliage, and in autumn - with rapidly changing brightness of color. For more lighted areas, honeysuckle honeysuckle ( Lonícera caprifólium ), which will fill your garden with a delicate aroma, and other types of climbing honeysuckles are excellent choices. nine0003

In the shade

Narrow passages bounded by high walls are very often heavily shaded. But this does not mean that they cannot be decorated with plants. Ferns, hostas ( Hosta ), aquilegia ( Aquilegia ), woodruffs ( Galium ) will thrive in the shade, while forget-me-nots ( Myosotis ), anemones ( Anemone ) and umbilicals ( ) delight with delicate blooms.

SEE ALSO…
Small but bold: Choosing plants for a small garden

TLA Studio

Accents Lighting

Playing with Light
. Lighting can transform a boring narrow space, with its help you can implement almost all of the above techniques. Mounted on a wall or fence or built into it, lamps will help create a rhythmic pattern due to different directions and thoughtful placement. A bizarre black and white pattern will decorate monotonous walls. And the lamps themselves of the original form will become a sculptural decor. nine0003

But even the simplest garland of light bulbs will bring a festive mood to a small space.

area design, llc.

Idea: If the garlands are strung in a narrow and long passage not parallel, but at different angles, this will divert attention from its length.

OUTHOUSE design

David Rowland Studio

Fit it all
Narrow spaces aren't just for walkways. They can find more diverse practical applications. And often their functionality is much wider than it might seem at first glance. nine0003

Narrow cul-de-sac areas are perfect for organizing cozy seating areas with a sofa and armchairs.
Here you can place a secluded outdoor office or workshop and a shed with tools.

Go Green Construction, Inc

If this space is located next to the kitchen or living room and has a width of 2 m, it will become a comfortable outdoor dining area. A logical addition for her would be a mini-garden with herbs.

Or maybe you have enough space even to combine several functional areas here. nine0003

SEE ALSO
Breakfast on the Grass: How to Organize Dining in the Middle of the Garden

Adelina Iliev Photography

Tip: Many balconies and corridor decorating techniques are suitable for decorating such narrow enclosed areas. These zones in the interior also teach how to use the space as efficiently as possible and turn its disadvantages into advantages.

SEE ALSO…
Rise above the bustle: 11 looks for a balcony

Narrow hallway and cramped hallway: Can't be left to be removed

TELL US IN COMMENTS…
How do you use narrow spaces in your yard?

real photos and arrangement ideas

Zoning of the site

The layout of a narrow site depends on its functional load. What exactly are you planning to do in your area? Growing vegetables and fruits, gathering with friends, spending holidays with the family - the arrangement and design of a narrow space for each of these tasks will be different. nine0003

The main area on the plot is residential. A house on a narrow lot can be located on the near or far short side, or along a long wall. Where exactly to locate the house will be discussed in the following sections.

The front area is the first thing you and your guests see. It includes a gate, a fence, a carport or garage and walkways that lead to all the main parts of the site. The entrance to the site can also be located on the short or long side. It is his position that largely determines further planning. nine0003

Usually, a hedge is made between the parking lot and the garden or kitchen garden to prevent exhaust gases from penetrating deep into the narrow area.

The photo shows wooden structures for zoning

The space that every dacha should have is a recreation area or a barbecue area. It includes a brazier, a gazebo, comfortable benches or chairs, a table. There can also be sun loungers pool and other attributes for relaxation. Designers do not recommend moving this space too far from the house, especially if you or your guests have to walk into the house every now and then. nine0003

Tip! Do you want to separate the recreation area from the rest? Use trellises or arches entwined with climbing plants. Parthenocissus, hops, ivy grow quickly and will create a cozy indoor space in a matter of weeks.

Life hacks to visually increase the area

Design features according to the location of the entrance

Placement of a gate or wicket is a given that you need to work with. In most cases, it is she who determines the overall design of a narrow area with a house, buildings, necessary elements. Its position, in turn, is determined by access roads and terrain planning. nine0003

Entrance from the end, house against the far wall

Most often, the gate and entrance are located on the short side. This is the easiest and most popular way of land surveying. Some owners place the house in the back, but if you got a bare lot, this is not the best option.

Entrance from the end, but the house is located along the plot

Compared to the first, this option is more convenient. In this case, the house itself will be used to divide the perimeter. Usually, a parking space is left in front of the house in a representative area, a decorative flower bed is laid out. nine0003

In the backyard, hidden from prying eyes, a patio or a lounge area is placed, then we advise you to arrange beds, and at the farthest wall of a narrow area there is an ideal place for a utility block and a well.

Along the house there is a narrow path, which is ennobled with the help of shade-loving plants, natural materials (example: stones, wooden sculptures, alpine slides).

The photo shows an example of improving the path along the house

Entrance along the long side of the plot

Plots are rarely located along the road, but if you become the proud owner of just such a layout, you can consider yourself very lucky!

The most successful location of the house in this case is the central one. Residential and front areas are located in the middle. On the sides on one side there is a garden, on the other - a gazebo, barbecue, children's or sports ground.

Landscaping ideas

A narrow long plot can be both spacious and compact in size (4-6 acres). In the second case, planting tall trees and lush green bushes is not recommended - in a small area there simply will not be room for the necessary buildings.

Instead, use all possible vertical forms in the form of trellises, arches, multi-level flower beds. Vertical container growing is a lifesaver. It is used both for ornamental plants and fruit plants - eggplant peppers, tomatoes feel great on top of each other. nine0003

In the photo, circles in landscape design

Before planting flowers, divide them by the saturation of the gamma.