If you have a wide, shallow garden, you may be wondering how to make it look longer.
There are a few different things you can do to create the illusion of a longer garden.
If you want your garden to look longer without making it actually longer, then there are a few things that you can do. You can change the way that your garden is shaped, how you lay the paths, and the type of plants that you grow. With a few changes, you can make a big difference to the look of your garden.
Change the shape of your garden
Rather than having a rectangular or square-shaped garden, you could try changing the shape to an L-shape.
This will create the illusion of length as well as depth.
Another option is to create curves within your garden.
This could be in the borders or in the paths. Again, this will give the impression of extra length.
Lay the paths differently
You could try laying the paths in a zigzag pattern rather than having them straight.
This will give extra interest and require people to slow down as they walk through your garden which will make it appear longer than it is.
Another idea is to have one path going off at right angles from another one part way along its length.
This will break up the area and create more interest as well as giving the garden more depth too.
Plant different kinds of plants
Try planting taller plants at the back of your borders with smaller plants in front of them.
This will give extra interest and make your borders look deeper too which will add to the illusion of length in your garden.
Taller plants will also draw people’s eyes upwards which makes gardens appear longer than they actually are as well.
You could also try planting one type of plant en masse rather than having many different varieties in each border too which also creates extra length.
Plant tall plants along the sides
Another way to make your garden look longer is to plant tall plants along the sides.
This will create a sense of depth and make it appear as though the garden extends back further than it actually does.
Some great plants to try include sunflowers, hollyhocks, and foxgloves.
Use mirrors
Mirrors reflect light and they reflect what is around them too.
Using them in your garden will give it extra light and make it appear longer than it actually is as well as making it brighter too which is always good for gardens.
Create focal points
Having focal points in your garden will help to draw people’s eyes along its length rather than letting them wander around aimlessly.
Try to include things like sculptures, water features, or even just groups of bright flowers which act as natural focal points.
Use color
Using pale colors such as white or cream can help to make an area appear bigger than it actually is so painting walls or trellis in pale colors can help create more length within your garden.
Choose plants with similar bloom colors and plant them in succession from lightest to darkest.
For example, you could plant white impatiens followed by pink impatiens followed by red impatiens.
This will create a lovely gradient that will make your garden look much longer than it actually is.
Have open views
If you have views out onto something else such as another garden, fields, or even just houses then keeping these areas clear will help give more length to your own garden too, so trimming hedges and cutting back trees can really help here.
Make use of lines
Having strong lines running through your garden whether that’s straight lines or curved ones can really help to create extra length within its design, so consider using lines when planning out your space too.
Choose appropriate furniture
If you want to make a small space appear bigger then choosing furniture that isn’t too bulky or imposing can really help with this.
Large pieces of furniture can often make an area appear much smaller than it actually is but if you go for something more delicate and dainty then this won’t happen.
Use light and airy fabrics
Using light colours and fabrics for things like curtains, tablecloths, and cushions etc can really help to make an area feel more spacious and open too.
If you’re hoping to achieve this effect then bear this in mind when choosing these kinds of things for your home.
Change your perspective
Sometimes all it takes to change how big an area appears is simply changing your perspective on it.
If you feel like a room or space is looking cluttered then try moving around and looking at it from different angles until you find one that looks better.
De-clutter
One of the best ways to make any space appear bigger and better is simply by getting rid of any clutter that might be filling it up.
Have a good sort out and get rid of anything that you don’t need or use anymore.
Final Words
With a few changes, you can make a big difference to the look of your garden.
Try changing the shape, laying the paths differently, planting different kinds of plants, using mirrors, creating focal points, using color, having open views, making use of lines, choosing appropriate garden furniture, using light and airy fabrics, changing your perspective, or de-cluttering.
These are just a few ideas that might help you achieve the look that you want for your home so why not give some of them a go and see how they work for you?