Narrow Side Yard Ideas

Utilize Vertical Spaces

Taking advantage of vertical spaces is a great way to make any narrow side yard seem larger and more functional. Building a vertical garden is an excellent way to break away from the standard look of a typical flower bed. Plant climbing vines, like ivy, mixed in with colorful flowering plants for a healthy and organic look.

A great additional feature for a narrow side yard is an outdoor drop down movie screen with a microphone and mini projector. Plus, it can be conveniently stored in a vertical garden shed when not in use. Furniture with vertical lines and planters can also be used to break up horizontal lines and bring in a more spacious feel.

Introduce a Relaxing Water Feature

Adding a water feature into the narrow side yard such as a fountain, pond, or pondless waterfall is a great way to bring life to the area. Not only should it be visually appealing, but it should also be soothing and help to reduce noise levels. A DIY-friendly option is the mini bubbling rock that can be installed quickly and easily. Don't forget to add fish for natural aeration and garden plants like water lilies to bring out the organic beauty.

Utilize Raised Beds

A great way to utilize any narrow side yard is to build raised beds for planting and give the yard a different look. Raised beds can add a unique style and charm to the yard, making it look bigger and with more dimension. Not only do raised beds increase the planting space available, but they are also great for keeping the garden organized and making it easier to maintain. When designing the raised beds, choose a style that adds dimension and is appropriate for the plants being grown.

Create a Zen Garden

Creating a zen garden is a great way to get in touch with nature and add a bit of tranquility and serenity to one's narrow side yard. To create a zen garden, select plants like bamboo that will both bring texture and life to the space while also serving as a calming and peaceful element in the environment. A few Japanese maple trees can bring a bit of color and beauty to the garden, while a few art pieces like a Buddha statue can give the garden a zen feel.

Utilize the Foliage

Another great idea for a narrow side yard is to maximize the available foliage. This can be done by adding different plants, trees, and ground cover to the area. Shrubs such as boxwood are a great option for adding texture and a touch of privacy to the environment. Consider having trees with different foliage and colors that bloom throughout the year.

A Touch of Lighting

Adding a few lights throughout the narrow side yard can add an additional element to the area and create a magical vibe. Uplighting the trees can bring a different feel to the space, while twinkle lights can bring life to the foliage. Additionally, add a few solar lights to line the pathways leading into the space in order to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Insights

Narrow side yards can be tricky to design and usually require creativity to maximize the limited space available. Utilizing vertical spaces, introducing a water feature, creating raised beds, and finding the right combination of foliage and lighting are all great ideas to help transform a narrow side yard into a beautiful oasis. Additionally, adding a zen garden to the yard will create an inviting and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing in after a long day.