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Create an Amazing Garden Using Vertical Space

Vertical space is your secret weapon when it comes to building an amazing garden. Turn your ordinary yard into a Secret garden using vertical space.

In this post, I am sharing some of the insights I’ve gathered over the past year that can help you transform your outdoor space into something truly magical.

Discovering the Secrets of Historic Gardens

Over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in historic garden design books and toured old gardens. What sets the extraordinary gardens apart from the ordinary ones? It all comes down to one key element: vertical space.

Historic gardens excel at using every inch of space of vertical space, going beyond just what’s at ground level. They create layers and depth, making the gardens not only beautiful but also dynamic and engaging.

By studying these timeless designs, I’ve learned how to incorporate vertical space into my garden to elevate its overall look and feel.

The garden at Hidcote
The White Garden at Hidcote

Why Vertical Space is a Game-Changer

Using vertical space in your garden might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than you think. Let’s dive into some examples to see how vertical space can transform your garden:

1. Perennial Borders with Yew Pillars

Imagine a lush perennial border enhanced with Yew pillars punctuating its length. These vertical elements draw the eye upward, adding dimension to the garden.

Even a simple edit, like removing the pillars in a photo, shows just how much they contribute to the overall design. They’re not just decorations; they’re essential features that make this garden stand out.

The Rose Walk at Hidcote Manor

2. Climbing Plants and Ornamental Trees

This pink flowering clematis in the flower border at Barnsley House is a great example of using verical space to the best advantage. The clematis becomes the main focal point for this section of the garden.

Barnsley House – Pink flowering clematis adding vertical interest

Similarly, adding tall, narrow trees like junipers or ornamental varieties can draw the eye upward without overwhelming your space. These trees provide subtle privacy and shade, creating cozy retreats for reading or entertaining while maintaining an open, airy feel.

3. Decorating Walls and Fences

Walls and fences are perfect blank canvases for adding personality to your garden. Instead of leaving them bare, think of them as opportunities to showcase your creativity. You can attach planters, hang shrines, or display unique wreaths to personalize your space.

These vertical elements help create a space that reflects your personal style, making the garden yours.

Barn wall planting at Terrain

Adding Vertical Elements: Practical Tips

Here are some practical ways to incorporate vertical elements into your garden:

Climbing Vines and Wind chimes: Add vines to your arbors or trellises and hang wind chimes to introduce movement and sound, creating a magical atmosphere as you wander through your garden.

Bird Baths and Birdhouses: These standalone structures add height and become charming focal points. They attract birds, adding life and movement to your garden.

Blue bird bath in the Woodland border

Trellises and Arbors: Perfect for supporting climbing plants, trellises and arbors can also serve as decorative features. Place a trellis behind a seating area to create a cozy nook, or use an arbor to create a beautiful entryway between different sections of your garden.

Trellis used for sweet peas in potage at Barnsley House

Slim, Upright Plants: Choose tall, narrow plants to maintain open walkways and sitting areas. This allows you to enjoy the beauty of your vertical additions without feeling cramped.

Personal Touches Make a Difference

Finally, one of the most important design lessons I’ve learned is to create a space that reflects your personality. You aren’t creating your garden for the neighborhood. You are creating it for you and your family. Let your personality shine.

Vertical Space decorated with personal touches in my garden

Historic gardeners are brilliant at using every inch of space, including height. From climbing vines on trellises to hanging baskets and even planting on vertical structures, they understood that layering adds depth and interest to any garden.

Embrace Creativity and Experiment

There’s no single right way to create a magical garden, but by embracing vertical gardening, you unlock endless possibilities for color, texture, and style.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn through trial and error. With a little ingenuity, you can create a beautiful garden retreat right in your own backyard.

I’d Love To Hear What You Think

I’d love to hear your thoughts on adding vertical elements to your garden! What vertical features have you incorporated, or what are you excited to try? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below.

Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!

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