Design Solutions Turn your garden on the diagonal to create the illusion of space
Design on the diagonal to create the illusion of space, says Louisa Gilhooly
Q How can I make my small garden feel less boxy?
In most domestic gardens, boundaries can really draw attention to the limited size of the plot. Gardens that are long and narrow, or wider than they are long, can feel a bit small and cramped. This is because the far end or sides of the garden are too visually dominant and imposing.
One clever way to take emphasis off a bold boundary is to orientate the design at a 45-degree angle to the house. This has the effect of leading the eye across the space and into the corners, which are further away, rather than settling on the back or side boundaries. This can make the garden seem wider and/or longer, more spacious and less rectangular. Pack the corners and any awkward angles with plants to help the illusion. This works on the principle that if you can’t see the boundaries, you can’t tell how big the garden actually is!
To orientate your diagonal layout, find your longest sightline – the greatest distance between house and boundary. Usually it’s a diagonal line from one corner to its opposite corner. This provides a strong visual axis from which to work. In this design, instead of conventionally placing the lawn in the middle of the garden, the hard landscaped areas take centre stage. The garden is divided into multiple zones: a dining area, side lawns and raised beds with broad plinths wide enough for sitting on. When the eye travels from plants to patio to lawn back to more plants, the perceived distance is greater and the garden feels bigger. ➤