More Ideas for the Narrow Space Between Suburban Homes

Private garden, Mississauga ON

Happy first day of spring! In today's post, I have ten ideas for that long, awkward space 

between suburban homes.

Private garden, Mississauga ON

1. Create with a striking entrance to entice friendly visitors. A pretty gate also creates a bit of a mystery by blocking the view to the back garden.

Private garden, Toronto, ON

2. Add decorative details to your gate like a door bell, a welcome sign or a wrought 

iron wall decoration.

3. Keep it neat and choose low maintenance plants. Who wants to try to manoeuvre a lawn mower in the tight area at the side of a house?

The box hedge lining this path probably needs no more than a trim once or twice a year.

4. Choose plants that will look good throughout the seasons.

The small scale conifer and hostas (assuming you can keep the slugs at bay) in this example are going to look great from spring into fall. The two also mix to create a lovely texture story.

Private garden, Toronto, ON

5. Create a path that is both attractive and comfortable to walk on. This even walkway will make it easy to roll bikes, wheelbarrows and recycling bins in and out of the backyard.

Private garden, Burlington, ON

This is one of my all time favourite pathways. I love the mix of flat stones and large pebbles.

Private garden, Mississauga ON

In this example, reddish colored pine mulch contrasts nicely with the grey bricks.

Private garden, Toronto, ON

6. Make sure the view in the distance is attractive. 

Who wouldn't want to enter this back garden just to get a closer look at that pink Beauty Bush?

Private garden, Mississauga ON

Here the view is to a less glamourous utility shed, but it everything is still tidy and presentable.

Private Garden, Georgetown, ON

7. There is usually walls or fencing between suburban homes. 

Attach a trellis and take advantage of this vertical space to grow something beautiful. If you are lucky enough to have sun, try a honeysuckle, clematis or a climbing rose.

Private garden, Mississauga ON

Private Garden, Brampton, ON

Private Garden, Brampton, ON

If you have a shady wall and lots of room, a Climbing Hydrangea like the 

one seen above might be nice.

Private Garden, Brampton, ON

8. Even a chain link fence can be dressed up with hanging baskets.

Private garden, Mississauga ON

In this instance, the path accommodates differing elevations and an 

entrance at the side of the house.

Private garden, Mississauga ON

Private garden, Toronto, ON

9. The area at the between houses is usually quite shady, so select plants that will thrive in shade or part shade. 

In this garden hostas, ferns, Bleeding Heart, Periwinkle have all been incorporated. 

Aren't the textural leaves of this hosta amazing?

10. Hang a decorative ornament to embellish a plain Jane fence. This faux window also brings the flowers up to eye level where you can appreciate them best.

Have a wonderful weekend!