Terraced house gardens present unique challenges. Long, narrow plots with high walls on either side can feel claustrophobic and dark. But with the right approach, these spaces can become the most charming gardens of all.

Over the years, we've designed hundreds of terraced house gardens. Here are five ideas that consistently deliver results—proven strategies that work in the real world, not just on Pinterest.

1. The Diagonal Path

The biggest mistake in narrow gardens? Creating a straight path down the middle. This only emphasises the narrowness and draws the eye immediately to the back wall.

Instead, use a diagonal path. By angling your path from corner to corner, you create the illusion of width. The journey becomes more interesting, and you naturally create planting pockets on either side that break up the rectangle.

This works especially well in gardens between 4-6 metres wide. The change in direction doesn't need to be dramatic—even a 15-degree angle makes a noticeable difference.

2. Layered Boundaries

Solid fences on both sides create a corridor effect. The solution? Layered boundaries that add depth and interest.

Instead of one tall fence, consider:

  • A lower fence (1.2m) with climbers growing up wires above it
  • Built-in planters along the boundary with shrubs at varying heights
  • Trellis panels that create dappled light and shadow patterns
  • Esapaliered fruit trees that provide structure without bulk

The key is breaking up that solid vertical plane into something more three-dimensional.

3. The Focal Point Strategy

Every terraced garden needs a focal point—but not at the end. Placing your main feature (a sculpture, a beautiful pot, a striking plant) at the end of the garden simply emphasises how far away it is.

Place focal points at one-third or two-thirds of the way down the garden. This creates the illusion that there's more garden beyond, and it breaks the space into manageable "rooms" that feel wider than they are.

4. Mirror, Mirror

Mirrors in gardens can be tacky—but they don't have to be. A well-placed mirror in a shady corner can double your planting space visually and bounce light into dark areas.

The secret is disguise. Frame the mirror with planting so it looks like a window into another part of the garden. Use weathered mirror glass for a softer reflection. Position it to reflect something worth seeing—a beautiful tree, a sculpture, or just sky.

5. Vertical Thinking

When floor space is limited, look up. Walls, fences, and even the house itself offer planting opportunities.

Green walls don't need to be expensive living wall systems. Simple wire trellises with climbing plants like jasmine, clematis, or climbing roses add fragrance, colour, and wildlife value while taking up minimal ground space.

Wall-mounted planters at different heights create a tapestry of foliage and flowers. Herbs in wall planters are particularly practical—they're close to the kitchen and the reflected heat from the wall helps them thrive.

Putting It All Together

These five strategies work best in combination. A diagonal path with layered boundaries, well-placed focal points, strategic mirrors, and vertical planting can transform even the gloomiest narrow garden into a space that feels generous, interesting, and inviting.

"The best terraced gardens don't fight their narrowness—they embrace it and turn it into a feature."

Remember: terraced house gardens have been around for centuries. Victorian and Edwardian gardeners perfected the art of the long, narrow garden long before we came along. Their lessons—layered planting, meandering paths, surprise views—still apply today.

The key is working with the space you have, not against it. A narrow garden isn't a problem to solve; it's an opportunity to create something intimate and deeply personal.