If you’ve always dreamed of having an awkward-shaped garden and you got easily bored with your “perfectly-shaped” one, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got here a bunch of tricky shapes up our sleeves, and it all comes down to optimizing the proper use of space.
At first, it will seem like an impossible task, but with a bit of planning here and there and a couple of clever enhancements, you can easily transform yourself into the one you love. First off, you need to make a list. We know, we know, you can’t do anything these days without a list.
This time, you will have to note down all the problems in your garden, like poor layout or no clear footpath routes. If we’re discussing awkward shapes, do they appear too small too big, or too long and narrow? Maybe you should add more character, maybe it’s boring from a visual point of view, maybe, maybe, maybe.
As soon as you identify the main issue, it’s equally important to assess the things you love about your garden and wish to enhance. For example, if you have a lovely tree, a great view, or even a wonderful sunny spot, you can start from there. You can truly help yourself by simply pointing and focusing on all the advantages you already have on hand.
Transform your triangular plot with seating
If you are the proud owner of a triangular plot, then that far-away corner might have you a bit bewildered. As a matter of fact, maybe your entire view from the house seems to circle around that rather severe-looking point, and you will have to find a way to bring attention elsewhere.
Well, there are a couple of tricks to make it feel lighter, brighter, and quite useful. To begin with, paint surrounding walls and fences in hues a bit more pale, to encourage foliage to grow up around them. This will definitely soften the harsh angles.
Then, make sure you draw the eye to the front of the plot with bolder patterns and what you consider as fun features. For example, you might want to go with a tropical vibe. Why not? Moreover, if you are looking for a low-maintenance garden idea, you might as well try an artificial lawn behind, instead of the actual real deal.
Cozy up a narrow courtyard
This quite small penned-in courtyard has been carefully brought to life with a bit of white paint and an outdoor living set-up. The corner sofa slots quite right into the space, and on top of that, is also accompanied by modern stools to keep the overall feel looking open and welcoming.
A fire pit automatically leaves room for a cozy glow, and our best fire pit buying guide has plenty of picks if you would like one for yourself. Moreover, we have the idea of warm-colored cushions!
Transform severe slopes into statement steps
If your garden is too steep, so much so that it feels almost impossible to work with, don’t worry, we got you! Maybe it’s time to take some inspiration from the image above and break the space up into different levels.
It’s also not a job for the faint-hearted (especially if you’re into cheap garden ideas), but the results can really pay off in the long run, both aesthetically and for how you use the space. Try a modern staircase framed by sleek and wooden-panelled structures, because it zones the space quite nicely. However, if you prefer a much softer look, then you could introduce a climbing plant.
Double the space with a mirror
In case your garden feels a bit small and too square, then we have a bunch of ideas for the ideal awkward-shaped garden that you can definitely try. One of the best ways in which you could make your outdoors more spacious is to add mirrors.
If you ask us, the bigger the better. You can hang one up along a wall, and you will see how not only will it help bounce the light all around, but it will also create the most beautiful illusion of space. Hence, your garden will be instantly doubled. Another efficient way to prevent your plot from feeling too cramped is to adopt uninterrupted lines. At times, it definitely helps elongate the space.
Make small and square gardens look bigger with circles
There’s a designer trick for tough spots, and it usually implies defining a brand-new and more pleasing garden shape within existing boundaries. The resulting planting pockets will instantly help disguise the existing boundaries.
Circles are a bold shape which also create quite a strong element that draws the eye from what would be otherwise considered as an awkward-shaped plot. As a matter of fact, one of the most successful garden path ideas is to design a specific one that sweeps around one side of a circular lawn, drawing the eye to an area beyond.
Sort out a slope using multiple levels
Sloping gardens shouldn’t be seen as a disadvantage. Not necessarily. You can make some changes in levels, even if we’re only talking about a 10cm drop because it will instantly add to the perception that the space is actually bigger than it really is, and it makes the garden way more interesting.
Terracing is also a wonderful way for a steeply sloped site, but it can get a bit expensive. You should consider whether or not the entire garden really does need to be terraced. I mean, could you just go with one area leveled and the rest sloping? It might be less costly to site a lawn and seating area away from the house. If you want more info on how much a garden designer costs, we have plenty of advice for you.
Line a thin plot with pots
Terraced houses sometimes tend to have a bunch of awkward side areas that can get very little light. A shade sail or even a small seat is definitely lovely to have there, especially if you want your garden to stand out.
You can try laying gravel with stepping stones and a bunch of lush, and shade-tolerant plants. The idea is to start with the simplest clean-up of the area. As soon as you clear it, a muddy patch or even a pathway can be easily spruced up with a bunch of outdoor accessories to transform it into a usable and nice space.
Add a new level
If you’re praying for more space, and you also have the budget for it, then you should consider a more serious build for your ideas, especially when it comes to awkward-shaped gardens. We recommend trying a particular home extension that offers an interesting flowing indoor-outdoor experience, while its flat roof can also be used as a whole other balcony area, where you can place your pots, plants, and even seatings.
Think vertically in smaller gardens
Small garden ideas are oftentimes overlooked by bigger houses. However, at least there are many fences and walls to provide planting surfaces that won’t even use up too much floor space, but also provide a canvas for color and greenery.
Ladders are quite popular choices, especially for a pot display. They can be easily placed up against a wall and adorned with many colorful plots. You will also notice that it’s such an effortless move.
Make your own green oasis and assure a much-desired privacy by simply extending the height of your boundaries with a bunch of materials like trellis and woven willow. They will let through light and create this light and airy effect.
If you found this article useful, we also recommend checking: 5 Good Luck Plants That Will Bring Fortune Into Your Home
