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Awesome Long Garden Ideas + Landscaping Tips

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Having a long and narrow garden design is actually kind of a luxury, but it can be a challenge when designing it. A rectangular dining table may not be enough to do so.

You have to think of how to maximise on that potentially awkward space. So if you want to give your narrow plot a new lease of life and get that wow factor all year round, we’re here to help!

In this post, we’ve curated landscaping and garden ideas for long gardens from all over the web with long garden ideas. 

1. Modern long garden urban garden

Divide your garden to make different spaces work for you. Here, there’s a large seating area with a patio, a lush green lawn with stepping stones and even a football field at the back!

Long garden patio with covered outdoor dining area
Image Credit: Pxhere

2. Narrow garden with gym

Set aside some space in your garden for a gym to work on your body without having to leave home. For more ideas, take a look at these fantastic garden gym ideas!

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Outdoor gym area with various workout equipment
Image Credit: Flickr, Elliott Brown

3. Zig zag

When you have a long garden, you can get creative with the shapes of the grass and flower beds.

Long garden with zigzag decking
Image Credit: Flickr, GPA Photo Archive

4. Multi-ambient garden

First, some space for the kids to run. Then, a nice dining table for picnics and dinners. And then, some grass to lay down and watch the sky.

5. Side garden bed

Create some planting beds along the long edges of the garden to add some height with trees and plants.

Side garden flower bed display
Image Credit: Flickr, Ken Lund

6. Multi-zoned long garden

Another great example of breaking your garden up into zones; you could even have a section dedicated to each member of the family.

7. Table and shed outdoor furniture

Circular lawns and flower beds can help hide the corridor-feel of a long garden and stop the eye from being drawn straight to the back. Add a cosy outdoor dining space to make the most of your garden on those warm, sunny evenings. 

Family enjoying an alfresco dining in the garden
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

8. Brick path

A winding path and more natural planting will help to draw attention to the rest of the garden rather than focusing on the length. 

Curved brick pathway
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

9. Lights on tree

Trees are the perfect addition to a narrow garden to give some added height. Decorate it with some hanging lights to draw the eye up. 

Large garden tree lit up with LED lighting
Image Credit: Flickr, Nan Palmero

10. Railway sleepers

Use alternative-shaped flower beds to make your narrow garden look wider, as straight beds will just make it feel more enclosed. 

11. Tables on the sides

Different areas break up the narrow space – a small seating area for morning coffee, flower beds and a lawn to bring some life to the garden and then a family dining area for those sunny evening meals outside. 

12. Wooden deck

A modern wooden decking/pathway and tall plants and trees create the illusion of space in a narrow garden. The winding style of the path takes you around the garden rather than giving focus to the far end. 

Wooden decking with matching gazebo
Image Credit: Pxhere

13. Circular shapes

Use shapes like circles for patios and lawns to break up the space into defined areas.

14. Narrow garden with stepping stones

Go for winding stepping stones rather than a solid, straight path to make the garden seem wider. 

Mini garden pond with stepping stones and seating area
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

15. Side pergola garden building

If you don’t want to cover your entire garden, go for a small pergola at the side. Get shade as well as privacy during your al fresco dining.

Modern garden with pergola extension for outdoor dining
Image Credit: Belle Property

16. Small ponds

Water features can help to drown out the noise from neighbours, which can often be intrusive in long, thin gardens. 

English garden with oval pond
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

17. Narrow garden with shed

A shallow shed like this one is perfect for narrow gardens. It breaks up the space and gives you somewhere to store tools and bicycles. 

BillyOh Master Tongue and Groove Apex Shed
BillyOh Master Tongue and Groove Apex Shed

18. Perfect path

Having a small path in your garden protects your grass. It’s important to avoid straight paths in a long, narrow garden as they direct your attention straight to the back and emphasise the length. 

Cottage garden with curved pathway
Image Credit: Flickr, Elliot Brown

19. Hard shapes

Triangles and diagonals will help to make your garden appear wider than a standard rectangular lawn or patio would. 

20. Plank path

A soft wooden path that winds through the flower beds will bring beach vibes to your garden.

Plank garden pathway
Image Credit: Pxhere

21. Two-level perfect grass

Splitting the long lawn into two with a row of trees helps to divide the space and make the garden feel shorter. 

22. Couches and fire pit

If you have the space, why not create a little comfort outside? Place a couple of sofas and a fire pit to keep you warm at night.

Flagstone Patio and seating area create a large entertainment area leading down to the pool
Image Credit: sitename

23. Pergola and minimalist garden

Add some shade into your garden with a small pergola, and create different areas using gravel, paving and grass.  

Simple pergola structure in a French garden
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

24. Modern cabin

Use some of that extra long garden to build a modern cabin and gain some extra indoor space.

BillyOh Fraya Pent Log Cabin
BillyOh Fraya Pent Log Cabin

25. Zen long garden

A small brick path with natural planting, plus some perfectly shaped bushes, provide a lovely section to a zen garden. Concrete accents bring a modern feel.

Sleeping cat on a rock in the Japanese Garden, Jardin Compans Caffarelli, Toulouse
Image Credit: Flickr, David McKelvey

26. Dream long garden

Perfectly pruned hedges and trees give this garden a manicured, stately home-feel. 

Ornamental hedges and borders in Drummond Castle gardens
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

27. Minimal garden

Keep it simple but stylish using black accents that give a modern vibe. Add some seating on the porch, along with some sleek steps and plenty of natural greenery.

28. Wooden side pergola with bench

A pergola will protect you from the sun’s harsh rays, so add a bench underneath for an excellent place to sit back and relax.

29. Long ceramic path

Another example of a winding path that captures your attention to give the illusion of a wider space.

30. Pond with pebbles

No pool? Cool down with a nice little pond on the side of your garden.

Garden rocks with rocks and boulders edging
Image Credit: Rawpixel

31. Flower pergola

A classic metal pergola provides the perfect base for climbing vines and flowers to create a fabulous shaded alfresco dining area.

Wooden pergola with rose climbers
Image Credit: Flickr, Kew on Flick

32. Buried pots

If you prefer not to see your plant pots, bury them within your flower beds for a more polished finish to your garden.

33. Playground

Don’t forget to think about the kids when breaking your garden into sections. 

Kids playing in the playground
Image Credit: Pxhere

34. Modern garden with Jacuzzi

Clean, sharp lines give this narrow garden a modern feel and provide distinctive areas to enjoy. They’ve even added a square hot tub to fit with the theme!

Casa Velas Boutique Hotel with outdoor Jacuzzi suite
Image Credit: Flickr, Casa Velas Hotel

35. Long dry river

Keeping a river beautiful and clean is a lot of work. However, a dry river requires close to no maintenance. Decorate yours with miniature bridges and edging stones to imitate a real river.

Dry garden driver with pebbles
Image Credit: Flickr, Glenn Fleishman

36. Circular traditions

Use circular shapes throughout your garden to create the feeling of more space. Light coloured fences also help to keep it feeling spacious.

37. Modern multi-level fountain

You can also add some modern decorations to bring your garden to life, like this awesome fountain. The trickling sound will help to mask noises from your neighbours that are often a problem with narrow gardens.

Mulit-level fountain with rocks and statues
Image Credit: Oppo

38. Multi-level decking idea

Multiple levels of decking and plants help to give your garden more texture and height, so it won’t feel as narrow.

39. Fire pit and lights

Enjoy evenings in the garden with friends and family by adding a circular seating area with hanging lights and a firepit to keep warm.

Brick fire pit seating
Image Credit: Flickr, Sarah

40. Waterfall edges

You don’t need lots of space for a water feature – add miniature waterfalls around your decking so you can have the soothing sounds of running water to help you relax. 

41. Side plants

Tall trees add some extra height to your garden and give you some added privacy from your neighbours. 

42. Greenhouse

If you have plenty of space, you can get really creative. You could even have a large greenhouse in your backyard.

BillyOh 4000 Lincoln Wooden Clear Wall Greenhouse with Opening Roof Vent
BillyOh 4000 Lincoln Wooden Clear Wall Greenhouse with Opening Roof Vent

43. Modern backyard with lights

Adding some floor or wall lighting always makes your garden look bigger, and you can also enjoy your backyard into the evening. 

Garden tree with Christmas tree
Image Credit: Rawpixel

44. Vegetable garden

Try growing your own vegetables in your backyard. It could eventually save you a trip to the supermarket!

Fruit and vegetable garden
Image Credit: Geograph UK

45. Waterfall and garden bed

Add a waterfall amongst your flower beds and relax while listening to the falling water.

Rock garden waterdall
Image Credit: Pxhere

46. Lanterns and concrete path

It’s important to add some lighting along your path if you’re planning to eat dinner outside or explore your garden in the evening.

Lantern and concrete path
Image Credit: Pixnio

47. Black pergola and hammock

Add a swing seat to transform a classic pergola into a comfortable spot to while away the afternoon. 

48. Flower bed

Create curved flower beds to decorate your lawn edges instead of just a simple fence. 

Flower bed with various blooms
Image Credit: Pixnio

49. Gravel and timber path

Use timber pieces to create ‘steps’ if your garden’s on a slope, as gravel can be slippery alone. 

Beach pebble and timber path
Image Credit: Public Domain Pictures

50. Fountain and stepping stones

If you’re going with a stone fountain, some stone stepping stones are perfect to complete your garden look.

51. Elevate seating with raised deck

Create a focal point at the end of your plot by adding an elevated seating area. The raised deck lifts the space.

The wide stepping stones embedded in this garden gravel pathway draws the eye width ways.

52. Stunning long water feature

A stunning water feature can be a lovely focal point for long garden ideas. This style blends well with the plot’s shape, offering sensory benefits with its soothing sound, cool feel, and lustrous look.

Water Features at Batemans Gardens (National Trust), East Sussex, England
Image Credit: ukgardenphotos

53. Bluestone paths with merging seating spots

This Bluestone path passes over the property, unifying outdoor seating areas with directing flow from one space to the next. There’s a fire pit at the end and each corner is surrounded with full and colourful flowers.

54. Large contemporary back xeriscape garden

A long garden that features contemporary back xeriscape style. The concrete paving and a garden path makes the space even longer.

This concept is a great way to separate the spaces, such as the swimming pool at the left side.

55. Consistent colour scheme

Going for a consistent colour scheme for your long garden is a smart idea. Take a look at this one; the warm, sandy tones create a soothing and cohesive style.

An outdoor space like this will instantly welcome you and your guests with comfort.

56. Outdoor kitchen

Looking for outdoor kitchen ideas? Upgrade the look of your yard dining area by adding a kitchen garden.

This modular alfresco design can be the missing piece to your dream kitchen garden.

Outdoor kitchen with staff preparing food
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

57. Stunning water feature

No pool? No problem; add an attractive feature like a garden pond, or cool down with this long water feature! Mix it between your garden path and surround it with greenery for a touch of serenity.

58. Textural planting of ornamental grasses

Mass planting of grasses and complementary colour palettes can provide a sense of both unity and definition to your long plot. Have a look at this Hampshire garden; the mixes of grasses add elegant inflorescence to the property.

Grass garden at Kew
Image Credit: Geograph UK

The Bottom Line

The main thing to remember with long, narrow gardens is to use different shapes for lawns and patios and divide your space up into different areas using winding paths and irregular planting or flower beds. 

Hopefully you can use some of these ideas to help you transform your garden into a relaxing space you’ll be able to enjoy with the whole family.

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FAQs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to giving your long narrow plot a new lease of life. For one, you can utilise the space by adding a multi-level deck, or you can refer back to our list for more narrow garden ideas!

On top of our garden design ideas, maintenance is key to making your long outdoor space look nice. Treating your beautiful garden to new outdoor furniture also works wonders.

Long garden ideas with a sensory garden is one the most opted choices by many UK homeowners, especially for their garden path. Children will surely love a garden path with different elements that stimulate the five basic senses.

Use shapes, potted plants and structures to create screens or for a diversion. A garden building will also do the trick, as well as a wooden decking idea or a garden path.

These can help break up your yard and create an entertaining space, outdoor dining space, and more!

A few of our favourite concepts are establishing a garden pond that can benefit the wildlife and creating an infinity pool that can be benefited by the whole family. Then again, there are lots of savvy ways you can design your space; make sure to get enough inspiration as much as you can!