Deck The Walls

Boundary walls have become part of our lives for both privacy and safety. But rather than bemoan the fact, use them to establish interesting features and focal points

- Marianne Alexander

HIDDEN DEPTHS

Mirrors are a great way of creating the impression of more space, especially on walls surrounding small gardens, courtyards and enclosed patios. Here an arch, enhanced by its three-dimensional shape, adds extra perspective. Rather than painting it and the mirror frame white, this gardener used a darker shade of grey which complements the surroundings. Also breaking the height of the wall is a raised planter overflowing with impatiens.

BRANCHING OUT

If you need more privacy than the boundary wall provides, trim standard trees to make a living screen. The advantage is that, by restricting the height of the trees, the garden doesn’t become too shady. Creative planting in the space underneath adds another dimension.

NATURAL LINES