Creating the Illusion of Space: How Archways and Vertical Features Can Transform a Small Garden

Small gardens often come with big challenges. Limited space can feel confining, but clever design can turn that limitation into a lush, immersive experience. In this blog, I will discuss one of the most effective tricks to take your small space to the next level. Using archways and vertical features to create depth, structure, and a sense of expanded space.

Why Height Matters in Small Gardens

When designing small spaces, most people think horizontally and move planting tight to the garden edges. But shifting your focus upwards opens up a world of possibilities. Vertical elements draw the eye skywards, creating a sense of openness and grandeur, changing the feel to a more open and inspiring space. By layering height into your garden, you not only break up the space visually but also invite exploration and curiosity.

Wooden posts can create a unique 3rd dimension to your planting and make your garden seem larger.

Archways: Framing Views and Suggesting More

An archway is more than just a structural element; it’s a portal to your secret oasis that has both psychological and perceptive effects. When placed strategically, archways:

• Frame key views: A glimpse of something just beyond the arch—perhaps a bench, sculpture, or vibrant planting—creates a sense of destination.

• Imply depth: The mind assumes there’s something beyond, making the garden feel more expansive than it is.

• Divide and define: An arch can signal a transition from one ‘room’ to another, segmenting a small space into meaningful zones.

Clothed in climbing plants such as clematis, roses or jasmine, an archway becomes a lush, living feature that contributes scent, colour, and seasonal interest.

Tall Features: Structure and Storytelling

Incorporating tall structures—such as sculptures, wooden posts, trellises, pergolas or even mature planting—can give your garden a strong vertical rhythm. These elements serve multiple roles:

• Draw attention upwards: Distract from the limited floor space by engaging the upper visual field.

• Add structure: Vertical features create anchors in the design, giving the space rhythm and balance.

• Support planting: Climbing plants help soften hard lines while contributing vertical colour and texture.

Think of a trellis adorned with sweet peas or a tall, narrow tree like an Amelanchier or Italian cypress. These introduce drama without crowding the ground level.

FreshIdeen, n.d. Garten-Pergola. [online] Available at: https://freshideen.com/garten/gartenmoebel/garten-pergola.html [Accessed 9 June 2025].

Layering for Depth

The real magic happens when vertical features are used in layers. Place taller elements towards the back and scale down to mid- and low-level planting at the front. This gradation mimics natural perspective and enhances the illusion of depth.

Combined with pathways, mirrors or staggered views through archways, this technique can make a tiny garden feel like a hidden world waiting to be explored.

Tips for Getting Started

• Choose lightweight structures: For smaller spaces, opt for slender, elegant forms that won’t dominate.

• Repeat elements: Echo vertical forms throughout the space for cohesion—matching trellises or coordinated obelisks can unify the design.

• Don’t overcrowd: Even vertical features need breathing room. Use restraint to maintain a sense of spaciousness.

• Embrace seasonality: Let climbers or hanging plants change throughout the year, keeping your vertical structures dynamic and alive.

• Raise up your planting: Incorporate emerging herbaceous perennials such as Alliums, Fox gloves and Red hot poker, to elevate your planting beds.

J. Parker’s, 2023. J. Parker’s Partners with the RHS! Enter Our Mystery Plant Bundle Competition [online]. Available at: https://www.jparkers.co.uk/news/j-parkers-partners-with-the-rhs-enter-our-mystery-plant-bundle-competition/ [Accessed 9 June 2025].

Final Thought

With a thoughtful approach, even the smallest garden can feel expansive. By playing with height, views and structure, you can transform your outdoor space into an inspiring multi-layered retreat. Whether it’s a simple rose-covered arch or a dramatic pergola with cascading vines, vertical elements are your secret weapon for creating depth, intrigue and beauty in small garden design.