Many homes in the UK have a rectangular shape and while it can be challenging for homeowners to visualise the best use of an outdoor space, the experts at Landscapia are happy to help.
Whether you’re looking to create a modern, welcoming or multifunctional garden, we’ve provided 10 helpful wide rectangular garden ideas. You won’t believe how a few changes can enhance your outdoor space.
What Makes a Wide Rectangular Garden Unique?
In many ways, a wide rectangular garden is like a blank canvas. While it has the potential to have many different aesthetics, it can feel daunting to create visual interest in such a long and wide space. Before you begin planting, building sheds and installing features, it’s important to consider the flow and layout, as the possibilities are vast with a rectangular garden.
For instance, you may want to break up the space or create distinct greenery zones. You also might want to consider having a focal point and somewhere for friends and family to gather. Think of the garden style and aesthetic that best suits your home. Perhaps it’s something modern with many straight lines or a circular garden path to provide the feeling of a more spacious environment. It’s important to have a purpose in mind before you even begin. Once you’ve decided whether you want something luxurious, minimalistic or exotic you can make the most of your rectangular garden.
10 Wide Rectangular Garden Ideas to Enhance Your Space
1. Design Inviting Seating Areas
Whether you’re looking to enjoy your morning cuppa, entertain guests or simply relax, an inviting seating area is the best way to enjoy nice weather and good company. It can also work as a great focal point when surrounded by vibrant plants. They’re also able to section off the area in a rectangular garden and divide it into different zones. When you’ve decided on the ideal place for a seating area, it becomes easier to visualise the surrounding areas of your rectangular garden.
2. Introduce Levels to Add Layers and Depth
By creating levels, your garden becomes more than a rectangular space and has different areas to draw the eye and create a sense of depth. Raised patios, sunken gardens and terraced plant beds each add layers to a garden, creating stylish elevation and maximising space. Creating levels gives your garden a cohesive feel and provides more functional spaces.
3. Add Flow with Thoughtfully Designed Pathways
If you’re looking to take focus away from the shape of your wide rectangular garden, thoughtfully designed pathways can create a better sense of flow to your outdoor space. A pathway should connect to different parts of your garden, such as the seating area, plant beds or courtyard. There are many different styles of pathways such as modern paved paths with straight lines, stepping stones and gravel for a more rustic appearance.
4. Elevate Your Space with a Fire Pit
A great way to create a focal point in your wide rectangular garden is with a fire pit. Installing a stylish fire pit allows you to plan your seating area around it, as well as split the space of your garden. It also helps create a comfortable seating area that can be enjoyed year-round.
A fire pit works great in a sunken seating area or a raised patio to add visual interest and create a sense of flow by drawing attention to a specific part of your garden. To maximise your fire pit, it’s recommended to use porcelain or stone for enhanced safety and durability.
5. Add a Water Feature to Create a Focal Point
Water features add an aesthetically pleasing and tranquil focal point to any garden. They can be installed near seating areas for enhanced relaxation or as a standalone centrepiece. There are a wide variety of water features you can install in your garden including natural-looking ponds, contemporary fountains, sculptural spheres, striking monoliths and more.
6. Transform your Garden with a Courtyard
A courtyard serves as a multifunctional space in any rectangular garden. It can serve many purposes, including creating a relaxing private retreat, a space to entertain guests or enjoy dining on a day the weather is nice. A courtyard can also highlight features in your garden and create a nice contrast with any surrounding plants.
7. Maximise Space with a Patio
A patio allows you to maximise your rectangular garden and create a sense of harmony that connects your home with your outdoor space. They can be decorated with stylish and modern furniture, surrounded by plants, water features, a pergola and all the elements that turn a rectangular garden into a cohesive outdoor space.
8. Bring Texture with a Living Wall
A living wall helps add green foliage and colourful flowers to a rectangular garden. When it comes to utilising every aspect of your garden, the fence is often forgotten. What a living wall does is transform the borders and fencing into a lush, colourful and vibrant space. Living walls also foster a greater connection to nature and add visual interest to an otherwise ordinary space.
9. Create Balance with Symmetry and Asymmetry
A sense of cohesion is important in an outdoor space. While modern features and clean lines are visually appealing, they should be softened with elements of nature. Blending harmonious elements with contemporary symmetry creates a balanced design. Incorporating a mix of symmetrical and asymmetrical features adds elegance and helps establish strong focal points in a garden.
10. Incorporate Round Shapes
Often, rectangular garden spaces can feel enclosed, but incorporating round shapes makes an area more open and inviting. Circular water features, a rounded lawn, curved pathways and planting beds take the emphasis away from the rectangular shape and shift the focus to the luxurious features surrounding a garden.
Wide Rectangular Garden Ideas for Different Styles
Modern Design
Those looking to incorporate wide rectangular garden ideas specifically to create a sense of luxury should consider implementing a modern design. This means incorporating straight lines, minimalist elements and not overcrowding the garden. A contemporary style is not only in vogue but it highlights focal points in your garden, such as a fire pit, water feature or plant beds. Landscapia has vast experience with modern classics and can offer more modern garden ideas to provide your outdoor area with a sophisticated appearance.
Traditional Design
A traditional garden design stands the test of time for a reason. Their classic features are both practical and functional, providing seating areas on a patio to socialise, gravel paths as a walkway and space to highlight fixtures. They often emphasise green spaces and structured planting to create a timeless and welcoming environment.
Rural Design
Open space is a big part of a rural garden design. It embraces nature with open and flowing spaces as well as seating areas to unwind. Excellent for large open spaces, they can be incorporated with porcelain paving, stylish glass pergolas and garden sculptures. In essence, they provide a rural escape from everyday stress.
Luxury Garden Design at Landscapia
If you’re looking to maximise your rectangular garden, contact the garden design and build experts at Landscapia. We specialise in modern, luxurious and high-quality garden design for all types of outdoor spaces in Birmingham, the Cotswolds and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a sunken garden, create a more stylish atmosphere or a complete transformation, our award-winning team of garden landscapers can work with you from design to completion to create your ideal space.