suggestions for narrow garden beds?

I live in Brooklyn, NY, and have a patio behind my brownstone apartment with planting beds bordering three sides – 13'x16’x13’. I’d love to brighten up this rather dismal looking space, perhaps with a mix of perennials and annuals.

Here’s my problem: The planting beds are very narrow – 19" deep on two sides that butt up against fencing and 17" deep on the third side that’s against an ivy-covered brick the wall. I don’t know how to design a space that narrow – how to group things for visual interest so it doesn’t just look like a long line of random plants on each side. When I read suggestions on how to design a border, the assumption is that the border is at least two or three feet deep, and that you can plant shorter plants in front and taller in back, etc. I’m not sure I have the space for that kind of design.

The two 19" sides get indirect sun most of the day, with some direct sun in spots. The 17" side gets 6 hours of direct sun in the summer months (late morning and afternoon).

Any suggestions for how to group plants in an interesting way in this space? Or, any ideas for something simple that would have lots of impact?

Here are a few links with tips and suggestions for you. You will want to alternate plant heights, or add tall narrow trellises for climbing plants like clematis to add dimension and interest. Choose a few perennials to act as the backbone for the area and annuals and ground covers for variety and seasonal interest.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7539880_narrow-walkway-flower-bed-ideas.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_6565817_landscape-ideas-narrow-flower-beds.html

http://www.ehow.com/list_7178202_annual-plant-combinations-ideas.html

http://www.gardenguides.com/85958-landscape-ideas-narrow-flower-beds.html

http://www.hortcourses.com/plants/smallplant.aspx

http://www.suite101.com/content/ideas-for-gardening-in-narrow-spaces-a239969

When I started landscaping our new house, I borrowed tons of books from the library, bought magazines that had plans in them, and searched the internet.
I was told I did things all backward, as I bought a lot of my plants and shrubs before I did the designs. It worked great for me though. I had purchased the plants at the end of the year sales and got them cheap. Nursed them through the winter in their pots which we had heeled into the garden.
I found the designs I liked the best, and then occasionally substituted plants that it asked for ones I liked better. For instance, instead of a white cedar I put (I can't remember the name right off!!!) in a hemlock that grows whitish tips at the end of branches.
My best plans i got from here:

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/special-spots/

as well as other areas of their site.
best of luck!
Deb

Thanks! Your suggested links are really helpful. I also found a magazine with a section on border gardens, which is giving me lots of great ideas.

Good luck Kat. Be sure to post a picture or two. Happy gardening!

One other thing to keep in mind, katboyd, is to use the vertical spaces to advantage (hang pots on the fence, use climbers with trellis, etc.) Good luck!

And I gottatellya, I am **green** with envy at your hardscaping -- what I wouldn't give for a cement patio, and poured border edging! Yes, we always want what we have not got. ;-}

I agree with Howl - trellis's would be a great way to get more vertical interest with some climbers! It would help break the eye so you don't feel like everything is in a 'regimented line' when you first walk in... :)

And, since it is a closed space, you can use some garden art to great advantage. Small pieces kinda add a bit of Bling...a small plant hanger holding a windchime or suncatcher, simple elegant plant stakes to support taller growing plants, or an interesting piece of statuary or wall mounted fountain. Use the area to reflect your style. Have fun.

Hello all! I was the person who started this thread in 2011. Thought I would post an "after" photo or two to go along with the "before" photo I originally posted. I know it's a little late, but it's also kind of fun to see what the same space looks like four years later. I'm am no master gardener, but I do love puttering around out there and am pleased with my little oasis in the city.

Brava Kat. That is simply lovely and has lots of texture, color and appeal. You created a pretty little garden that catches the eye and is very welcoming. Good on you.

That is a wonderful transformation!

Thanks, Diana_K! And a special thank you to themoonhowl - your advice was so helpful when I was getting started.

It turned out lovely!

You are most welcome Kat. I am pleased to have helped you get started.

Happy gardening,
Moon

What fabulous results. I can see why you love to spend time in your oasis. Just glancing I see you chose tried and true plants! Hosta, ferns, impatient, astilbe! Love it.

@katboyd it looks wonderful! great job!!