7 Clever Garden Corner Ideas to Transform Awkward Spaces

Transform Your Garden Corner Into a Functional and Beautiful Space

Most modern homes, if they have outside space at all, have a compact square or rectangular plot. Yet this doesn't have to be boring. Landscape designers have plenty of garden corner ideas to make the best use of these awkward spots and bring beauty and balance to your yard.

Traditionally, a garden with four right angles has led to a small lawn, surrounded by skinny flower beds. Yet modern garden ideas include a wider range of interesting options for corner spaces. However, before deciding on the aesthetics, consider the practicalities.

Is your garden overlooked? Would you like a space to entertain or relax? Is the corner shady or sunny? With these questions answered, you are better placed to work out which of these gorgeous garden corner ideas are most suitable for your outdoor space.

Add Privacy With a Specimen Tree

If you want to make an urban garden more private, using an overlooked corner to plant a beautiful specimen tree or sapling is a natural and attractive way to block a view. Ensure your chosen tree has ample space to grow, and that the roots won't disturb any nearby structures, and in time, it will reward you with a glorious natural canopy.

"Planting a specimen tree such as a Betula utilis jacquemontii in a corner creates privacy from overlooked neighbors, as well as an interesting view from the house," says Sarah Kay, founder, Sarah Kay Garden Design. "In one of our projects, we positioned an existing bench in front of the tree, to create a place to relax in the sunniest part of the garden, with an evergreen jasmine climber (Trachelospernum jasminoides) trained over the fence to provide additional fragrance and foliage."

Arrange Potted Plants for a Shaded Seating Area

In a small courtyard garden, a corner can be a convenient spot for a seating area, but in the height of summer, it can get pretty hot, especially if it catches the sun. Trees and plants cool the atmosphere, as the color green absorbs infrared light. By including a selection of potted or hanging plants in a courtyard, it will add some shade, lower the temperature, and lead to a more comfortable space.

"In a corner of a tiny east London courtyard garden, I've created an appealing shaded seating area for reading, surrounded by plants," says Sarah. "To do something similar, use a feature architectural tree, such as an Acer in a large planter. I've added matching wooden wall planters containing trailing plants to soften the large expanse of brick wall on either side."

Create a Wildlife Haven

We're all aware by now that nature is good for our well-being. In return, nature needs our support, so wildlife gardening is huge. If it's not possible to turn your whole garden into a wildlife haven, transforming a corner is a great place to start. Firstly, choose the best plants for wildlife, as these will attract butterflies and songbirds to feed on pollen, nectar, and beneficial bugs. Water is important too, whether a pond, a pool, or just a bird bath or butterfly puddler.

"Corners are great for carving out a mini pollinator or wildlife zone," says garden designer, Gina Taylor, founder of East London Garden Design. "A mix of flowering plants, a small bug hotel, and a shallow reflective water pool can do wonders. The water feature serves a dual purpose — giving birds and insects a place to drink or bathe, while also adding a serene, light-catching element to the space."

Tuck in a Firepit

The plethora of firepit ideas on offer can't have escaped your notice. And while a patio is a favored spot for a firepit, a corner at the end of a small garden is popular too. A cosy garden corner was the chosen location for a firepit in one of the garden designer, Gina Taylor's, recent projects.

"One of the most requested features from clients lately is a compact seating area centred around a fire pit," says Gina. "Even in a tight garden, a portable fire bowl with a couple of well-placed chairs or a built-in bench can create a really atmospheric evening spot."

Liven it Up With Vertical Planting

Small gardens, especially in cities, can look a little flat. This is usually due to space constraints and the absence of trees and tall plants, coupled with an excess of hardscaping materials and outdoor furniture. Vertical planting is a wonderful way to remedy this situation and enliven a corner used for dining with flourishing foliage — or to create one.

"One of the simplest ways to transform a garden corner is by using height — a trellis or green wall can soften boundaries and create a lush, layered backdrop," says Gina. "Climbers like Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), clematis, or even edible vines like grape or passionfruit can add color, scent, and structure."

Introduce a Retreat Zone

A garden hideaway can be tucked into a far corner, turning it into a quiet space to retreat to. A shady spot or a corner with dappled light is ideal. However, a sun trap could be made cooler and more comfortable with the addition of a pergola, if you have enough room. Make it relaxing with comfy seating to lounge on and fragrant plants nearby.

"Another popular request is to create a peaceful little retreat space," says Gina. "A slim bench, hanging chair or hammock, layered with cushions and throws, surrounded by soft planting like ornamental grasses, ferns or scented herbs, can turn a corner into a personal hideaway."

Hide Practical Items

In a small garden, a corner can be a functional storage area, which you may want to disguise. One way to do this is with an eye-catching garden screen, which looks like a feature artwork, but has a helpful purpose, such as hiding bins or other unattractive practical elements.

"In small gardens, which are completely on view from the house, a corner is a great spot to hide practical items such as compost bins and sheds," says Sarah. "We created an urban sanctuary garden, using a decorative Corten steel screen to disguise a small area where the compost bin is housed."

FAQs: How to Brighten a Dark Corner of the Garden?

Firstly, check what is causing the darkness or shade. If it's coming from overgrown trees and plants in your garden, cut them back. If they are on your neighbor's side, ask them to cut the overgrowth back. Suppose the dark corner is due to surrounding buildings. In that case, it can be brightened up with outdoor furniture in bold colors, such as the red powder-coated aluminum bench in the project by Gina Taylor at East London Garden Design at the top of the page.

Garden corners offer an opportunity to zone your outside space for specific purposes or activities. Before deciding what to do with them, think about how you would actually like to use your garden, as well as the orientation of each corner and where the sunlight falls at different times of the day.

It's entirely possible to blend some of the above ideas, too. Why not include a wildlife haven in a quiet retreat space? Or plant a mature tree for privacy in a corner used for outdoor dining or seating? Whatever you decide, choose plants and trees that are suitable for the conditions in your garden, as they will require minimal maintenance, leaving you more time to enjoy your outside space.