6 Ways to Elegantly Link Different Areas of Your Garden
Try these clever ideas by Houzz designers to create a smooth transition from one zone to the next in your outdoor space
If you’re planning a garden with a few separate areas, it’s a good idea to consider how you’ll link them. These garden designers have used some clever tricks to beautifully connect zones and encourage a leisurely journey from one space to the next.
Merge materials
Even in a small space, you can create different zones. Here, for example, Tom Howard has divided the plot into a patio and a seating area.
To both differentiate and link the two spaces, he’s been creative with the flooring materials. A line of decking continues from the bench to connect it to the patio, while a run of slate paving leads into the seating area to form another link.
Find out how this car parking spot became a chic entertaining space.
Want to start planning your own garden revamp? Find a garden designer on Houzz and start the conversation.
Even in a small space, you can create different zones. Here, for example, Tom Howard has divided the plot into a patio and a seating area.
To both differentiate and link the two spaces, he’s been creative with the flooring materials. A line of decking continues from the bench to connect it to the patio, while a run of slate paving leads into the seating area to form another link.
Find out how this car parking spot became a chic entertaining space.
Want to start planning your own garden revamp? Find a garden designer on Houzz and start the conversation.
Line up
If your garden has a relatively small level change, there are some tricks you can use to make it feel connected to the rest of the space. In this contemporary plot, for example, designer Jenny Bloom has used decking to form the link.
Cedar slats have been laid over an existing patio to raise it to the same level as the kitchen doors. The slats then continue onto the raised garden to link the two areas and draw the eye to the back of the outdoor space.
See how this concrete plot became a leafy contemporary space.
If your garden has a relatively small level change, there are some tricks you can use to make it feel connected to the rest of the space. In this contemporary plot, for example, designer Jenny Bloom has used decking to form the link.
Cedar slats have been laid over an existing patio to raise it to the same level as the kitchen doors. The slats then continue onto the raised garden to link the two areas and draw the eye to the back of the outdoor space.
See how this concrete plot became a leafy contemporary space.
Take a pause
The links between spaces can speed up or slow down your journey through a garden. John Davies used a few design tricks in this relatively compact plot to make the transition from one area to the next more leisurely.
Stepping stones over the pond encourage an unhurried walk, and a gravelled area helps to slow the pace. Finally, a couple of steps lead to the dining zone. These simple transitions make a leisurely stroll possible, even if the distance is minimal.
Tour the rest of this small London backyard, which became a beautiful oasis.
The links between spaces can speed up or slow down your journey through a garden. John Davies used a few design tricks in this relatively compact plot to make the transition from one area to the next more leisurely.
Stepping stones over the pond encourage an unhurried walk, and a gravelled area helps to slow the pace. Finally, a couple of steps lead to the dining zone. These simple transitions make a leisurely stroll possible, even if the distance is minimal.
Tour the rest of this small London backyard, which became a beautiful oasis.
Hide the difference
In this wildlife garden, designer Paul Richards used two different types of paving. Near the house, he relaid some Yorkstone flag pavers that were already in the space, but he had to use new riven Indian sandstone for this seating area.
To link the two stones and avoid them clashing, he used different materials for the path in-between. “The paths are brick-edged with gravel infill,” he says. “That meant we didn’t end up with two different stones abutting each other.”
Visit more of this small wildlife haven with secluded seating areas.
In this wildlife garden, designer Paul Richards used two different types of paving. Near the house, he relaid some Yorkstone flag pavers that were already in the space, but he had to use new riven Indian sandstone for this seating area.
To link the two stones and avoid them clashing, he used different materials for the path in-between. “The paths are brick-edged with gravel infill,” he says. “That meant we didn’t end up with two different stones abutting each other.”
Visit more of this small wildlife haven with secluded seating areas.
Lead the way
To create a leisurely transition through each area of her own garden, Amanda Shipman designed a winding path of slimline Belgian clay paviors. She chose a herringbone pattern, as it doesn’t direct you, and encourages you to walk along it wherever you start.
“The way you lay paving has an impact on the direction you take and the pace at which you walk along it,” she says. “Horizontal bands slow you down; if they run lengthways, you want to rush along them.”
See how this small urban plot got a wildlife-friendly revamp.
Tell us…
Would any of these transition ideas work in your garden? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
To create a leisurely transition through each area of her own garden, Amanda Shipman designed a winding path of slimline Belgian clay paviors. She chose a herringbone pattern, as it doesn’t direct you, and encourages you to walk along it wherever you start.
“The way you lay paving has an impact on the direction you take and the pace at which you walk along it,” she says. “Horizontal bands slow you down; if they run lengthways, you want to rush along them.”
See how this small urban plot got a wildlife-friendly revamp.
Tell us…
Would any of these transition ideas work in your garden? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
A change in levels can present a challenge, especially if the transition is particularly steep. To create a calm journey from high to low in this garden, Simon Orchard built generous diagonal steps.
The chunky design and wide layout make the transition feel easy and relaxed, rather than sudden. “The steps are designed to lead you down and then diagonally across the garden,” Simon says.
See more of this south-facing family space with contemporary style.