Secluded garden on a thin plot

• Thin plot garden design
• Low maintenance garden on a thin plot
• Secluded garden on a thin plot
• Family garden on a thin plot

Circles are brilliant for creating the illusion of width. In a long, thin garden, it's best to link them with a curving pathway so you can create distinct zones, each with its own function and style. We've dedicated one circle to dining and relaxing, left one as a lawn, and put a bench and water feature in the last, sheltered circle. Plant small trees to the side of each circle for privacy. Will it take much looking after? By filling the flowerbeds mainly with easy-care shrubs, and only planting annual flowers in the main patio, you can keep gardening time down. A fan-shaped mini Chusan palm adds interest and is maintenance-free. How can I cut costs? Simply replace the paving of the pathways and the circle at the back of the garden with bark chippings (which can extend into the beds) to save money and give the garden a woodland glade feel.

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