9 Ways to Divide Your Garden

Whether your garden is small or spacious, dividing it into various sections gives it particular focal points, adding a sense of character and charm to the area.

Dividing the area will naturally depend on a few factors. Namely, the shape of your garden, how you intend to use the space and of course, who will be using the area. For example, if you have a family with small children, the needs you have for your garden will be very different to someone who is an ‘empty nester’.

Just so we are clear, when we talk about dividing a garden, we don’t mean putting a fence right in the middle of it! Dividing a garden means adding various sections with plants, water features, furniture, textures and textiles wherein they create zones of interest with a specific purpose. For example, separating your entertaining deck from your outdoor lounge and barbeque area is one way to divide your garden.

So if you are looking for inspiration and ideas on how you can transform your front or back yard, here are nine ways we recommend to divide the space.

1. Decide on different areas

When dividing the garden, the first step is to decide what areas you need and where to position them. For example, if you have an outdoor kitchen (or if your indoor kitchen is close to the backyard), this would be an ideal location for your designated garden dining space. This way you can enjoy the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is loved by so many Australians!

If you have kids, you may want to consider creating a designated play area. In case you choose to do this, we recommend making it children-friendly. You can do this by laying  grass on the ground and fencing it off at least three quarters of the way around. This way you’ll know your kids are safe and sound while playing outside.

2. Use plants

Plants are one of the easiest ways to divide a space. A low hedge, large pot plants or even a flower garden bed can be used to separate one area from another. Pots or planter boxes can also be used as pathways, guiding your family and friends towards specific areas in the garden. For example, if you have an outdoor lounge area, a pathway is a beautiful way to lead people towards it. 

3. Touches of colour

A bright and fun way to separate different spaces is to add colour to your garden. For example, you can paint a plain wall with bold accents and really add life to your space. If you want to keep it looking really chic, paint the wall with similar tones as your furnishings to really compliment your outdoor living space.

4. Screen it up

Screens, much like plants and decorated walls, can also add extra layers and textures to your outdoor area and are a simple way of dividing your garden into various sections. Whether you choose laser-cut screens, trellis with climbing plants or horizontal timber fencing, you can easily cordon off specific areas, create privacy and give your garden a modern touch. The most advantageous thing about screens is that all these options let in natural light!

5. Stepping stones

Stepping stones are another perfect solution to separating areas. You can use them to create pathways and at the same time, divide the space between the connecting areas. They’re also a lovely addition around a pool, especially if there is a transition from the grass area to the water section. Stepping stones essentially add another dimension to the “room”.

6. Bring in some art

Sculptures and outdoor art are another gorgeous way to divide your space. They’re interesting to look at and are a more fun alternative to traditional screens or fences. If you’re creative, you can even create a sculpture yourself! Alternatively, there are plenty of options you can browse at hardware stores, galleries or nurseries.

7. Bamboo

While it does require a fair deal of time and upkeep to ensure bamboo is well-maintained, the plant is perfect for screening off sections in your garden. Additionally, the golden canes don’t block all the sunlight and cast interesting shadows on the ground. Bear in mind that bamboo does require regular trimming, otherwise it can take over the entire garden! Unless that’s the look you’re going for, it’s best to give the bamboo a trim every so often.

8. Clad the walls

Wall cladding is another excellent option for decorating your garden and dividing it into various sections. It’s also handy in that wall cladding has many options, even within specific minerals. Stone wall cladding is a simpler and more cost effective way of giving your wall a ‘stone’ look and adding a lovely natural look to your backyard that seamlessly blends with the rest of your garden. Wall cladding works great as a surrounding wall for a specific area or even as a pathway or low wall to sit on. Whether you choose the herringbone, brick-style or naturally broken stones pieced together, your outdoor area will look stunning! 

9. Pop in a pergola

If you want to create a shaded area where you and your family and friends are protected from the elements, adding a walled or roofed area is a great idea. A pergola, whether walled or open, can act as a seating, lounge or entertaining area. You can even use trellis as walls so that the area is lovely and airy. The pergola can be installed literally anywhere in your garden – bang smack in the middle of the backyard, on grass, decking or stone, or even in the corner of a deck. Once positioned in your ideal location, you can really make the area ‘pop’ by decorating it with furniture, textiles and lights.

As you can see, dividing your garden into various sections is a simple process and can add a new element of fun, serenity and joy to your backyard.

If you need any help, please reach out to us at 1300 560 560 or visit our Sydney showroom in Glebe for ideas and inspiration.

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