When I look at Swedish gardens I always get such optimism.  Especially this time of year.  It is always so hard for me to imagine the long bright green days of summer when everything outside is short, dark and white.  

Ogling over Swedish gardens (and especially a garden makeover) make me feel better. By my logic, if they can make amazing gardens (with their even colder, even darker winters)…certainly we (in all places outside of the arctic circle) can too.

So here is a little before and after of a Swedish side yard. Designed by Mariana Sjoberg, it should spur you on to think about possibilities for your own unused outdoor space.

Before & During

I love how the whole place feels so much more special by the addition of the circle gate. Entrances always matter to garden design. They really set the stage for how you will feel as you pass through them and into whatever is next.

After

I also think the circle is making the whole space feel a little wider and more substantial (it is narrow and awkward). The circle offers a different focal point (i.e. the center of the circle) and distracts from the skewed angles that aren’t as welcoming.

Another point of design inspiration to take from this project is to think about the traffic flow you are creating. Maybe, the sideyard doesn’t always have to be a pass through. It is ok to make a dead end. By changing the traffic pattern, you might find that you can use the area in a whole new way.

Side yard gardens often suffer from a lack of interest and are an afterthought for the garden design – but this gate puts this side yard front and center.

To see more images and read more about the transformation, visit Mariana’s Blog.

images Mariana Sjoberg