While this design approach works in a large open plot, for a narrow space, too many different colors can prove jarring. Making the area feel mismatched and chaotic, it can visually reduce the space.

Planting straight-edged borders on the edges of a garden can sometimes be the right option, and can deliver a clean, modern design. But don't make these too narrow, or they can look a little meager.

GARDEN borders add points of interest to a garden and are a great way to split up and control different areas of the garden. Here's how to revamp your garden borders, according to an expert.

This narrow back garden in Barnsbury, north London, is an uplifting example. Constrained by a large bicycle store on one side, it had the potential to feel hemmed-in and skinny.