What Can I Do with a Narrow Side Yard
- Tammy Johnson
- 24 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Written and edited by Tammy 13th February 2026
What Can I Do with a Narrow Side Yard
As housing blocks get smaller and homes sit closer together, the size and opportunities for gardens are shrinking too. Unless you’re lucky enough to own a house block in and older original part of town, larger backyards really are a thing of the past, and that means we’re having to get a little more creative with the space we do have.
One of the most overlooked areas is the side yard, that narrow strip running down the side of the house that often ends up forgotten, bare, or home for the rubbish bins and fold out washing line, rather than part of the garden.
When it’s approached with intention, a side yard can become one of the most productive and rewarding parts of the garden.
Why Side Yards Are Becoming So Popular
Side yards are having a real moment, especially in modern homes and urban gardens. They solve a very real problem, ‘how to enjoy gardening when space is limited’.
They’re often sheltered, close to the house, and capable of creating unique microclimates. Instead of being wasted space, side yards can become green corridors, edible strips, or calm, leafy walkways that soften the hard edges of the home.
How to Read Your Side Yard Before Planting
I know the excitement of feeling 'gung-ho', wanting to just get stuck into it and start planting. But before you do...
Ask yourself:
Which side of the house is it on?
How much direct sunlight does it actually receive?
Is it exposed to heat, wind, or reflected glare?
Does the soil dry out quickly or stay cool and damp?
It’s really important we understand these conditions first, because choosing the right plants from the start has a huge bearing on the success of our garden.
Can You Grow Food in a Side Yard
Absolutely.
Side yards are ideal for compact edible gardens, especially herbs and leafy crops. Because they’re close to the house, they’re easy to water, harvest, and keep an eye on.
Great options include:
Herbs like parsley, coriander, thyme, oregano, and chives
Leafy greens such as lettuce, rocket, spinach, and silverbeet
Spring onions, garlic, and strawberries
Vertical growing works beautifully in narrow spaces too, making it possible to grow plenty without crowding the walkway.
What to Plant in a Shady Side Yard
If your side yard sits on the southern side of the house, shade may be the dominant feature. While it can feel limiting at first, many plants thrive in cooler, protected conditions.
Look for plants like these, they're all shade-loving options:
Ferns
Clivia
Liriope
Heuchera
Native violets as groundcover
Hydrangea
These spaces often become lush, cooling garden corridors when cleverly planted.
What to Plant in a Hot Dry Side Yard
Western-facing side yards don't come without their challenges either. Afternoon sun, reflected heat from walls, and dry soil can be common issues.
The key here is choosing resilient plants that cope well once established, supported by good soil preparation and mulch.
Hardy options include:
Lomandra
Dianella
Rosemary
Lavender
Westringia
myoporum
Native grass trees
Agave
Succulents
Deep, watering and improved soil health make a huge difference in these types of spaces.
Design Ideas for Narrow Side Yards
Even the narrowest side yard benefits from simple design choices.
A small arbour, a swing chair, stepping stones, soft planting edges, repetition of plants, (often 'less is more') and vertical elements like climbers or trellises help the space feel intentional rather than forgotten. Don't forget water features and garden art, these are things that don't require keeping them alive, can utilise some space and have a huge wow factor.
A side yard doesn’t need to be wide to feel welcoming, it just needs purpose.
Small Side Yards Big Gardening Potential
Side yards may be narrow, but they’re full of opportunity. With the right plant choices and a little planning, they can become productive, calming, and beautiful parts of the garden.
In today’s smaller blocks, every metre matters, and the side yard is no longer an afterthought.
Happy Gardening😘
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Want a little more support in your garden?
If you're enjoying my blogs, hints n tips here, and ever find yourself wishing you had someone to ask, “Is this normal?” or “What should I be doing right now?”, that’s exactly why I created The Backyard.
Inside, you’ll find my in-depth, practical gardening guides, a weekly “What to do in the garden this week” update (so you’re never guessing what’s timely), and the option to chat one-on-one with me about plant pests, diseases, or garden mysteries as they pop up.
It’s a bit like having me right there in your own backyard keeping an eye on things, helping you problem-solve, and cheering you on as your garden grows 🌿
If that sounds helpful, you’re always welcome to come and join us.
A peek at what you’ll find inside....The Backyard
My 26 page guide to becoming a 'Plant Doctor'. Learn to identify and deal with all the common pests, diseases and disorders.
A 20 page detailed look at what hydrophobic soil is, how to fix it and prevent it ever happening again.
A lovely little 16 page guide to water saving practices and plant recommendations for a drying climate.
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