Adding Vertical Interest: Creative Ways to Create Height in Flat Gardens

I love my gardens—but they're FLAT! Over the years, I've found inexpensive, creative ways to add height.

Poles and Posts

Well-placed poles scattered through beds give wonderful height. Plant with hanging pots or let vines climb. Mine are cemented in (frost heave issues). Thanks to DG member dbsmith2 for the photo and example!

Rotary Clotheslines

Umbrella-style rotary lines unfold and stake in ground—fantastic for climbing vines. Make taller by affixing to a slimmer pole (often hollow). Thanks GranvilleSouth for the photo.

Arbors

Planted with vines or climbing roses, arbors create scented height. Decorate with raised beds at bases, hanging pots on corners. Add a bench underneath for post-weeding relaxation. Thanks rcn48 (arbor) and victorgardener (bench). Arbors come in all shapes/sizes—DIY from any materials or store-bought kits.

Television Antennas

Old TV antennas—cost-efficient height. Bury/cement deep for stability. Great for honeysuckle and morning glories.

Trellises

Don't have to be against a wall. I built one in the open, 6+ feet high, in my longest perennial bed. Planted with clematis and morning glories—breaks the sight-line of a long, flat garden.

Garden Benches and Tool Sheds

Local craftsman makes adorable tool sheds from old barn boards—outhouse style. My dad built the garden bench in the photo: hooks on corners for hanging baskets, trellis on sides and back.

Shrubs and Trees

Mock orange, snowball, lilac bushes; red maples. But too many cause shade—I love my full sun. The ideas above add height without excessive shade.

Hope these inspire! They look good, are budget-friendly, and give you an excuse to buy more plants.