Transform Your Garden: Using Mirrors to Create Depth, Interest, and Mystery
Introduction
A well-placed mirror can transform even the smallest garden, creating the illusion of extra space and adding a sense of mystery and discovery. At GardenAdvice, we’ve found that mirrors are particularly effective when used to create a false entrance, gateway, or window within the garden.
Creating a False Gateway
The most successful garden mirrors are installed against a wall or fence and designed to look like an opening into another part of the garden. Rather than simply hanging a mirror on a wall, the aim is to create the illusion that the mirror is actually a doorway or hidden pathway.
For safety reasons, we recommend using a flexible acrylic or plastic mirror rather than traditional glass. These mirrors are lightweight, weather-resistant, and eliminate the risk of broken glass in the garden.
A mirror measuring around 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 metres) in height works particularly well. Ideally, it should extend down to ground level to reinforce the illusion of an actual entrance.
Softening the Edges
The secret to a convincing mirror feature is disguising its edges. This can be achieved by installing trellis or tensioned wires around the mirror and planting climbers that will eventually frame and partially cover the structure.
Suitable plants include:
- Clematis armandii
- Evergreen Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
As the plants mature, they soften the boundary between the mirror and the surrounding wall, making it difficult to see where the reflection begins and the garden ends.
Adding Reflections for Greater Impact
Placing an attractive container or feature in front of the mirror can dramatically increase the effect. Pots planted with agapanthus, ornamental grasses, or seasonal displays work particularly well.
By slightly offsetting the angle of the mirror, you can capture reflections from a different part of the garden rather than simply reflecting the area directly in front of it. This creates the impression of an entirely new garden space beyond the wall.
A large pot of agapanthus reflected in the mirror often appears as though there are two matching containers positioned on either side of an unseen pathway, helping to reinforce the illusion of a hidden garden beyond.
Ideal Locations
Mirrors work best when positioned:
- At the end of a pathway
- Against a plain brick wall
- Within a courtyard garden
- In small urban gardens where space is limited
- In shaded corners that need additional interest
Avoid placing mirrors where they directly reflect bright sunlight into seating areas, as this can sometimes be uncomfortable during summer months.
A Note About Birds
One drawback we’ve occasionally encountered at GardenAdvice is that some birds, particularly blackbirds, may become territorial when they see their reflection.
During the breeding season, male blackbirds can mistake their reflection for a rival bird and repeatedly attack the mirror, especially early in the morning. In most cases, this behaviour is temporary, but if it becomes persistent, partially obscuring the reflection with additional planting usually helps.
An Easy Weekend Project
A garden mirror is one of the simplest ways to add character and visual depth to a garden. By combining a full-length mirror with carefully chosen climbers and a few well-positioned pots, you can create a feature that attracts attention throughout the year and gives visitors the impression that your garden extends far beyond its actual boundaries.
With a little imagination, a mirror can turn an ordinary wall into a secret gateway to an entirely different garden.