A builder-grade fence, bare soil and an unfinished backyard formed the starting point for this compact outdoor space. Large-format porcelain paving established a clean foundation, but the biggest change came from horizontal slat fencing, climbing jasmine and carefully planned planting beds that gradually softened each hard surface.
Shared by a Reddit user u/Nour1996, The makeover focused on making efficient use of every inch rather than increasing the size of the garden. Layer by layer, paving, edging, fencing and greenery transformed a simple enclosure into a private outdoor room where planting became as important as hardscaping.
A horizontal slat fence replaced the entire border
Existing fence panels have already introduced horizontal wooden slats, replacing traditional vertical boards with long continuous lines. The concrete posts remained in place, while allowing the new fencing to become the dominant feature.
Horizontal boards naturally draw the eye into the garden rather than upwards. That simple change makes a compact outdoor space look spacious before any paving or planting is added.
The fence became the foundation of the design
Fresh horizontal slate panels enclosed the garden while the surrounding area remained under construction. Their clean geometry set the visual direction for everything that followed.
Small gaps between each timber slat maintain privacy while allowing filtered light and air to pass through, preventing the enclosure from feeling closed.
Large porcelain pavers began to define the patio
Construction shifted to the center of the garden as large format porcelain slabs began to replace the bare ground. Their staggered layout minimizes repetitive joints while giving the patio a larger visual scale.
The wide paving creates a clean contrast against the narrow horizontal fence boards around the space.
Brick edging creates a clean border
A clay brick edging separated the porcelain paving from the future planting beds with a crisp, durable transition. Individual bricks soften the straight geometry of the paving without introducing unnecessary ornamentation.
A raised border also helps to contain soil and mulch once planting begins.
Patio bare soil replaced
The completed porcelain paving immediately changed how the garden could be used. Large pale slabs reflect more natural light than exposed soil, helping to brighten an enclosed backyard.
Narrow edges around the perimeter remain available for planting without reducing usable patio space.
Empty planting beds waiting for greenery
Fresh soil filled the narrow borders around the patio while potted trees temporarily occupied a corner. Each planting strip is intentionally narrow to maximize open floor space.
Dark clay contrasts with pale porcelain, clearly showing where vegetation will eventually soften the hardscape.
Jasmine plants waited next to their new growing spots
Fresh climbing jasmine plants were placed along the planting beds prior to installation. Long vines spread across the porcelain patio while each plant was arranged next to the fence, ready to be strung on support wires.
Preparing each climber before planting makes it easier to maintain equal spacing, giving each vine enough room to spread across the horizontal slat fence as it matures.
Narrow borders are filled with layered planting
Additional shrubs, ferns and flowering plants complete the planting bed below the jasmine. Different leaf shapes introduced texture without overcrowding the limited space.
Each plant occupies a certain level, which when kept tidy makes a narrow border look perfect.
White flowers soften the wooden fence
Flowering jasmine transformed a wooden fence into a lively backdrop covered in clumps of white flowers. The dark green foliage contrasts against the warm wood while reducing the dominance of the fence.
Seasonal flowers add color and fragrance without the need for additional decorative elements.
Outdoor Furniture Garden Room Complete
Teak seating and pale gray cushions present a comfortable conversation area in the center of the patio. Matching timber furniture complements the fencing without competing for attention.
Open space around the furniture keeps circulation clear despite the compact footprint.
Mature climbers cover almost every panel
A jasmine establishment extends across multiple fence sections, creating continuous greenery around the patio. Individual fence panels became less noticeable as foliage spread between the concrete posts.
A living screen provides privacy while adding seasonal interest throughout the year.
The flower fence became the main attraction
A dense growth of jasmine covers most of the border with white flowers and glossy foliage. Shrubs and perennials under the climbers complete the layered planting scheme.
Instead of standing as a property boundary, the fence now functions as part of the garden itself.
State the biggest change before and after
At the start of the project, a construction site was surrounded by bare wood panels. Months later, jasmine blankets much of the fence with glossy foliage and white flowers, transforming a simple border into a defining feature of the garden.
Large-format porcelain paving and warm wood furniture provide structure, but mature plantings give the space the look of an established patio rather than a newly finished backyard.
All image credits go to the Reddit user u/Nour1996.
