Hide and Reveal

The Japanese Technique to Make Gardens Appear Larger

Here I placed a deer fence double gate along a curving walk - the walk requires you to walk around the entry into the garden. It is very inviting and screens the view until you pass the gate.

If you want a small outdoor space to appear larger or more interesting, you can use an ancient Japanese design technique known as miegakure, or “hide and reveal.” This technique involves partially screening a view or section of a garden with a strategically placed shrub, tree or wall to create the illusion of distance.

By providing a half- hidden vista, you encourage people to go farther into a space.

This is effective because people will invariably walk forward to see what lies ahead, unseen.

Lotusland in Montecito, CA is a magical landscape which utilizes many wonderful garden design techniques! Make a reservation to visit here. This photo also illustrates that we always like to ‘head toward the light’.

This garden design technique can be used for making smaller yards feel larger than they are.  Plant a leafy plant or a mass of ferns by a curving walk or locate a mounded plant bed in front of a view. You can even plant a group of tall shrubs or trees to create shadows. The shade they produce “darken” an area, which is a clever way to “hide and reveal.” Once people enter the shadowy spot they can see the set of steps that lead up a hill or a walk that continues onward…

This is an easy one! I planted a bunch of morning glory seedlings at the base of this pool fence. Its luxuriant growth effectively screens what is behind the fence.

Using “Hide and Reveal” with Steps

An ascent to a high point can be made more enticing when you use “hide and reveal.” Hiding a full view of an ascent can make it seem less daunting. So, if you screen a section of steps, visitors are more likely to venture up to see what is out of sight.

I angle a run of steps within a long series of them. Steps on the diagonal makes the ascent seem less steep and heightens the air of mystery. A small landing at each bend is helpful and lets people enjoy a meditative pause.

The Japanese partially block a view using a sleeve fence or half a fence, offering just a hint of the garden behind. You can also use a doorway in a solid wall to present the passerby with a tantalizing glimpse of what lies within. To view the garden as a whole, one must enter it.

I angled the walk and planted a glorious Limelight hydrangea at the bend in the walk. You cannot see beyond the bend and the floriferous shrub grabs your eye!