Add A Garden Mirror and Expand Your Garden

Mirrors are not just for indoors, think beyond your rooms and closets. Garden mirrors may be for you! Their reflective surfaces can expand your garden and enhance your outdoor garden spaces into something even more special than it is today.  Add a little mirror or two and you’ll see more light in your garden’s shaded corners, or perhaps you’ll add a touch of whimsical charm.

By reflecting greenery and sky, mirrored surfaces make even the smallest spaces feel expansive and dynamic. Your garden mirrors can help you double the spaces you have created and make it seem that you have whole new ones hidden beyond. (Have a look at our door to a secret garden.)

In this article, we’ll explore creative ways to use mirrors outdoors and offer practical tips to ensure they blend seamlessly with your landscape.

You may find an idea you can use here. If you do, let me know. You will find that adding mirrors to a garden can be a brilliant way to enhance its beauty and functionality.

Here’s why people are learning to love a reflection in the garden:

Use Your Garden Mirror to Expand Your Garden Space

– You can create the illusion of space that really is not there. In our small garden, we will borrow all the views we can get. Mirrors can make a small garden feel larger and more expansive by reflecting greenery and light.

The Garden Art of Borrowing Views

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Borrowed scenery in garden design

The idea that you and I can borrow a little natural scenery that we don’t own to enhance our gardens originates with Japanese and Chinese gardens.

To ‘borrow’ a little space for your garden, you appropriate something beautiful that can be seen from your garden but is not part of it. The procedure is called Shakkei, and requires that we use our own landscape, (hardscape or softscape) to isolate and then frame the best element of the view.

Here’s an Example

We Borrowed A Pond and Landscaped Space

The developer created a flat, and very narrow space beside the pool and then a few steps leading to a lower level. On the long narrow space we had room for a privacy fence and hedge, a walkway and a camellia bed to enjoy here and from the pool and outdoor dining area. Once down the rear steps, you can go left to a shaded canal or look forward to the pretty pond and open green space that sadly is not ours! But we loved the view.

You will see, that the long view, framed by an archway created by two trees looks as if you can keep going, and going. This view is at a house we owned in the city of Tampa Fl where space is at a premium!

Here is a different garden whose owner really knew how to borrow on a big scale.

This Garden ‘Borrowed’ the Entire Pacific Ocean, Why Not!

This magnificent garden is part of Ulupalakua Ranch, it sits on a high volcanic mountain on Maui, Hawaii. It has a rich heritage that spans over 150 years. An American named L.H. Bailey, arrived on the island seeking work and made good as you can see.

Here, they planted a grand row of trees and borrowed the entire Pacific Ocean!

Read more about the ranch and the island here.

What to Do if You Do Not Have an Ocean to Borrow!

This is where you might think of adding a mirror or two to your garden. What do you have that can be repeated to enhance your garden?

The mirrored space at the top photo reflects the pool water and seating area. It is an imperfect view, which makes it appear that more of the water view lies beyond.

– Your garden mirror can amplify natural light. Mirrors will help bounce sunlight around shaded areas, making them appear brighter and more inviting.

– A mirror will also add a little sense of mystery to the garden.

– Mirrors may even enhance plant growth, especially in deep shade. It may reflect sunlight onto plants in dim areas.  This can give your plants a boost, and help certain species thrive.

– You can use your mirror as a focal point, and it will make you want to walk toward it. Or you can be subtle and tuck one around a corner or as a little surprise.

-Some gardeners see that butterflies are intrigued by their own reflections. This adds a little extra life to the garden.

What are Good Places to Use a Garden Mirror to Expand your Garden.

Placement is key to making the most of garden mirrors. Here are some ideal spots to consider:

• Against a fence or wall: This creates the illusion of a window into another lush garden beyond. See our secret garden door.
• Near shaded areas: Reflecting sunlight into darker corners can brighten the space and help plants thrive.
• At the end of a pathway: A well-placed mirror can make the path seem longer and more mysterious.
• Among greenery: Nestling a mirror among foliage gives the illusion of depth and makes the garden feel more layered.
• By a seating area: This enhances the view and brings a sense of openness to cozy nooks.
• On a garden shed: A mirror on the side of a structure can make it feel less bulky and more integrated with its surroundings.
• In a vertical garden: Adds dimension to small spaces and creates a striking design feature.

How to Choose and Add Mirrors

• 1. Choose the Right Mirrors
• Look for weather-resistant mirrors, such as acrylic or outdoor-rated glass.

(Our mirrored door is about five years old and our climate’s extremes of heat and humidity are a challenge; but our simple closet style mirrored panels are still going strong.)

• Consider antique or distressed mirrors for a rustic charm.

(Our mirror is attached to an old double door.)

• Mirror tiles might help to create a special size.
• 2. Pick Strategic Locations
• Put a mirror behind a group of plants, it will create a surprising depth.
• Mount mirrors on fences or walls to make the space feel larger. Let your greenery surround the mirror, it will seem more natural in the space.
• Position mirrors in shaded areas to reflect light into darker spots.
• 3. Secure Them Properly
• Use strong adhesive, brackets, or screws to mount them securely.
• Ensure they are slightly tilted to avoid direct sunlight reflecting onto plants, which could burn them. Shaded areas
• Keep them high enough to prevent accidental breakage.
• 4. Enhance the Aesthetics
• Frame mirrors with wood, vines, or decorative elements for a natural blend.
• Place them where they reflect beautiful parts of your garden, like colorful flowers or water features.
• Consider using multiple mirrors in different shapes and sizes for a playful effect.
• 5. Some Safety and Comfort Issues to Consider
• Avoid placing mirrors where they can confuse birds or wildlife. The bird issue is discussed below.
• Make sure they don’t create glare that could be unpleasant for seating areas.
• Keep them away from direct pathways to prevent accidental collisions.

Tools and Equipment for Your Garden Mirror

• An old mirror or acrylic mirror sheet (weather-resistant)
• Outdoor-grade paint (optional, for decorating)
• Wood, metal, or decorative frames (optional)
• Mirror adhesive or strong outdoor mounting brackets
• Screws or nails (if mounting on a fence or wall)
• Vine clips or wire for securing within plants
• Sandpaper (for smoothing edges if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Add a Garden Mirror

1. Choose & Prepare Your Mirror

• If repurposing an old mirror, clean it thoroughly and remove any damaged edges.
• Acrylic mirrors are a great weatherproof option if you’re concerned about breakage.
• If desired, paint the frame with outdoor-grade paint for extra flair or an antique look.
• Our door was painted in faded blue. It could use a repaint!

2. Frame & Decorate (Optional)

• Attach a wooden or metal frame for a more polished aesthetic.
• Add decorative elements like vines, twigs, or mosaic tiles around the edges.

3. Plan the Placement

• Consider areas that could use extra light or visual depth.
• Test different angles to ensure the reflection enhances the garden.
• Avoid direct sun exposure where reflections could create glare or burn plants.

4. Secure the Mirror

• Wall/Fence Mounting: Use heavy-duty brackets or adhesive designed for outdoor use.
• In Vegetation: Nestle the mirror among plants using vine clips or sturdy wire.
• Freestanding Design: Attach a mirror to a wooden board or frame and lean it against a garden wall.

Birds in the Garden

Birds do not see windows and reflective spaces as solid barriers. If you see a problem with birds flying into your windows or any reflective surfaces, try to break up the surface.

https:// allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/ Cornell Labs.

Here are some ways that people have come up with to reduce that problem:

1. For windows, try to place a bird feeder close to the window. This will slow down the birds’ flying speed. You can do this with your bird bath too.
2. You can use screening (regular outdoor window screens) or netting outside the window. This will break up the visual impact of the reflection.
3. Use decorative bird decals on the outside of the window, some are made of UV material which are visible to birds but less so to humans.
4. There are window films and UV-reflective film that will deter birds.
5. Sound, a wind chime should deter birds.
6. Place the mirrors with a downward angle or amid plants, this will prevent the open sky reflection that can attract birds.

A Mirrored Secret Garden Door Project

Our project as we added a swimming pool to our house was to deal with the privacy wall. These are a nice feature in South Florida communities where houses are very close together but they create a very enclosed feeling. They are practical, making the pool more private and quiet but they certainly have no romance!

We added three features to make the feeling more rustic and natural. To permit the indoor outdoor lifestyle that  people like in this climate the pools and patios are enclosed with screening material. This allows us to have the houses open to the outside for much of the year.

The features we added were these:

• We planted a climber we call “climbing fig” around here. It creates a green wall which is more natural.
• Left a few feet to serve as a long, narrow garden which we planted in tropical foliage plants to give that resort feel.
• Added the old door found in an architectural salvage yard.
• The full length windows in each of the two doors presented a problem.
• These, we filled in by adding full length mirrors behind both doors.
• The door was finished in fading blue paint.
• It may be time to repair the paint.

Summary,

Adding mirrors to a garden is a clever design idea that can make outdoor spaces feel larger, brighter, and more enchanting. By strategically placing mirrors among plants, fences, or walls, we gardeners can create the illusion of depth and reflect natural light to enhance the overall ambiance. Whether using vintage window frames, sleek modern panels, or repurposed mirror shards, this simple addition can transform a garden into a dynamic and visually intriguing retreat. However, positioning is key—mirrors should be angled to reflect greenery rather than direct sunlight, as excessive glare or heat can affect plants and create an uncomfortable environment.

Beyond aesthetics, mirrors can also serve functional purposes in garden design. They can be used to conceal unappealing views, add interest to bare walls, or even act as a focal point when framed with climbing vines or decorative elements. Additionally, reflective surfaces can attract more wildlife, as birds and butterflies may be drawn to the shimmering effects. To ensure longevity, it’s best to select weatherproof mirrors or treat them with protective coatings to prevent damage from rain and humidity. With thoughtful placement and creative styling, mirrors can elevate any garden space, making it feel lush, expansive, and full of character.

If you can’t borrow a view; just create one!

Happy Digging!