How to use space between fence and shed?

Sam14

I’m looking for suggestions about what will fit in the space between my shed (eastern side) and fence (western side) - the gap between the two is 1.8m, and I need to leave a path as well for access through. Ideally would love to put some sort of fruit in there, but I’m open to pretty much any suggestions except climbers or trees. Left alone, this strip just keeps getting taken over by blackberries, so I’m hoping to prevent that by doing something with it!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Sam14. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about using space between a fence and a shed.

With a total width of about 1.8 metres, the biggest constraint here is balancing planting space with access. If you allow roughly 600mm for a usable path, which is about the minimum to walk through comfortably while carrying tools or bins, that only leaves around 1200mm for planting. That’s why I’d be cautious about standard fruit trees, as most will quickly outgrow that footprint and become difficult to manage in such a confined corridor.

A dwarf fruit tree is one option that could work if you’re happy to commit to regular pruning to keep the canopy tight. Positioned either hard up against the fence or the shed, it would leave room for a narrow access path along the opposite side. Citrus, dwarf apples, or stone fruit on true dwarfing rootstock are usually the most manageable in situations like this, but even then they need ongoing attention to stop them encroaching on the path.

A very practical and space-efficient alternative is espaliering a fruit tree. Training a tree flat against either the fence or the shed wall dramatically reduces how much space it takes up while still allowing you to grow productive fruit. Apples, pears and some stone fruit lend themselves particularly well to espalier, and this approach also improves airflow and makes pruning and harvesting much easier. Visually, it would also turn what is currently an awkward strip into a much more intentional garden feature.

Whichever option you choose, adding a defined path with gravel, pavers or compacted pebbles will make maintenance far easier and help suppress weeds. A good weed barrier under mulch or gravel will go a long way toward stopping the blackberries from re-establishing, especially while your chosen plants are getting established.

Overall, I’d lean toward espaliered fruit as the most sustainable long-term solution for this space, but a carefully managed dwarf tree can work if you’re prepared to keep it on a tight pruning regime. Either approach would significantly improve the area's appearance and turn it into something productive rather than a constant maintenance headache.

Here's a helpful guide: How to espalier a fruit tree. Also, you might like to check out our Top 10 most popular side yard projects for inspiration.

I've added some AI-generated images below for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell