When asked about the size of their yard, most people simply measure the ground's surface area. However, experts understand that every garden holds more potential than meets the eye when you factor in vertical space. Nicole Kidman’s garden is a perfect example of this principle in action as we move into the 2026 gardening season.
When the actress shared her Golden Globes gown on Instagram, her lush vertical garden idea (serving as her backdrop) was impossible to ignore. Particularly visible in the third slide of her post, the imagery shows a wooden fence entirely enveloped in English ivy.
With trees and vines arching over the top, the design creates a multi–layered canopy of greenery. This approach to landscape design maximizes the density of plants, enhances privacy, and creates the illusion of a much larger yard – a refreshing sight as spring growth begins to peak in 2026.
Nicole's garden is a masterclass in how to create a vertical garden in your own outdoor space.
Master Gardener and author Thom Rutter explains: 'Nicole Kidman exemplifies how important it is to maximize greenery in your yard by filling fences and walls with climbing plants. By growing upwards, you can easily create a vertical garden that adds greenery to the boundary of your plot. Doing so is a clever way to make the most of your growing space, even in smaller yards.'
This classic ivy is a beautiful choice for recreating the look of Nicole Kidman’s home. Its deep green color and natural climbing habit make it ideal for adding height and interest to vertical garden spaces.
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This easy-care perennial returns year after year, making it a reliable addition to any garden. Its tiny flowers are perfect for adding a subtle pop of color to vertical spaces.
A personal favorite climbing plant, vining hydrangea is always a standout, and these options do not disappoint. The fluffy blooms on thick vines create a lush, full-bodied look.
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A master gardener’s favorite, this climbing plant is hardy in almost all zones. It effortlessly decorates mailboxes, trellises, and porches with cascading flowers that stand out in any garden.
The most straightforward way to replicate this aesthetic is by selecting plants that naturally reach for the sky. Rutter recommends: 'Climbing plants – including English ivy or evergreen clematis – are ideal if you want to encourage birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your yard. These two species are also ideal as they retain foliage year–round, meaning that whatever the season, your plot will remain green.'
This year–round vibrancy is especially valuable during the dormant winter months when most gardens look bare.
For those focused on local ecology and native planting for the 2026 season, there are excellent alternatives available. 'For a native option, try growing Clematis virginiana; live plants are available to order from Walmart,' Rutter suggests. 'This species produces a bounty of attractive white blooms in summer, growing best in sunny spots with plenty of moisture.'
Whether you are working with a sprawling estate or a compact urban patio, growing upwards is the ultimate way to expand your horticultural horizons. Just take a cue from Nicole Kidman’s elevated green sanctuary.
