Turning side passage into garden/seating area?

[PJRules]

I have a decent south facing garden but it's so hot in summer.

Theres a passageway down the side of the house which isn't used and I'd like to turn it into a nice sitting area, have added a few plants and bistro set but it looks desolate.

I presume I need a lot more plants, variety in heights, a rug?, a roof of some kind?

I just can't envisage it. All of the area gets daylight at times of the day for a short period, it isn't dark but I'm not sure plants would survive in that? It's fairly narrow, prob 6'-8' so I'm not sure that wall mounted planters would work without narrowing it too much.

Has anyone done something similar, or looked into this type of thing and can share some links? Seems such a shame to not use it.

Thanks.

I don't have a side return but I do have an area just outside if the house which is cooler and is my respite from a hot, surprisingly, north facing garden. I have the planting in the pics shown. It's, essentially a group of potted plants and an acer.

I've also taken a pic of another area that has a rug which is nice. I have another rug under the dining table but dining set is still covered so can't get a good pic.

Hope this is a tiny but useful.

Rather than copy links (there’s too many), try googling “shady side return” - there’s masses of inspirational pictures

Bing returned these ideas when I typed in side return garden ideas

I’m glad you asked this question op I’m having same issue . I have a space that isn’t being used in the garden and no idea what to do with it

Thank you all, I had no idea a 'side return' was a thing, there's tons of ideas.

@TheRealKatnissEverdeen that looks perfect, I think I need more relaxed furniture too.

If you're on instagram look up ourlondonlistedhome - they have made their side return into a lovely seating area and have lots of pics.