The best plants for the side yard depend with the climate and the type of sunlight that is available. You may go for easy-to-grow plants, such as unnatural simple grasses or shrubs, or flowering perennials that are indigenous to that climate. It is also important to use native plants due to many factors including that they support increased biodiversity and do not need as much water.

If you are working on a limited area such as a narrow side yard, in order to make the place seem larger you should incorporate vertical gardening elements such as trellis or wall garden. Light colours of hardscape and furniture also help, so as mirrors placed at convenient places to reflect light and plants.

Side yards can be primarily used as growing space for vegetables or herbs, as an area for storing tools or other equipment, or as contained seating or dining areas. This way you can also add paths for better access and circulation across your compound.

For privacy one may consider putting tall hedges, fencing or trellises with climbing plants all around. Some other types that can be just as efficient are those that are made of bamboo or other decorative walls that allow some amount of light and ventilation.

Absolutely! It is possible to incorporate some hardscapes such as stones walkway, patios or even retaining walls, and these will act as structures in the side yard. They can be of assistance in the drainage system, determine areas of the compound and also be used to support the landscape design.