Nicole Kidman's evergreen planting is the cleverest way to make the most of your growing space – even in smaller yards

When asked the size of their yard, most people would name the surface area of the ground. However, experts know that every garden can be larger than meets the eye when vertical space is considered. Nicole Kidman's garden embodies this truth.

The actress posted her Golden Globes gown to Instagram, and we couldn't help but notice the verdant vertical garden idea behind her. Most visible in the third slide, Kidman's post shows that her wooden fence is covered in English ivy. Trees and vines stretch over the top of the fence, creating a whole new layer of greenery. Her landscape design maximizes greenery, promotes privacy, and makes her yard feel larger.

It's a masterclass in how to create a vertical garden in your outdoor space. Thom Rutter, Master Gardener and Content Editor at Homes & Gardens, 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.'

The easiest way to recreate her look is by planting greenery that grows and stretches upwards. 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.'

If you are concerned about local planting, there are still great plant options. '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.'

Growing upwards is the perfect way to expand your garden, especially in a small space. Take it from Nicole Kidman.