It is so helpful to me for all of you to add these photos and comments on your techniques for blending the background scenes to the layout elements. Transitioning background roads and rivers to those on the layout is something I will face and have pondered at times.
Your techniques are both creative and impressive!
Two building photos on the wall - one stop the other. Two 1/2" deep flats in front. The fence is about 1/4"

Tom
Looks good. What’s not to like? [Y]
Rich
Looks excellent Tom!
I was thinking that 1/2" deep building flats would be about right for my limited space so your photo is a great example.
Thanks,
J
This is an excellent example of layering. Four different layers, layered photos, the fence, and the flats, create the illusion of depth in a very shallow space.