I highly recommend watching Big Dreams Small Spaces with Monty Don to get inspired. I believe it's available on Amazon Prime if you're in the US. There is this episode (I think, and I just did a very quick search) - where a couple has almost the same looking narrow, urban backyard. They make a great use of it.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b073h7hl - info to that episode. the second couple is the one if memory serves.

https://www.amazon.com/Big-Dreams-Small-Spaces-Season/dp/B073HSQ4VZ - amazon prime link to the series.

Episode 3

Big Dreams Small Spaces

Series 2 Episode 3 of 6

Monty Don helps two pairs of amateur gardeners who want to create dream gardens in very different urban spaces.

In Bromley, Mei an and Gerard have ambitious plans to turn their narrow, split-level garden into a Japanese paradise. Their attention to detail means they will stop at nothing to create the perfect Eastern retreat, complete with a mountain stream, mossy boulders and traditional Japanese plants. But with tons of soil to move and the budget running out, have they bitten off more than they can chew?

Meanwhile in Stoke, artists Anna and Andrew want to transform their tiny concrete yard into a haven of tranquillity with something beautiful to look at in every corner. They are going to have to use all their creative flair to turn this blank canvas into something amazing, but with ambitions for a green roof, living wall and elaborate vertical gardening, are they in danger of overcrowding this very small space?