To accomplish this layout, you could simply build the substrate in the back high enough towards the top of the tank for plants to start growing above the surface of the water.
To accomplish this layout, you could simply build the substrate in the back high enough towards the top of the tank for plants to start growing above the surface of the water. What makes this route even more appealing is that it also opens you up to the possibility of using non-aquatic plants like terrarium plants!