Urban Back Garden
Leytonstone, East London
The brief for this compact garden was to create a stylish, low-maintenance space for relaxation and entertaining.
New slatted fencing provides a sense of cohesion, with the side panels intentionally kept low to maintain a friendly connection with neighbours. A subtly elevated paved terrace captures optimal sunlight, offering an inviting setting for leisure and social gatherings. We selected sophisticated beige porcelain paving to enhance the sense of light and space.
A practical storage shed is placed discreetly beneath a substantial pergola adorned with Trachelospermum jasminoides, whose fragrant blossoms add a delightful sensory experience to the area. A dedicated barbecue area is integrated into the lawn section, providing a convenient and stylish outdoor cooking space. I planted the raised beds at the garden’s far end with pleached Photinia x fraseri’ Red Robin’, introducing vertical interest while serving as an elegant, evergreen screen from the railway arches beyond.
In response to the clients’ request for fresh culinary herbs, a designated planting area has been incorporated into the left-hand corner of the raised beds, ensuring easy access.
Stepping paving planks guide the journey from the house through the garden, interspersed with creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Snowdrift’), which releases a delicate fragrance underfoot, enhancing the pathway’s sensory appeal.
Every plant selection was meticulously curated to be easy to maintain while delivering striking visual impact, ensuring this garden remains a timeless retreat with minimal upkeep.