Small urban gardens don’t need to be complicated—just a place to escape, and a clear way to get there. The rest can be left to planting.
This 6×6m, awkwardly shaped garden was typical of many city spaces we see—astroturf, pea shingle and tired concrete slabs. By simplifying the layout and focusing on strong structure, we were able to open the space up completely.
A generous terrace forms the heart of the garden, with reclaimed timber beams used as informal seating around a movable firepit—creating a space that works equally well for small gatherings or quiet moments. Salvaged concrete gravel boards have been reimagined as ‘plank paving’, forming a durable pathway that will soften over time as planting establishes.
The planting does the heavy lifting. A tiered, food forest approach introduces layers of productivity and habitat—anchored by multi-stem Prunus mahaleb and Amelanchier lamarckii, alongside a dwarf apple and an understorey of edible shrubs, herbs and perennials.
For us, this project is a good example of how clear structure and considered materials create the confidence to let planting become more expressive. In small gardens especially, simplicity in the build allows for richness in the landscape that follows.