Urban gardens are getting tighter, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of rear structures and garden studios. This means garden owners and designers need to do more with less and create a sense of cohesion between extensions, studios and the outdoor space in between. That was just part of the challenge presented to landscape architect Alasdair Cameron by Tom and James, owners of an attractive Victorian end terrace in west London.
© Clive Nichols
Tom and James had recently expanded their home to add a new kitchen and dining room at the back. Their architects had made the popular move of choosing a flooring material – large format gray porcelain stoneware tiles – that was continued outside on the new terrace. With the expansion complete, the couple asked garden room specialists Shackadelic to begin work on a cedar clad gym before turning to the garden. As both the annexe and the gym overlook the garden, it was Tom and James’ task to create stunning year-round views from both vantage points and make the garden a tranquil and meditative place to relax can spend time. Alasdair’s response was to “bring that wonderful element of nature, the feel of a wooded valley, into this small, square space”.
Shortly
What Small residential urban garden with woodland style planting. Where London. Size 74 square meters. Floor London loam soil improved with organic compost and peat-free soil conditioner. climate moderate. North facing and shaded by surrounding buildings and trees. hardening zone USDA 9
© Clive Nichols
To connect the house to the gymnasium at the back of this small city garden, Alasdair created a meandering path that meanders like a river through shade-loving plants including Asarum europaeum, Eurybia schreberi and the ferns Blechnum spicant and Polystichum setiferum. The gravel, with its puddles of Soleirolia soleirolii and relatively small Purbeck pitchers, enhances the woodland feel of this small garden and contrasts with the clean lines of the patio.
© Clive Nichols
A multi-stem Parrotia persica underplanted with Origanum majorana creates an enclosed and sheltered space for a pair of Adirondack chairs and a fire pit, allowing owners Tom and James to use the garden well into the fall. The vigorous climber Stauntonia coriacea will soon cover the fence behind, enveloping the area in green.
© Clive Nichols
Gray porcelain tiles create a unity between the kitchen extension and a wide terrace, bordered on one side by a tall wooden cold frame. Beyond, three multi-stem Parrotia trees screen the cedar-clad gymnasium and add definition to the garden, creating visual connections to mature trees in the surrounding gardens. In the foreground, a mix of woodland plantings, including Japanese forest grass Hakonechloa macra and ferns such as Polystichum setiferum and Dryopteris erythrosora, create a fresh, natural feel, punctuated by domes of yew, Taxus baccata, for year-round structure.
USEFUL INFORMATION For more information on Alasdair’s work visit camerongardens.co.uk
Key plants from the garden
Polystichum Silkiferum
© Clive Nichols
The graceful fronds of this shade-tolerant native fern stand upright before opening as they unfurl, offering textured foliage that contrasts with the surrounding grasses in this green-aligned planting scheme. 1.2m x 50cm. general assembly. RHS H7, USDA 6a-8b.
Here are a few more ferns we love.
Parrotia persica
© Clive Nichols
A slow growing tree chosen for its interesting shapes and autumn colour. In this garden, the three trees are topped once a year to keep them at the optimum height. 8m x 8m. RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b.
Taxus baccata
© Clive Nichols
The yew provides year-round interest with its dark green hue and helps to anchor the perennial planting. Alasdair has used a trio of loose, shaggy yew domes that work together with the three Parrotia persica trees to create rhythm in this small garden. 20m x 10m. general assembly. RHS H7, USDA 6a-7b.
Hakonechloa macra
© Clive Nichols
The tactile, shaggy mounds of this arching grass bring a sense of movement to the planted areas. This Japanese forest grass is used both as a ground cover and as a centerpiece in this tall Atlantis pot. 35cm x 40cm. general assembly. RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b.
