These Enviable London Gardens Will Have You Reaching For The Potting Mix

Prepare to covet a terrazzo island and oversize pots.

Grey weather and postage stamp-sized backyards… it doesn’t sound like a recipe for an enviable garden. But London is positively blooming with charming outside spaces.

Regardless of the sunshine, creativity flows, with interesting layouts, fun accessories, and a degree in horticulture not required to get in on the action.

With summer in full swing, we’ve rounded up some of the prettiest outdoor spaces which stop us in our tracks when scrolling. If these green-fingered folks can do it, then so can you!

1. Set the mood

Outdoor lighting is essential to help you make the most of your outside space 365 days a year, and festoon lights are an easy solution if a re-wire is out of the equation. The addition of tactile elements such as cushions from inside and sheepskin rugs will make you feel like you have an extra living room.

2. Get potting…

Here’s the proof that you don’t need a lawn to make a lush garden. This pretty patio is abundant with potted plants, shrubs and a bushy trail of wisteria. Grow climbing plants (like jasmine) up walls with the help of a trellis, and keep those secateurs well-sharpened. Add a cute bench with plenty of padding from which to admire your green-fingered handiwork.

3. …and with big pots too

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that small space = small pots. Nothing looks more fun and unexpected than playing around with scale. Large terracotta planters are a timeless choice which patina desirably over time. Arrange in clusters with a tree to steal the show.

4. Islands aren’t just for kitchens

… as this ingenious fixture in the garden of Jess Alavi-Ellis proves. A permanent, hard-wearing perch from which to sip a homemade cocktail, the terrazzo tiles cleverly disguise all manner of dirt and debris (and the addition of placemats make it meal-ready in a flash). Having furniture at different heights also helps to add interest to an otherwise flat space.

5. Make every nook count

Many London homes have a rarely-used alley running down the side of the kitchen, but thoughtfully styled, it’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee. In this home, the chevron-laid brick patio plays host to a revolving selection of bistro-style chairs, and this vintage German beer table, for maximum enjoyment.

6. Court the courtyard

Do away with the lawnmower and add interest to a yard with pots, herbs and gardening paraphernalia. This spot looks like the perfect place to curl up with a book and catch some rays.

7. Go big with a balcony

The only limit is your imagination when it comes to a balcony. With a pizza oven and barbeque, this small space moonlights as an outdoor kitchen. Wooden decking is a savvy choice for concealing ugly paving, while bamboo screens can help carve out a private little oasis (and don’t forget the potted basil for those pizza toppings!)

8. Think exotic

Yes, this is east London and yes, that is a shower and a firepit - but why not? Perfect for cooling off in a heatwave (and amusing toddlers and hosing down pets), an alfresco washing station has myriad benefits.

9. And maximise those tiles…

Making a case for two skinny tile colourways is this backyard in south London; using one for surfaces and another for the sides instantly adds depth. But catching our eye most of all is that clever coffee table made out of the leftovers. Swipe for the ‘before’ and you won’t believe your eyes.

Holiday cut-off dates:

Prepare to covet a terrazzo island and oversize pots.

These Enviable London Gardens Will Have You Reaching For The Potting Mix

Prepare to covet a terrazzo island and oversize pots.

1. Set the mood

2. Get potting…

3. …and with big pots too

4. Islands aren’t just for kitchens

5. Make every nook count

6. Court the courtyard

7. Go big with a balcony

8. Think exotic

9. And maximise those tiles…

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