Urban Courtyard

The garden had belonged to a busy family for many years until they moved and decided to keep the house as a short term rental. Suddenly, the garden needed to be, as the client said, “Instagram worthy,” and soon.

When the client hired us, the garden contained the original cheap contractor grade materials and plants. Despite being neglected and overused, the existing Pieris, Mahonia ‘Soft Caress,’ and Sarcococca were mature and healthy.

We pride ourselves on being resourceful and so, after some judicious pruning, the existing plants were transformed into mature specimens, worthy of any garden. Now lovingly restored, we placed them in large pots and used them as necessary focal points with structure and height.

Next, the rusting galvanized fence was given a modern facelift with cedar laid horizontally, bringing a welcome warmth to the small space. Finally, to ensure vibrant color and form year-round, we also added Heuchera ‘Peach Flambe’ and ‘Delta Dawn,’ and Carex ‘Ice Dance.’

Repurposing existing plants and materials resulted in a gorgeous but a remarkably low-budget redesign, even for a small garden. Chatting with the client a year later, she said “I love it and my neighbors love it. It’s perfect. I got everything I asked for - an Instagram worthy, low-maintenance garden with color and year-round appeal.”