Courtyard gardens often look their best with a strong but simple design, to lend character and atmosphere to the space. Often close to and connected to the house, they also need to look good viewed from inside. More importantly of all, they should entice you to go out and enjoy the space.
Tropical Courtyard Garden
This small space measures just 3Mx2M and is in complete shade all year round. Sitting at below-ground level, it is accessed from the basement level of the house, an area recently converted into guest quarters. With family often visiting and staying here, the clients wanted to create a space that reminded them of the lush, tropical gardens of the Canary Islands, where some of their family come from. A place to rest among cooling plants and enjoy a coffee and a good book.
In a smaller space, bolder, bigger planting and strong design work best. To compliment the attractive floor tiles, we choose large modern containers in black, which also offset the bold architectural planting. Varying the size of the planters adds drama and interest. Plants were chosen for their strong forms and textures, year-round interest, tropical look and ability to withstand a Belgian winter!
The feeling is one of total immersion. A mirror placed on wall helps to reflect more planting back and give the impression of a larger space. Zingy bistrot furniture echoes the golden yellow tones of some the foliage, and adds an element of fun.
City garden on the move
This city centre courtyard, just off Avenue Louise, is the temporary home of a young professional. Surrounded by tall glass and steel buildings, the client wanted a more welcoming green sanctuary, distanced from the hustle and bustle of the city. As they were in rented accomodation, they also needed a garden they could take with them when they move on, so most of the planting is in containers, with some ground planting to soften the edges of the space and reduce weeds.
Combining industrial chic with lush Asiatic planting, this garden suits its city setting while also providing some respite from it. Corten steel planters surround and cocoon the small seating area, immediately making it feel less exposed. The planting is shade-tolerant, as the high buildings block the sun for part of the day, and provides interest for most of the year. Rusty steel is complimented by the reddish and plummy purple tones of Nandina domestica, Tiarella and Ajuga, while Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bonfire’ adds structure with its long-season flowerheads, that look good well from early summer well into winter.
