Garden Ideas: 10 Clever Alfresco Ideas for Urban Dwellers
Dust off the BBQ and dig out the deck chairs, summer is here! These heavenly garden ideas will keep you cool in the city.
Outdoor space is the holy grail of city dwelling so if you’ve managed to score a golden ticket and found yourself a little piece of land, a bijou roof space or even a windowbox, well done you! When it comes to city living the expression ‘small is beautiful’ really comes into its own, and nowhere is this more true than in a city garden. These design ideas to will help you make the very most of the warmer weather, and even if you haven’t yet managed to secure a spot of urban garden space, there’s nothing to stop you dreaming about when you do. A living roof is on my wishlist …
Light up
Strings of fairy lights criss-crossing a small outdoor terrace are an instant shortcut to urban glamour. Use weatherproof outdoor bulbs and team with music and cocktails for the perfect party deck. A built-in bar, like this one, would also add to the convivial atmosphere.
Strings of fairy lights criss-crossing a small outdoor terrace are an instant shortcut to urban glamour. Use weatherproof outdoor bulbs and team with music and cocktails for the perfect party deck. A built-in bar, like this one, would also add to the convivial atmosphere.
Paint it white
A quick way to make a small courtyard garden feel more spacious is to paint the brickwork white. This will reflect light around the garden and make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean. Well, almost. Keep the rest of the decoration and furniture simple and uncluttered to maximise the feeling of space.
A quick way to make a small courtyard garden feel more spacious is to paint the brickwork white. This will reflect light around the garden and make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean. Well, almost. Keep the rest of the decoration and furniture simple and uncluttered to maximise the feeling of space.
The hills are alive!
Are you more of a country dweller at heart? Bring an Alpine summer meadow to your rooftop by planting a living roof and you’ll instantly be transported out of the city. Get expert advice before you start, as your roof will need to be properly re-enforced, but then get as creative as you like with coloured and scented plants.
Are you more of a country dweller at heart? Bring an Alpine summer meadow to your rooftop by planting a living roof and you’ll instantly be transported out of the city. Get expert advice before you start, as your roof will need to be properly re-enforced, but then get as creative as you like with coloured and scented plants.
Stylish sunbathing
If you’re a sun worshipper create your own little tanning terrace in the city. Lay a small strip of artificial grass, add a couple of sun loungers that can be moved to follow the sun, and a parasol for when you need a little shade. Then all you need is a sunny day, a cool drink and a wireless radio and you’re all set.
If you’re a sun worshipper create your own little tanning terrace in the city. Lay a small strip of artificial grass, add a couple of sun loungers that can be moved to follow the sun, and a parasol for when you need a little shade. Then all you need is a sunny day, a cool drink and a wireless radio and you’re all set.
Bring the inside out
The best way to bring a sense of romanticism and drama to a small garden space is to decorate it just as you would decorate a room indoors. Hang decorative art on the walls or rig up a pretty chandelier and group tables and chairs around an outdoor firepit. Then allow creeping plants to cover the walls and create a fairytale feel.
See 10 inspiring ways to perk up a patio
The best way to bring a sense of romanticism and drama to a small garden space is to decorate it just as you would decorate a room indoors. Hang decorative art on the walls or rig up a pretty chandelier and group tables and chairs around an outdoor firepit. Then allow creeping plants to cover the walls and create a fairytale feel.
See 10 inspiring ways to perk up a patio
Living walls
No space on the ground? No problem - just move your garden onto the walls instead. A living wall is perfect for urban spaces and makes an unusual focal point. You’ll need expert help to design and install one, but it’s a great way of containing and controlling greenery in a small space.
Read more on living walls
No space on the ground? No problem - just move your garden onto the walls instead. A living wall is perfect for urban spaces and makes an unusual focal point. You’ll need expert help to design and install one, but it’s a great way of containing and controlling greenery in a small space.
Read more on living walls
Rooftop lounging
If you can manage to wrestle an outdoor sofa up onto your roof terrace (I can’t imagine the logistics involved) you will instantly create a second living room to decamp to in the summer months. I can’t think of anything nicer than lounging here with a cool drink and a good book on a balmy summer afternoon.
If you can manage to wrestle an outdoor sofa up onto your roof terrace (I can’t imagine the logistics involved) you will instantly create a second living room to decamp to in the summer months. I can’t think of anything nicer than lounging here with a cool drink and a good book on a balmy summer afternoon.
Boxed in
Want some outside greenery but not much of a gardener? Fixed container planters like these are ideal for urban gardens. The raised height makes them easy to upkeep and the whitewashed concrete keeps the space feeling streamlined and contemporary. They also double up as seating so really make the most of a small space. Plant hardy grasses or easy-to-care-for plants for a splash of colour.
Want some outside greenery but not much of a gardener? Fixed container planters like these are ideal for urban gardens. The raised height makes them easy to upkeep and the whitewashed concrete keeps the space feeling streamlined and contemporary. They also double up as seating so really make the most of a small space. Plant hardy grasses or easy-to-care-for plants for a splash of colour.
Fake it
Bring a summer park feel to a city roof by dotting casual seating around an artificial lawn. Lucky enough to have a spectacular skyline view? Keep the rest of the scheme minimal and contemporary with low level furniture and controlled planting to allow the view to shine.
TELL US…
Do you have an urban garden? Tell us how you make it work for you in the Comments below.
Bring a summer park feel to a city roof by dotting casual seating around an artificial lawn. Lucky enough to have a spectacular skyline view? Keep the rest of the scheme minimal and contemporary with low level furniture and controlled planting to allow the view to shine.
TELL US…
Do you have an urban garden? Tell us how you make it work for you in the Comments below.
Create a chic, well-ordered, city garden by raising plants off the ground with elevated wooden planters. This has the double benefit of creating maximum floor space in a small garden or terrace whilst also providing a screen to offer shade and provide cover from city streets and people next door.