An outdoor space in the city should be celebrated no matter what its size. Too big? Never happens. Too small? Doesn’t exist. Whether yours is a cramped balcony space or a bijoux basement back yard or a grass patch that requires you to drag your camping chair around until the sun disappears behind your neighbour’s wall at 8pm, we are here for it.

Your outdoor city space probably doesn’t include a bath that overlooks a dome like Dermot Bannon’s does, but that doesn’t mean it’s not chic. With a little design aptitude and some help in figuring out which plants work and don’t work in a small urban garden, you’ll soon have your very own relaxing area to provide solace and to keep you sane when maybe there’s nowhere else to go!

We’re keen to help you make your garden look pretty and with minimal effort. Most of us city dwellers don’t have to worry or argue about who’s going to mow the lawn. Instead, our focus should be on a flower garden, some potted plants, smooth lighting and a couple of vibrant rugs or cushions. If, like me, you’re trying to keep a nosey neighbour out, you should also invest in a sun-chasing spiky plant that grows up the boundary wall. Examples of these are pyracantha, holly or berberis.

Don’t let a small space dissuade you from having the bloomin’ garden of your dreams. The bees don’t care about your garden radius and neither should you. You can create a colourful and contrasting paradise by mixing up the colours in your outdoor space. Try varying the colour of your pots against the hue of your flowers. If you’re feeling the tropical vibe these long sunny evenings and have gotten rather used to enjoying a cocktail at home, why not wash it down beside a cordyline pink passion, a fatsia japonica, or a trachycarpus fortune. Each of these plants is sure to bring the 2020 beach vibes to you.

If you’re interested in a more Mediterranean themed garden, try a lavender ‘hidcote’ plant, or vigorous upright rosemary like ‘Miss Jessops Upright’ (these are also a wonderful cut for using in cooking). If you feel your area is too damp for lavender, you can try The Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’. Just like the hidcote plant, its spires of lavender – blue flowers are really attractive to bumble bees, and who doesn’t like to see a bumble bee at work!

The next thing you should think wisely on is your furniture. Depending on your space and how many people you’re likely to have over, you should think about bringing foldable garden furniture into your life. Folding tables and chairs are really easy to store and allow you to maximise the space you have when your friends or family are gone. They also tend to be flexible, light and relatively easy to afford. If you’d like some bright silver blue foliage for beside y our lounger, try the ever vivacious festuca glauca. It’s a super fun and practical candidate for a city garden.

Lighting is also paramount to your garden boudoir. Warm white lanterns and atmospheric candles will have you wishing for the grand oul stretch to start closing in earlier in the evenings. Many light fixtures, including festoon lights and fairy lights can be draped across a balcony railing, hung from a wall or even attached to your clothes line.

As the night closes in and the air gets chilly, what better way to warm up than with a hot chocolate and marshmallow singsong around an outdoor firepit (sorry, neighbour). Because, hey, sitting around a fire isn’t just about keeping warm. Fire pits are the perfect way to create an alfresco lounge space with the family or housemates all year round. And for those that live in the city and dream of BBQ filled evenings, you can even cook on your firepit by popping the grill plate over the top.

So, now that most of us are spending more time than ever at home, it’s time to exercise those green fingers and stop letting your one time small space get in the way of your all time garden dreams.

By Neasa Sherry

Fire pits are the perfect way to create an alfresco lounge space with the family or housemates all year round.

Small City Garden with Big Ideas: Neasa Sherry