Having a compact city garden didn’t restrain our ambition on this transformative project, our work included:

• Full reclaimed London stock brick courtyard

• Side return remodelled with Victorian quarry tiles

• Bespoke pergola built from scratch

• All walls and fencing restored and painted

• Large raised beds built into the space with Victorian oak railway sleepers

• Extensive planting of fruit trees, shrubs, vines and flowers, achieving a mature garden in under a year

• All seating, dining furniture, lighting, pots and planters sourced for the space

We started with an unloved mess, full of broken concrete and astroturf but the final result is breathtaking. Multiple zones were created so the different areas could be enjoyed for different purposes at different times of day. There are areas to relax, eat and socialise in, and raised beds for growing an abundance of flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.

The first steps were to remove all the waste material then add several tonnes of well rotted manure and topsoil to form a nutrient rich base for the raised beds. These were made with huge reclaimed oak sleepers. The existing walls were solid but lacked charm, so we opted to paint them along with the fence on the remaining side to make them coherent.

After sourcing two sets of vintage Armenian tiles, designed by Marie Balian, we decided to put them up in two areas which needed a little brightening. They were first adhered to an all weather backboard before being secured to the walls. Frames were then made and painted in an oil based exterior paint, in a complimentary colour to the designs.

The rear terrace features a grand pergola, which creates a beautiful secluded area away from the house. It provides cool shade on hot summer days and a cosy nook on autumn nights. A large Lutyens Sissinghurst bench, chiminea and hand made wood stores complete the space.

Reclaimed London stock bricks were sourced for the terraces, which were then laid at the front and back of the garden. They are joined together by a matching brick path with rows of lavender planted either side in gravel beds, a collection of pots provide changing flowers throughout the season. Dining happens at the marble and cast iron dining set, framed by a radiant Gertrude Jekyll rose. There is also a comfortable reclining sofa, perfect for sunbathing in the afternoon.

The side return, with separate access into the house, needed attention. It was levelled, then tiled with beautiful original Victorian quarry tiles and now looks like it’s always been there. Huge planters both at ground level and atop the fences provide space for shrubs, vines, flowers and herbs.

The raised beds have golden raspberry bushes to provide height close to the fence, whilst the growing frame has helped runner beans, cucumber vines and huge squash plants grow. On the west facing side there are cherry and nectarine trees, strawberries, hops, passion fruit and grape vines.

The plants and flowers have combined to create a garden that is abuzz with bees, birds and butterflies. Beautiful planters have been made to enhance the fences and walls and to provide additional growing space. Careful attention has been paid to successional planting so there is never a moment without colour.