Key Features
- Complete transformation of a 4m x 8m urban garden
- Floating composite deck with bistro dining area
- Full-length bespoke cedar bench with hidden storage
- Evergreen climbers and vertical planting for depth
- Festoon lighting for ambient evening atmosphere
Materials
Project Details
- Completed
- 2024
- Build Duration
- 2 weeks
- Location
- Hove
Gallery
The Brief
Rachel and Zack’s Hove townhouse had a typical narrow urban garden — just 4 metres wide and 8 metres deep. It had become a dumping ground for bikes, bins and neglected pot plants. They wanted it completely reimagined: a space that felt generous despite its size, with room for a small dining table, lush planting, and ambient lighting. The goal was to make friends say ‘I can’t believe this is the same space.’
Our Approach
In a space this tight, every detail matters. The design opens with a floating composite deck raised one step from the kitchen threshold, creating a clean, level surface for a bistro table and two chairs. The step change gives the illusion of the garden being deeper than it is.
Along the right boundary, a bespoke western red cedar bench runs the full length of the garden, incorporating hidden storage for cushions and garden tools beneath a hinged seat. The timber was left to silver naturally, adding warmth and texture against the painted rear wall.
Layered planting does the heavy lifting in creating atmosphere. Evergreen climbers (star jasmine, trachelospermum) clothe the fences, while tiered planters at the rear create vertical depth. Under-planting of ferns, heuchera and low grasses adds lushness at ground level. Warm-white festoon lights strung overhead complete the transformation.
Our townhouse garden was tiny and uninspiring. Ed saw potential we never could have. The bespoke timber seating, the layered planting, the lighting — it feels so much bigger now. Friends can’t believe it’s the same space. The whole process was seamless from start to finish.
— Rachel & Zack, Hove
Ready to transform your space?
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