This project in Islington, North London, shows what is possible when you approach a small city garden with the same level of thinking you would give to any room inside the house. The clients wanted a contemporary outdoor space that looked sharp, required minimal upkeep and incorporated sustainable features without feeling worthy or dull. The result is a garden that works for daily use, evening entertaining and quiet mornings alike.
The Brief
image credit: House Designer
The clients wanted clean lines and a geometric layout that complemented the architecture of their home. The garden needed to feel modern, not fussy. They were clear about wanting low maintenance, with planting that would look good through all four seasons without regular attention. Sustainability mattered to them, so we worked eco-friendly materials and practices into the design from the outset rather than adding them as an afterthought.
They also wanted the garden to be accessible for visiting family members with limited mobility, which influenced the choice of surfaces, pathway widths and seating heights.
The Layout
image credit: House Designer
The geometric layout divides the garden into clearly defined zones without walls or barriers. The pathway connects the back door to the seating area in a direct but slightly angled route that creates visual interest and makes the space feel longer than it is. Raised beds sit along the boundaries, adding height to the planting and creating clean edges between the hard landscaping and the greenery.
The balance between hard surface and planting is roughly 50/50, which keeps maintenance manageable while ensuring the garden feels genuinely green rather than paved. Every material was chosen for durability as well as appearance: natural wood fencing that weathers gracefully, stone pathways that handle frost and rain without deteriorating, and permeable paving that allows rainwater to drain into the ground rather than running off into the drainage system.
The Planting Scheme
image credit: House Designer
The planting scheme was designed around three principles: year-round interest, drought tolerance and structural clarity.
Clipped box hedging defines the boundaries and walkways, giving the garden its geometric structure. The formal lines of the box contrast with softer, more naturalistic planting within the beds. Flowering shrubs like lilac add seasonal colour and scent in spring. Lavender and agapanthus carry the colour through summer while providing food for pollinators. Ornamental grasses bring movement and texture from late summer into winter, holding their dried forms well after the flowers have finished.
All of the planting is drought-tolerant once established, which means the garden copes well during dry spells without an irrigation system. Native and climate-adapted species were prioritised to support local biodiversity, attracting bees, butterflies and birds into what would otherwise be a sterile urban environment.
Sustainability Built In
image credit: House Designer
Sustainability in this garden is not a headline feature. It is woven into the practical decisions that make the space work. Permeable paving reduces surface water runoff, which matters in an urban setting where hard surfaces send rainwater straight into overloaded drains. Drought-tolerant planting reduces the need for supplementary watering. The planting supports pollinators in an area where green space is limited.
None of these features compromise the design or add complexity. They are simply the sensible choices for a modern garden in a city environment. Sustainable design and good design are the same thing when the thinking is right.
Accessible for Everyone
image credit: House Designer
The pathways are wide and smooth enough for wheelchair access. The seating is at a comfortable height with solid backs for support. The raised beds bring the planting up to a level where it can be enjoyed and tended without bending. These decisions do not change how the garden looks. They change how many people can use it comfortably, which is an important distinction.
Accessible design is not a separate category. It is good design that considers a wider range of users. In this garden, every accessibility feature also happens to be an aesthetic improvement: wider paths feel more generous, raised beds add visual structure, comfortable seating invites people to stay longer.
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About the author
Senior Garden Designer
Mirela holds a degree in Garden Design and RHS Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Horticulture, Garden Planning and Construction. With seven years of experience, she designs imaginative landscapes that beautifully blend natural elements, with a commitment to excellence that shines through in every project she takes on.