Break Through City Limits With Creative Outdoor Zones
These landscape design elements will make the most of your urban courtyard, balcony, rooftop or backyard, no matter how tiny it is
Laura Gaskill
8 January 2015
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Having a piece of green space in the city, even if it’s small, is something to treasure. But urban outdoor spaces are notorious for being oddly shaped, not so sunny and, yes, small. Here are nine creative ways to work with what you’ve got – whether it’s a tiny balcony, apartment rooftop or a terrace house backyard.
1. Trellis-lined gravel path
Turn an ultra-narrow backyard into an enchanting allée by lining the walls with wood trellises and climbing plants. A gravel path is an affordable and chic way to finish the space.
Turn an ultra-narrow backyard into an enchanting allée by lining the walls with wood trellises and climbing plants. A gravel path is an affordable and chic way to finish the space.
2. Fake grass (yes, really!)
Kinda silly or sort of cool? You decide. But when real grass is not a realistic option, a bit of fake green underfoot can be a cheerful addition to an urban outdoor space.
Kinda silly or sort of cool? You decide. But when real grass is not a realistic option, a bit of fake green underfoot can be a cheerful addition to an urban outdoor space.
3. Split-level deck
Try a deck with a few levels to create the feeling of different zones in a small outdoor space — even a slight shift in height can add a lot of visual interest. Perhaps put seating on one level, a barbecue on another and leave one open as pass-through space.
Try a deck with a few levels to create the feeling of different zones in a small outdoor space — even a slight shift in height can add a lot of visual interest. Perhaps put seating on one level, a barbecue on another and leave one open as pass-through space.
4. Linked outdoor rooms
This backyard packs a lot of living into a modest space. A soaking tub, dining table and fire pit each get a zone, defined by concrete slabs bordered in a mossy ground cover. A maple tree planted near the centre of the yard provides shade and a focal point.
See more of this project
This backyard packs a lot of living into a modest space. A soaking tub, dining table and fire pit each get a zone, defined by concrete slabs bordered in a mossy ground cover. A maple tree planted near the centre of the yard provides shade and a focal point.
See more of this project
5. Urban playground
Keep active kids busy with a backyard play structure and room to run around. Benches on either side of the yard plus a dining zone provide plenty of places for grown-ups to enjoy too. This yard is already pretty low maintenance, but if you want to make something like this totally hands-off, opt for artificial turf (see No. 2).
Read more: How to Keep Kids Entertained During the School Holidays
Keep active kids busy with a backyard play structure and room to run around. Benches on either side of the yard plus a dining zone provide plenty of places for grown-ups to enjoy too. This yard is already pretty low maintenance, but if you want to make something like this totally hands-off, opt for artificial turf (see No. 2).
Read more: How to Keep Kids Entertained During the School Holidays
6. Curvy bench
One great built-in feature can do wonders for a yard. This curved bench seats a crowd and works equally well for dining and just hanging out. A pair of mirrors positioned behind the bamboo hedge boosts light and makes the space feel more expansive.
Take a closer look
One great built-in feature can do wonders for a yard. This curved bench seats a crowd and works equally well for dining and just hanging out. A pair of mirrors positioned behind the bamboo hedge boosts light and makes the space feel more expansive.
Take a closer look
7. Mini Zen garden
Simple timber decking is bi-sected by a ‘river’ of stones and boulders on this courtyard patio. More timber planks mounted on the wall provide organic warmth as well as a place to hang potted plants.
Simple timber decking is bi-sected by a ‘river’ of stones and boulders on this courtyard patio. More timber planks mounted on the wall provide organic warmth as well as a place to hang potted plants.
8. Wall garden
Save floor space in a compact city patio and get your greens too, by installing a wall of planters. Choose succulents for low-maintenance beauty or fill pots with tender lettuces and herbs for an edible urban feast. Tend the plants with a hose extension and keep a ladder handy for when you need to get a closer look at the plants.
Save floor space in a compact city patio and get your greens too, by installing a wall of planters. Choose succulents for low-maintenance beauty or fill pots with tender lettuces and herbs for an edible urban feast. Tend the plants with a hose extension and keep a ladder handy for when you need to get a closer look at the plants.
9. Rooftop oasis
A green roof, an outdoor dining zone and weathered timber walkways make this city rooftop equal parts livable and eco-friendly. Clumps of tall grasses and native flowers offer a welcome counterpoint to the tall buildings all around.
TELL US
What have you done with your urban balcony, patio or backard? Share a photo in the Comments!
MORE
Outdoor Living Rooms Come of Age
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining Area
9 Ways to Keep Your Barbecue Area in Tiptop Shape
A green roof, an outdoor dining zone and weathered timber walkways make this city rooftop equal parts livable and eco-friendly. Clumps of tall grasses and native flowers offer a welcome counterpoint to the tall buildings all around.
TELL US
What have you done with your urban balcony, patio or backard? Share a photo in the Comments!
MORE
Outdoor Living Rooms Come of Age
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Indoor-Outdoor Entertaining Area
9 Ways to Keep Your Barbecue Area in Tiptop Shape
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Just thought I would share this. Pergola with adjustable planter boxes ready for planting.
Have supplied to our landscape gardeners for roof terrce and lots of small urban gardens , as soon as our customers feel our products they just love them .... some say they are the softest in the industry
Urban roof garden .
Student flat .
Here we see a large DIY garden project if you have the time have a go yourself.
Here what our customers are saying
Before and After !!