You don’t need to have a massive budget or a large space to create a beautiful and productive garden. My designs often incorporate materials that my clients already have on hand – and I am an advocate of making use of what you already have before you even think about buying anything new.
This recent design for a yard area in urban New Jersey is a great example to show that great things can be achieved on a very small budget when you reuse and upcycle, making the most of natural materials and things that would otherwise be thrown away.
From the very beginning of the project, the clients made clear that they wanted to reuse and upcycle as much as possible, not only to keep the budget down to under $500 (with a DIY approach), but to reduce consumption too.
Reclaimed Materials for Gardens
The terracotta pavers in the design are a key feature – salvaged from a neighbour’s project, these were saved to place in the garden. The client just needed some help deciding on a final layout, and how to use them.
The client had also saved some pebble stones from a neighbourhood landscaping project (enough for the short pathway shown).
Additionally, the client had saved a variety of reclaimed wood, suitable for the decking, seating area, and raised beds, and an old coffee table and side tables for upcycling.
They already had a chiminea, a composting bin, and a few plants in the existing space that are suitable for replanting in the new scheme.
Revitalising the Garden Area
The yard, with buildings to the north, east, south, and shorter structure to the south-west, is currently a scrubby space of grass, weeds and bare soil, with a few shrubs to the edges of the space, and a small, rustic table and chairs in the north eastern corner, which catches the evening light in summer.
The clients wanted to create a relaxed chill-out space to enjoy with their friends, while also growing at least a little of their own food, and welcoming in more wildlife. They were really keen to incorporate water and have a pond if possible.
My design aims to provide as much as possible within this small space – boosting beauty and productivity while making sure it feels cozy rather than cramped.
Tips for Small City Gardens
- Light is Key – Look at sunlight especially carefully, and understand how the microclimate is affected by surrounding buildings, trees etc…
- Choose Resilient Plants – Make sure that you select plants that are able to cope with the conditions – whether you need shade-tolerant species, or ones that are able to deal with the heat island effect in sheltered city locations. Embrace locally native options.
- Think Three-Dimensionally – with layered planting and vertical garden design to make the most of the space stretching skywards as well as the horizontal ground area.
- Integrate Sustainable Systems – Even in the smallest spaces, thinking about water, composting and other sustainable elements can be crucial to long-term success.
- Consider Flexibility and Multi-functionality – these things are especially important in smaller spaces. In this design, for example, bench style seating can double as storage space and the jute shade sail is an eco-friendly option that can easily be added or removed as needed throughout the year.
If you are struggling to find the perfect plan for your city garden – I can help. No matter how large or small your space may be, I can help you bring your ideas together and develop a holistic plan for your outdoor living and growing zones.
Please contact me today for a bespoke quote and to discuss precisely how I can help you achieve your permaculture dreams, even in an urban setting.
EWSP Consultancy 