The image above shows my design for a relatively small city garden in Oregon. At present, the area is neglected, with a small yard outside the back door of the property to the south of the space, and a scrubby, overgrown slope, gentle at first then becoming much steeper, up to a fence at the north of the site.
Having just purchased the property, my clients wish to create a functional space that produces as much perennial food and other resources as possible, while also giving them a space to sit and relax outdoors. They were unsure how to tackle the steep sloping section, and somewhat oddly-shaped site.
Small-Scale Terraced Garden Design
In my design, as you can see, I have suggested a small-scale terracing project. This increases the about of usable space in the garden, and allows for full use of the brightest and sunniest area to the north currently practically unusable due to the steep slope.
The first terrace, at the north of the site, is the high point of the property – at around 140cm above the ground level at the back door. A mini food forest on this tier will include cordon fruit trees along the existing back fence, with guilds of layered planting below.
The next terrace is approximately 1m lower, at 40cm or so above ground level. I have suggested natural stone retaining walls for these terraces, and permeable materials (gravel) for access paths to prevent any runoff issues.
The stone wall of the upper terrace (broadly south facing) will help fruiting canes and shrubs to thrive along the back of the second terrace. These will also have layered companion guilds in front of them.
Urban Garden Design
Layered planting is one way to make the most of the space in relatively small city gardens. the cordon fruit trees are also a small-saving idea for smaller gardens. This garden design aims to make the space feel lush, full and private without feeling cramped.
There is a social space around the fire pit closest the the home, built with natural materials that help it to feel natural and grounded, and nestled in amongst dense native planting for a sense of seclusion and peace that can be challenging to find in our busy modern cities and towns.
Urban garden design is all about responding to the challenges of the site, and also the challenges of daily life. It is important to think about how a site can rise to those specific challenges of time and place, and also how it can help us to overcome the little struggles of our everyday lives.
With the right planting and strategies, even the most awkward of spaces can become calm oases in the heart of the city. Even a small city garden can meet some of your most basic needs, providing food, medicine and more, while also giving you a place to relax and unwind after a busy day.
If you have challenges with your own urban patch, please get in touch. I can help you analyse your options and come up with the best plan for your own urban permaculture garden.
EWSP Consultancy 