Shady courtyard
Hammersmith
Year
2020 - ongoing
What was an unloved spot with a narrow rear border was adapted into something more appropriate for a shady London courtyard.
A central island bed was used to show off the planting from inside the house. It sits in front of a large window which is the main viewpoint into the garden.
The existing soil was kept on site and enriched with rotted manure and plenty of organic matter to encourage moisture retention during drier months.
Despite the hot summers London has recently endured there have been no casualties because of drought. Indeed some plants which are known to prefer damp spots, like the fritillaries, are thriving.
There is no irrigation, which ultimately leads to weaker plants and higher water bills. Now established, the plants are able to manage with additional watering only in extreme heat or during particularly dry late summer months.
Each plant was selected for its ability to contribute one or more of the following:
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silver or pale foliage
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scent
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evergreen structure
The London microclimate gave me some confidence to used plants which push the boundaries of hardiness for the south east:
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Fatsia polycarpa 'Green Fingers'
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Fascicularia bicolor
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Schefflera taiwaniana
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Disporum longistylum 'Night Lark'
Disporum longistylum 'Night Lark'
New planting, autumn 2021
Foliage textures
View from above, one year after planting. Reclaimed paving was used throughout.
Planting one year on