Our Belgian clients desired a boutique hotel courtyard garden. Their square outdoor space is viewed from 3 elevations via the kitchen, living room and master bedroom. Since then, we have revised our planting approach, only using biodiverse palettes and barring synthetic materials. Photos by Clive Nichols. Check out the before photos.
Project Name: Marylebone Topiary Courtyard
Studio Name: Mylandscapes LTD
The 43-sqm courtyard is entirely shaded, where we planted shade-loving plants. To facilitate low-maintenance and fulfil the style of the brief, we selected topiary forms to create a wholly architectural, sculptural palette. As the courtyard is entirely tiled, we utilised the bespoke powder-coated planters method we use in our roof garden projects.
We salvaged an original Japanese Maple and designed a tapered white tree planter for it. This planter design is repeated in the opposite corners with Wheel trees (Trochodendron aralioides). The main wall is clothed in clipped Ivy and a Cedar frame, where a Box hedge in troughs underscores it below.
A slither of L-shaped artificial grass creates a respite to the beige tiles, providing a play area for the clients’ 2 young boys. A trio of Box balls in tall tapered vases and overhead heating occupy the living room elevation opposite the Ivy wall, contrasted by a low trough of Ferns & Sedges.
On the kitchen elevation, 3 smaller versions of the tree planters are powder-coated in a taupe tint, featuring Phormium and lollipop Olive trees. Comfy sofas and lighting complete the outdoor living palette, where are clients enjoy the courtyard garden as an indoor-outdoor vignette of their beloved minimalist style.
