North London Courtyard Garden
Mediterranean-Inspired Urban Garden Transformation
Transforming an Overgrown Courtyard into a Private Oasis
This North London courtyard garden was transformed from a dark, overgrown space into a
vibrant Mediterranean-inspired outdoor living area. Designed for a busy professional, the
goal was to create a low-maintenance, stylish garden that supports relaxation, entertaining,
and everyday use.
Garden Design Brief
The client, a busy professional, needed a complete courtyard garden redesign. Years of
neglect had left the space overcrowded with shrubs, limiting light and usability.
Key requirements included:
A Mediterranean garden style with bold colour
A peaceful space to relax and work from home
Functional areas for outdoor entertaining
Space for growing herbs and plants
Installation of a small greenhouse
Improved privacy screening from neighbouring buildings
Our Garden Design Solution
We reimagined the space using a modern Mediterranean garden design, inspired by the
iconic colours of Marrakech.
Maximising Space & Light
The garden was fully cleared to open up the layout, instantly creating a brighter and more
spacious feel—essential in small London garden design.
Structural Planting for Impact
A mature olive tree was retained as a focal point, complemented by:
Multi-stem cordylines for height and structure
Fan palm and cycad for a Mediterranean planting scheme
Evergreen jasmine for year-round greenery and fragrance
Raised beds with elevated planting were introduced to provide natural privacy screening
while adding depth and visual interest.
Outdoor Living & Entertaining
To enhance usability, we designed:
Built-in seating with hidden storage
A compact outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ
Defined zones for relaxing, dining, and socialising
Kitchen Garden & Greenhouses
A bespoke two-tier sleeper bed allows for easy herb gardening, while lean-to greenhouses
maximise growing space—ideal for urban gardening enthusiasts.
Colour & Materials
Bold design choices bring personality and warmth:
Vibrant blue painted walls and planters
Decorative yellow screens as statement features
Clay pavers in a herringbone pattern patio, improving drainage and durability
A calming water feature completes the space, adding movement and sound.
The Result: A Contemporary Mediterranean Garden in London
This once-overgrown courtyard is now a stylish, low-maintenance garden retreat. The
design successfully combines:
Outdoor living space
Functional planting
Strong visual identity
Practical solutions for small gardens
The client now enjoys a private, tranquil garden that reflects her heritage while offering a
perfect setting for relaxing, working, and entertaining.
Looking for a Courtyard Garden Designer in London?
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, we specialise in:
Small garden design
Courtyard garden landscaping
Mediterranean-style gardens
Outdoor kitchens & entertaining spaces
Low-maintenance garden solutions
Would you like a garden like this?
Book a discovery call to find out how Manoj can help