Urban gardens can be found in both towns and cities. Usually much smaller than a rural garden, they are often enclosed by walls or fences and as such can become ‘external’ rooms that complement the owner’s individual property and lifestyle.
The success of these gardens often depends on establishing a sense of privacy without losing too much sunlight and maximising space in what can be a limited area.
If views outside of the garden can be restricted, they will have less influence on the style of the garden within, which can be both modern or traditional. With the evolution of folding sliding doors, a virtually seamless visual and physical link can be made between inside and out. A simple way to enhance this connection is to pick out a key internal design feature or finish and to repeat it outside. This can be flooring, furniture or even a wall colouring and it’s a great way to enlarge the perception of space in a kitchen/dining area for example.
Once the key functional requirements of the garden have been determined, the way light impacts the space should be carefully considered along with soil conditions any access issues.
A simple rectangular urban garden enclosed by fencing isn’t too different in principal to a large courtyard and this concept can help when creating an urban garden. Courtyards feel safe and private, they usually have space to sit, simple paths that take you on a cyclical journey around them with trees and walls that contain your views of the outside. The pallet of materials and plants used is often limited and repeated, complimenting the architecture or local environment which in turn creates a sense of continuity and harmony.
Design and Landscape
A well‑designed garden relies on a strong sense of flow from the house into the outdoor space, keeping attention within the garden through suitable planting, trees and a simple, bold overall theme. Vertical boundaries can be softened or celebrated with climbers and trellis, while the layout should stay clean and uncomplicated, avoiding an excess of materials, especially now that modern options like porcelain tiles and timber can be used both indoors and out.
Prioritising entertaining space and stylish furniture helps define the garden’s character, and thoughtful lighting can enlarge the feel of the space, highlight key features and extend its use into the evening and winter months. Features such as outdoor cooking areas, fireplaces, built‑in BBQs, or kitchen gardens add function, while Venetian slatted panels offer screening without blocking light.
Mixing materials like concrete and stainless steel works beautifully when balanced with lush planting, and built‑in seating or storag, especially in side return, maximises space. Using straight lines but keeping elements slightly off‑centre prevents a boxy feel, and focal points such as fire pits, dramatic sculptures, oversized plants, or pergolas create interest and depth. Dark fencing can visually recede to soften boundaries, mirrors can expand the sense of space, and bold containers or art pieces help break up hard corners and add personality
Planting
Use a small selection of hard-working plants that will give you the maximum all round colour and interest. Start with foliage interest and architectural shapes. Plant in repeated clumps and stick to limited colours. This doesn’t mean be grey and boring but it’s better to stick to lush greens to create colour. Instead of wide beds and borders save space and add colour through hedges and trees.
Focal Tree
A focal tree is one of the most powerful design tools in a garden because it anchors the space, creates structure and gives the eye a place to rest. Think of it as the garden’s main character; the element everything else quietly supports. A good focal tree has a strong silhouette, interesting bark, seasonal interest or a distinctive canopy that naturally draws attention. It can frame views from the house, break up long sightlines, or add height where the garden feels flat. In small urban gardens, a single well‑chosen tree can completely shift the atmosphere, adding shade, privacy and a sense of maturity without overwhelming the space.
Placement matters as much as the species. Positioning a tree slightly off‑centre keeps the layout dynamic and avoids a rigid, boxy feel. These are some of our favourites:
Multistem Varieties
In smaller urban spaces where you only have room for one major planting choice, a multistem tree delivers the visual impact of an entire small grove without overcrowding your footprint.
Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry) – Commonly known as Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub, multistem or small tree celebrated for its ornamental value. In spring, it showcases profuse clusters of delicate white flowers, followed by small, edible purple-black berries in early summer. The foliage is characterized by elliptical leaves that are bonze tinged when young and then turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. With a compact and upright habit, is favoured for providing visual interest throughout the seasons and attracting wildlife with its blossoms and fruits. Height 5-7m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Amelanchier lamarckii thrives in various soils but not chalky conditions.
Betula pendula (Silver Birch) – Betula pendula, commonly known as the Silver Birch or European White Birch, is a graceful deciduous tree native to Europe and parts of Asia. This medium to large-sized tree belongs to the Betulaceae family and is widely appreciated for its elegant appearance and distinctive white bark. Silver Birch is often used as an ornamental tree, providing dappled shade and a sense of natural elegance to outdoor spaces.
Cornus kousa (Flowering Dogwood) – This large shrub / ornamental tree brings a quiet elegance to the garden, unfolding its beauty in deliberate, painterly layers. In early summer, the tree is transformed by a constellation of creamy white bracts that sit like poised stars along its tiered branches, giving it a sculptural, almost architectural presence. As the months drift on, the display deepens: the foliage warms into bronzes, crimsons, and purples, and curious strawberry‑like fruits appear, adding a touch of whimsy to its refined silhouette. Slow‑growing and impeccably behaved, Cornus kousa earns its place as a standout specime, one of those rare plants that feels as though it elevates the entire garden simply by being there.
Heptacodium miconioides (Seven Son Tree) – A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its unique late-season interest and impressive peeling bark which adds visual appeal throughout the year. As the tree matures, its bark exfoliates in strips, revealing a smooth, light brown or greyish layer beneath. This peeling bark, especially on older stems and trunks, creates a distinctive, textured appearance that contrasts beautifully with the tree’s lush green foliage and vibrant autumn colour. The tree blooms in late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fragrant, white, tubular flowers that resemble small jasmine blossoms. After flowering, the plant produces distinctive, showy, red calyces, which persist into autumn, giving it a distinctive appearance. An eye-catching addition to the garden. Height 8m Spread 4m. Grow in well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full sun or partial shade.
Osmanthus aquifolium (Holly Olive) – An evergreen shrub with attractive foliage and delightful fragrance. The holly-like leaves are serrated and glossy dark green. In late summer to early autumn tiny white flowers appear with a sweet fragrance that entices pollinators, followed by blue/black berries. A low maintenance and dense plant that is an excellent choice to add to the borders or as a feature plant. Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Prunus incisa ‘The Bride’ (Ornamental Cherry) – Prunus ‘The Bride’ is a graceful, compact flowering cherry that brings a cloud of pure white blossom to the garden in early spring. Masses of single flowers open on bare branches, creating a soft, elegant display that is especially striking against darker backdrops. Fresh green foliage follows, forming a neat, rounded canopy that provides gentle structure through the summer months. Ideal for smaller gardens or as a specimen tree, it thrives in moist but well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prunus ‘The Bride’ is a refined, low-maintenance choice, offering reliable spring interest and year-round garden appeal. Height 4-8m.
Standard Trees (single stem)
Spring flowering trees that will also provide autumn colour .
Magnolia – We are captivated by these majestic trees. From their ancient lineage to their breathtaking blooms, Magnolias hold a special place in gardens and landscapes around the world. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, Magnolias offer something special for everyone. If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your garden, consider planting a Magnolia tree.
Japanese Maple (Acer) – These have captivated gardeners for centuries, and for good reason. These elegant trees offer a unique blend of beauty, versatility, and manageable size, making them a perfect addition to almost any garden. If you’re looking for a focal point that provides year-round interest, look no further. While they look like they require a lot of fuss, most magnolias are relatively low-maintenance. With the right planting location and a little care, they can thrive for generations.
Malus (Crab Apple) – A wonderfully versatile garden tree, provides spring blossom and autumn colour. It’s delicate fruit will attract birds to your garden. As a design element, a Crab Apple gives you height without heaviness, structure without dominance, and seasonal drama without fuss. Underplant it with spring bulbs, shade‑tolerant perennials or ornamental grasses and it becomes a natural centrepiece. Add subtle uplighting and it transforms into a sculptural feature after dark.
Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ (American Sweet Gum) – A fantastic tree for screening and autumn colour, this species of tree has large lobed leaves, similar to a Maple. The leaves of Liquidambar ‘Worplesdon’ are most distinctive emerging in spring a bright green colour and displaying the most brilliant range of colours from September onwards.
Underplant with shade tolerant perennials to help integrate the tree into the garden rather than letting it float awkwardly in the middle of a lawn.
A focal tree also sets the tone for the rest of the planting. A Japanese maple suggests a calm, refined palette; a silver birch introduces lightness and movement; an olive tree brings a Mediterranean feel. Lighting can transform it at night, turning the canopy or trunk into a dramatic feature visible from indoors. Ultimately, the right tree becomes a living piece of architecture — shaping the garden’s mood, guiding the layout and giving the space a sense of permanence.
Future Planning
As our climate shifts, choosing plants that can withstand both drought and periods of intense rainfall is becoming essential. The Met Office projects that by 2050, London could experience a climate similar to Barcelona; hotter, drier summers and heavier winter downpours.
Styphnolobium japonicum (Japanese Pagoda Tree) – this is considered an excellent climate‑change‑resilient tree because it tolerates heat, drought, urban pollution, and poor soils better than many traditional street trees. These traits make it especially valuable for future UK and European urban planting as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become more erratic.
Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud) – One of the most beautiful small ornamental trees you can grow; famous for its early spring blossom that appears before the leaves, covering the bare branches in a cloud of pink. It has a combination of biological traits and ecological adaptability that help it cope with hotter, drier, and more unpredictable conditions better than many ornamental trees.
Instant Screening
Pleached trees for instant screening to create an oasis and block out any unwanted vistas.
- Pleached Trees such as Hornbeam or Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’
- Living Screens
- Evergreen Hedging
- Deciduous Hedging
- Semi-Mature climbing plants
Feeling inspired?
If you would like to start the first step of your journey with us then get in touch to book our consultancy service.
For just £75*, our experienced horticulturalists will provide tailored guidance to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re interested in fast-growing solutions for quick impact, seeking the enduring beauty of evergreen plants or looking to add colour and fragrance, we can offer expert advice.
**£75 fee applies if you live within a 15-mile radius of our office. Additional fees apply outside this area. All costs include VAT.