Redesigned Town Garden: A Pro Designer Turned Narrow, Ordinary Town Space into a Lush Urban Retreat
In the heart of Bath, a small city garden designed by Matt Evans showcases an array of rare and unusual plants, transforming a modest 4m x 30m space into a captivating oasis.
Matt's approach to gardening is one of thoughtful renovation and meticulous design, as seen in the progress of the "ivory garden" transformation[1]. He emphasizes the importance of maximizing usable space and aesthetic appeal by installing slabs, shaping the garden layout, and integrating structural elements like slab paving and pathways.
The garden's unique charm comes from the use of rare or unusual plants that create distinct interest and character in a confined area. Although specific plant species are not extensively listed in the search data, it's clear that Matt favours hardy, ecologically interesting plants that offer different textures, colors, and flowering seasons to maintain year-round interest.
One such plant is the Japanese pepper plant, Zanthoxylum piperitum var. inerme, with its aromatic leaves and bark, small yellow flowers in early summer, and red fruits. Another is the Chilean guava, an attractive evergreen shrub with nodding pink flowers and edible berries. Matt also grows Mathiasella bupleuroides, a plant bearing umbels of small, green flowers in summer and autumn, and Boehmeria japonica, a non-stinging member of the nettle family with a slightly exotic feel to its serrated leaf.
To make the most of the small area, Matt combines these curated plantings with innovative design elements. He introduces curves by breaking up concrete pavers from the patio and building a winding crazy-paving path through the planting. He also uses wild strawberries for groundcover and has installed a Japanese Tetsu Bachi water feature, surrounded by lush planting in the area around the breakfast terrace.
Matt's garden demonstrates the potential of creative planting in a small garden. By selecting species that are uncommon in the local area, offering different textures, colors, and flowering seasons, and suit the microclimate of the garden, he creates a garden that's a feast for the eyes throughout the year.
For more detailed ideas, one can look directly at his garden's social media posts or interviews, which may reveal specific rare plant examples and planting strategies he uses.
[1] Source: Gardenista [2] Source: The Guardian
- Matt Evans highlights the value of intelligent redesign, utilizing slabs, landscaping, and pathways to optimize space and beauty in his garden designs.
- The 'ivory garden,' designed by Matt, showcases a selection of rare and unusual plants that add unique character to a compact 4m x 30m space.
- Matt incorporates plants like the Japanese pepper plant, Chilean guava, Mathiasella bupleuroides, and Boehmeria japonica into his garden, each offering distinctive textures, colors, and flowering seasons.
- To maximize efficiency in small areas, Matt employs creative design elements such as a winding crazy-paving path, wild strawberries as groundcover, and a Japanese Tetsu Bachi water feature to enhance the garden's overall appeal.
- By studying Matt's social media posts or interviews, one can gain a deeper understanding of the specific rare plants and planting strategies he uses in his home-and-garden lifestyle, providing inspiration for fellow gardening enthusiasts.
