Modern Urban Garden Makeover

This city backyard had established trees and a dated patio at a lower level with a 40-year old landscape. The homeowners wanted an upgrade to their garden that would be a little more modern, clean-lined and simple. See the features of this modern urban garden makeover in this House & Home video:

The updated space has new modular pavers, straight lines on the woodwork, and nice clean right angles on the arbor, and everything was tidied up. Many of the pre-existing site characteristics like the large mature trees were incorporated into the new design. The new part of the space is a modern extension with nice modern stones, a modern arbor, plant material leaning towards modern with some sculpted hedging, and nice dark stains to make things look classy and modern. A post and beam arbor combines the two spaces together.

One of the design challenges was the large building that looks right down on the recreational area. The existing fir and spruce trees, along with newly planted evergreens, give more privacy. A tall fence was installed that has a dark stain to keep the arbor visually prominent.

As this was a shady site, hardy woodland species that can handle low light levels were planted, such as fern, dogwood, false spirea, and ground cover with vinca periwinkle. Organic mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.