Urban gardening comes with its inevitable tribulations. Typically, it involves working in a small space and with poor-quality soil, all in a loud environment that's far from therapeutic. This was my assumption, at least, until I saw Cynthia Nixon's New York yard, which changed everything I thought I knew about city gardens.
Living in a city myself, I always found it hard to imagine a space that feels peaceful without losing the sense of its zip code. Cities are exciting places, so it's a shame to hide away from the fact that you're there, but at the same time, you want to create a space that feels far away from the hustle. Cynthia's space strikes the perfect balance.
If you're looking for advice on how to create an urban oasis, the actress's yard is my newfound blueprint. It's tranquil without sacrificing its New York charm, while her intelligent outdoor furniture layout makes her area feel 'zoned'. Her furniture creates a small outdoor living room, while her towering deciduous trees ensure the space is secluded and private.
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Add some greenery to a gray patio with this sleek, low planter. Its stylish curves and stunning material would add a cozy organic feel to any space.
Inspired by the chairs on Cynthia's patio, this piece has a slatted design that's both comfortable and timeless. It's easily foldable, which, experts say, is a must for urban outdoor furniture, and it's weather-resistant, so it stands up to UV rays and rain.
Perfect for dining al fresco, this metal bench is sturdy and refined. The cushion makes it comfortable, while the sturdy base keeps it grounded. It's an outdoor living room essential.
Whether you live in New York (like Cynthia) or you're dealing with a garden in another city, the actress's home has set the bar for styling. As experts explain, we can firstly learn a lot from how Cynthia 'zones' her space with furniture and plantings, creating a distinct space that follows the conversational seating method.
'A trick in landscape design is to divide a garden into zones to make the overall space seem larger,' comments Ali Wooldridge, the co-founder of Gardenesque.
Ali recommends framing entrances with climbers or large terracotta pots, or laying a section of gravel to create a social or dining area. On a smaller scale, you can also section off your space using bamboo screens to add more privacy or create a reading nook.
Pots and planters are also impactful when zoning an urban yard. 'Cluster large pots with smaller containers to add interest and create a plant display with height and structure. Tall-stemmed Echinops plants with their globe blue flowerheads pair well with the spike-shaped Veronicastrum. If space allows, you can also add tall grasses to create a feeling of fullness,' Ali explains.
Another urban gardening lesson we can learn from Cynthia? Plant upwards.
'Planting upwards not only maximises space, but it can also create privacy and shade in terraced housing where gardens are often overlooked. Utilise climbers, plant supports or obelisks to grow your plants upwards,' Ali suggests.
She adds that this planting technique is 'perfect for green thumbs who love to garden and grow fruit and veg but are limited in space for veg patches.' With the right planning, you really can do it all, no matter the size of your yard.
