There is something undeniably romantic about a city garden. I find the idea of a tiny green space flourishing in the midst of sprawling urbanity supremely charming, and feel tickled every time I come across one. Clearly, Katharine Hepburn felt the same way.
I stumbled across archival images of the courtyard garden at her Manhattan townhouse from the 80s, and I can't stop thinking about them. From pictures of the actress lounging on a white metal chair in front of her collection of container plants, to images of her sweeping autumn leaves off the cobblestones of her planted beds, each glimpse of her home fills me with nostalgia for the greenery of the past and hope for the urban gardens of the future.
As a committed Londoner, these are the city garden design lessons I'm taking from Katharine's home.
First, Katharine's space teaches the importance of timeless patio furniture. The actress opted for white, wire metal seating, which endows her space with a hint of French countryside charm. The gaps in the material ensure that the focus stays on the greenery, while the white pinat creates a delicious contrast.
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These white metal bistro chairs are a timeless classic. The gorgeous design is open, allowing stunning greenery to shine through.
Miracle-Gro's newest product the Organic Raised Bed and Garden soil. This soil has quick release natural fertilizer that guarantees a higher yield of vegetables. It's the ideal complement to city gardening.
Made from durable, lightweight plastic this planter is fade, frost, and weather-resistant. These would be perfect arranged on a ledge and filled with greenery.
Furthermore, Katherine's garden demonstrates that container gardening is just as effective as planting in beds when creating a beautiful outdoor space. While the beds are the focus of her courtyard, the actress also arranges a collection of terracotta pots around her seating area. Not only does this define the space, but it also creates planting at a range of heights, inviting interest and visual stimulation.
Most importantly, the wildness of Katharine Hepburn's courtyard garden plants shows that it's okay to be experimental and untamed in an urban space. The clean lines of buildings and surrounding concrete will always provide a clean backdrop upon which to plant, so nothing needs to be too manicured. In fact, leaning into the wildness of these spaces is exactly how to make sure they are extra memorable.
For an extra Katherine Hepburn-inspired twist, focus on the slate pathways in your courtyard garden over the planting itself. These hardscaped elements are equally important and help to ensure the feeling of city charm.
I'm always searching for the best city garden inspiration, and Katharine Hepburn's 80s space provides some of the best I've ever seen. In urban spaces, wildness is always an asset.
