This overgrown communal garden is now a light-filled, naturalistic space that works for both residents and the surrounding architecture. A carefully layered planting scheme brings year-round structure, seasonal colour and privacy, while keeping lower flats bright and open. With its calm, urban-friendly design, the garden now offers a shared green space that feels welcoming, balanced and full of life.
Hove communal garden
Before (© Google Street View)
Clearing the site after tree-felling and stump-grinding
Site ready for planting
Mock-up looking from the road towards the apartments
... and looking from the apartments towards the road
Phase 1 - autumn planting - trees, shrubs and bulbs
Phase 2 - spring planting added - grasses and perennials
Tulipa turkestanica almost ready to flower
Acid green flowers of Euphorbia wulfenii and 'Black Pearl' repeating throughout the planting
Planting starting to fill in by midsummer
Evening sun shining through Sesleria autumnalis grass and Salvia 'Caradonna'