In this episode, Chris and Mark create a city garden for Giovanna Puma. Giovanna is 30, single and works in public relations; she has a smallish garden in Turnpike Lane, north London and wants a space for entertaining. Chris and Mark produce a contemporary decking area with rendered block "perching" walls, backed with lush tropical planting. The deck is about 6x18 feet (1.8x5.5m) and elliptical.

Inspiration Station:

Mike Hughes is the owner of City Decking (tel: (020) 7231 3735) and has produced a whole host of exquisite decks throughout London and nationwide. Mark chats to Mike at the site of one of his high spec decks in London. The deck (at a house in Twickenham) features both hardwoods and softwoods and utilises some interesting construction techniques. The second deck Mark visits is in Hampstead and is created from mahogany, glass and contemporary stainless steel. Chris and Mark discuss the various deck construction techniques and give some tips on how to avoid a clichéd-looking deck.

The team also pays a visit to Horsham's Architectural Plants (tel: (01403) 891772), a veritable jungle of a nursery overflowing with lush tropical planting. Here Chris picks out plants for the design and discusses how tropical planting can be used to both soften and invigorate a garden. Chris looks at the types of plants available and the ways in which certain varieties are good for complementing structures in a city-styled garden.

Stockist List:

Timber (timber)
Brooks Brothers - timber merchants
Tel (020) 8591 5300

Heather screening (surrounding materials for screening)
Tropical Surrounds - screening material
Tel: (01264) 773006

General building materials (cement, ballast, etc.)
EH Smith - builder's merchant
Tel: (01245) 459600

Zeta lounger (in centre of decking)
Indian Ocean Trading Company - furniture and accessories
Tel: (020) 8675 4808

Planters (surrounding decking and borders)
Clifton Nurseries Ltd - plants and garden accessories
Tel: (020) 7289 6851

Paisley lanterns (surrounding central deck area)
The Pier - furniture and accessories
Tel: (020) 7436 9642

Cashmere camel rug (on the lounger)
R.K. Alliston- furniture and accessories
Tel: (0845) 130 5577

Go back to Garden Highs - An Introduction