Courtyard
Overview
This small courtyard garden design in Margate, Kent is the most compact garden we have designed to date. Measuring just three by four metres, the brief was to create a highly functional outdoor room with the impact and atmosphere of a show garden, despite its micro scale.
The finished courtyard demonstrates how thoughtful garden design can transform even the smallest space.
The Brief
The clients wanted a garden design that felt generous, immersive, and beautifully detailed, without compromising on functionality.
Key requirements included:
Seating for four to six people
Integrated storage
A water feature to add movement and sound
Shade for comfort throughout the day
A strong visual identity within a very small footprint
Every element needed to earn its place within the garden.
The Solution
The final design successfully incorporates all aspects of the brief through careful spatial planning and bespoke detailing.
The boundaries were enhanced with cedar fencing, which introduces warmth and enclosure. A custom pergola with an innovative sliding roof provides flexible shade without overwhelming the space. A compact storage shed was discreetly positioned in one corner, ensuring practicality without visual clutter.
Features
A Corten steel planting trough forms a central feature, framed by a geometric tiled wall and integrated water feature. Custom GRP planters were colour-matched to the tiles and cleverly designed to act as backrests for an L-shaped, bespoke bench, maximising seating without consuming floor space.
Every available inch of the courtyard has been planted, including ferns tucked beneath the bench, creating a lush, layered feel that enhances privacy and softens the hardscape.
The Result
The completed Margate courtyard garden design is a compact yet richly detailed outdoor room that punches well above its size. By combining bespoke joinery, layered planting, and intelligent zoning, the garden delivers comfort, atmosphere, and visual impact within an exceptionally small space.
