HIDDEN OASIS

With supersize tree ferns and a rich palette of green, Tom Stuart-Smith transformed this urban garden into an other-worldly retreat

- SARAH WILSON

The idea of primitive wildness was the inspiration when it came to designing this urban space. The owners didn’t want a garden that was going to take over their lives and were quite clear about this when they met with garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith.

‘Their priority was to have a garden that was wonderful to look at but also a space where their young family could play,’ says Tom. Having already overseen the renovation of their traditional north London Victorian terrace with architects Guard Tillman Pollock, the couple, who are from Belgium, wanted a low-maintenance garden that matched the polished feel of their house. This hassle-free approach was particularly desirable as there was a new baby on the scene.