A small yard Under the hills – in the heart of Plovdiv was carefully crafted into a cozy garden, where every detail matters.
In this project, a striking contrast is achieved by juxtaposing the clear straight lines of the house with plants of varying heights and textures. A carefully selected color palette of white, purple, and green shades enhances the visual expanse of the yard. Thoughtfully designed zones create a seamless flow between the interior and the exterior of the house.
Small Architectural Elements and Vegetation
Small architectural elements are pivotal in landscape architecture. One of the project’s challenges was to create a logical and aesthetically pleasing connection between the building entrance, parking area, and the narrow path leading to the garden and barbecue area. This was elegantly addressed with a stepping stone path. Narrow beds were enriched with climbing evergreen jasmine, complemented by a perennial composition of airy evergreen grasses, rhododendrons, blooming hydrangeas, fragrant peonies, astilbe, and more.
The need for tall vegetation to hide the fence while maintaining an open feel led to the innovative solution of planting a hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) hedge. The chosen palmette forms—branches trained along a steel wire structure to shape the crown—are ideal for creating alleys in narrow spaces. The perimeter of the yard is landscaped with a Leyland cypress hedge, effectively concealing the tall, solid fence. Despite the limited space, the design includes a lush green lawn.
Ecological Impact and Water Feature
Special attention was given to the environmental impact of the project. A green roof over the summer kitchen was designed to improve air quality and biodiversity. It will also extend the lifespan of building materials, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce electromagnetic radiation and noise.
The plant selection ensures year-round visual interest with overlapping blooming periods and seasonal foliage color changes. A water feature serves as both an impressive focal point and a natural extension of the barbecue area. Designer pots in front of the summer kitchen are a standout feature, planted with low, multi-stemmed Judas trees (Cercis siliquastrum).
This family garden exemplifies a designer approach to landscape planning that emphasizes practicality and aesthetic appeal. It showcases how thoughtful design and innovative solutions can transform even the smallest urban spaces into serene, functional oases.
