Reclaimed by Nature

This front garden in Amsterdam was, before our intervention, a lifeless and exposed space, primarily used for parking. With no privacy from the public footpath or the nearby road, it lacked both character and comfort.
Our vision was to transform this urban space into a jewel-like garden, a tranquil retreat that balances beauty, biodiversity, and function. A soft, meandering path made from warm-toned bricks (chosen to echo the façade of the house) now winds through a lush understorey of shade-loving grasses and perennials, beneath a delicate canopy of multi-stem trees.

Water was thoughtfully incorporated into the design. A simple bowl with a miniature lily sits along the path, offering a moment of serenity with its gentle, soothing sound, an unexpected delight for anyone passing by.
The path and dining area are now secluded and inviting, designed to evoke a sense of discovery whether you’re approaching the house or leaving it. Privacy from the road is achieved through elegant 6-metre multi-stem Cornus kousa trees, which also provide seasonal interest with their spring flowers and autumn berries. At eye level, a clipped Prunus lusitanica hedge offers screening without overwhelming the space.
Key planting includes a variety of ornamental grasses such as Luzula nivea and Sesleria autumnalis ‘Greenlee Hybrid’, combined with perennials like Astrantia, ferns, Heuchera, Epimedium, and Geranium. Early spring interest is brought in with Crocus, Snowdrops, and Leucojum.

This is one of our most cherished projects, as it demonstrates how even compact city gardens can be transformed into verdant, biodiverse sanctuaries. Designed with low-maintenance in mind, the plant community was carefully selected for harmonious growth and minimal intervention throughout the year.

Every city garden matters. Regardless of size, urban gardens can improve water retention, support biodiversity, cool our cities, and enhance mental wellbeing. With thoughtful design, they become peaceful, life-giving spaces, for people, plants, and wildlife alike.

Collaboration: Taletta van Berckel

Contractor: Koninklijke Ginkel Groep

Photography: Éva Németh