My new garden within a garden

[thegardenvirgin]

I have recently moved to a new flat and have a plot within it. I wanted a house and garden, but with the market the way it is, this seemed the ideal compromise.

Now I have no idea what to do with my space! I'm not even sure I'm comfortable sitting out in it, although the other neighbours obviously do, as they have furniture on their plots.

I would love to really make it my own, but is that possible when it's really a shared space?

I have attached a photo. My plot is the patio with pots on it, and the area of grass the same size, adjacent to it.

I thought I could get some trellised planters on one of the corners to create a bit of screen, but do they generally need to be secured? I would love some colour.

Any ideas/opinions welcome.

I likely won't be doing much to it until next summer now, as money is going on the actual flat for now.

Thank you @Furries and & @Kat1953

I am particularly loving the idea of a mini pond. Would never have thought of something like that as always assumed they need a lot of maintenance, filters, etc.

A real pond (maintained by someone else) is something I've wanted since i was about seven years old. A great aunt and uncle had the most beautiful garden with one.

Ooh, I'd fill mine with relatively tall plants - like person height, not giant! - and then have a nice low seat so that when I was there I felt nice and hidden.
I'd probably focus on edibles and flowers, focusing on tomatoes and dahlias.
I'd probably not use it so much in winter, so summer focus only for me.

What will you do outside- sunbathe? Or read /work etc? Potter?

I would second the idea of having bamboo in containers. Pots can be expensive, but you can plant things in almost anything. Do you have a water source OP or will you have to bring watering cans in from your flat?

There are also some quite good solar power water features on the market now. You may wish to investigate. Some so called indoor plants are quite happy outside in the summenr months too.

@TheSpottedZebra I'll read, work, and sunbathe if I don't feel too self conscious!

@StarlightLady no water source I don't think. The two bottom flats have patio areas directly outside them, so they may have, but would be there's only, I assume.

In which case, I'd have the patio as my sun spot, with reclining chairs, lower colourful planting, then I'd have the other bit full of tomatoes, corn, dahlias and they'd cast shade on my chair innthe middle for work (and hiding).

I'm getting really invested in your garden, op, I hope you keep us updated on its progress!

For your wildlife meadow this might be better value. You could put in planters or in amongst the grass

link

Wouldn't put a pond in, absolute hazard for young children who may visit the gardens, however small the pond might be.

No small children in my building, and the youngest visitor I've seen has been my own 5yo niece who wouldn't be out there.

It's easy enough to cover ponds with a metal grid to prevent accidents.

It's easy enough to cover ponds with a metal grid to prevent accidents.

It's easy enough to cover ponds with a metal grid to prevent accidents.

Uh..sorry about the multiple posting, I was getting a server error and the post button wasn't working

Haha well then I guess the metal grid is the way to go! :)