Nestled in the popular Manchester neighbourhood of Ancoats, The Gateway by Lovell Homes offers a unique opportunity for city centre living, providing homeowners with gardens and balcony terraces bursting with horticultural opportunities.
To showcase the potential of these spaces, Lovell commissioned multi-RHS-award-winning garden designer Jason Williams, better known as The Cloud Gardener, to design and deliver a stunning garden balcony at one of its Beverley properties – a stylish three-bed home that boasts its own exclusive garden balcony space on the second floor, in addition to a private rear garden on the ground level. To have both is a rarity for a new build home in walking distance from Manchester city centre. Starting from £444,950 these homes have certainly proved popular with only three plots remaining on the development.
Having discovered a love of gardening during the pandemic and transforming his own 18th floor balcony into a thriving oasis, Jason now specialises in creating impactful outdoor spaces and worked his magic on the Beverley property. It remains adaptable and functional within a relatively small footprint, harmonising biodiversity with the promotion of wellbeing and self-sufficiency in an urban living environment.
Jason aimed to craft a garden that would stand the test of time and cater to any future owner of the property. By avoiding permanent fixtures, the garden could retain its adaptability, allowing for personalised touches and modifications.
If you’re wanting to enhance your existing garden space or are looking to buy a new home bursting with potential, here’s some of Jason’s top tips to maximise form and function.
Inspiration and vision
“Influenced by the surroundings at The Gateway, I wanted to reflect Manchester’s industrial heritage in the garden design. I chose concrete-style containers to complement the brickwork, which also created a visual connection between the terrace and its urban environment.
“You might not think of using trees in a small space, but it’s absolutely possible to contain varieties such as a vivid purple eucalyptus or a lime green acer in larger pots. This makes a huge, visual impact in a limited space. Adding a bamboo screen also offers both an aesthetic appeal and a soothing soundscape when the wind rustles through its leaves.”
Designing for a north-facing garden
“I chose to feature evergreen plants due to the sunlight limitations of the terrace’s north-facing aspect, to ensure that the leaves wouldn’t drop and therefore remain vibrant year-round.
“Installing a striking living wall – with an internal irrigation system – can provide a backdrop that remains green throughout the year, brightening even the greyest, darkest months. Complementing this with window boxes in vibrant colours, such as the blue and pastel green I chose, can add an extra pop of colour, while additional furnishings and seasonal plants give the space a refreshing lift, no matter the season.”
Boosting mental wellbeing
“In city living especially, I think it is vital that choices are made to promote mental well-being. Many people find solace and joy in nature, so I aimed to ensure that the terrace garden would be a colourful sanctuary year-round.
“By incorporating a mirror not only can you reflect sunlight to shadier parts of the garden, but it can also make your garden feel more spacious than balconies are usually perceived. Solar-powered festoon lights are great to enhance the atmosphere in the evening too, allowing your plants to continue to be visually engaging and mood-enhancing throughout the evening.”
Gardening advice and biodiversity
“February or March is the best time to plan a garden. It is best to start with hardy plants while the temperatures are cooler, including roses, perennials and lupins. By giving this early opportunity for plants to establish themselves in your garden, it gives you ample time to make additions and decide which areas of the space you want to be focal points for the spring and summer.
“It’s also important to recognise the impact that even small garden spaces can have on biodiversity. A bug hotel could be a great addition to a balcony garden, creating a much-needed corridor for insect life that contributes to the local ecosystem – which is especially important in a city centre where these habitats are not naturally abundant.”
Edible elements and sustainability
“Many people are wanting to source local produce or grow their own to help lower their carbon footprint and save on food costs, but do not necessarily know where to start. Edible elements can be integrated into your garden space, but – as an owner – this does mean an added responsibility, so I recommend starting with a small selection to get used to the upkeep of growing in your garden. It’s easy to become overwhelmed at the start of your gardening journey, but it’s all a learning experience.
“You could cultivate herbs within the living wall or maybe designate a corner space in the garden to grow food such as runner beans and tomatoes – these are all great starter edible plants. By choosing species suited to the space, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour while embracing a sustainable lifestyle.”
The terrace gardens at The Gateway illustrate the possibilities for green personal spaces in city living. By carefully selecting plants, incorporating thoughtful elements in design and self-sufficiency, it shows how creating even a small green space can promote biodiversity and boost personal wellbeing.
Please visit The Gateway page on the Lovell Homes website to find out more about the homes and apartments including the Beverley that are still available. You can contact our sales executive for more information and to book a viewing. The sales office is open Thursday-Monday 10:00am – 5:00pm.
