We have a rather diverse climate down here, don’t we? In combination with our varied housing styles, gardening in London is quite the experience. There are plenty of plants that can thrive in the city’s green spaces – be those spacious backyards, cosy balconies or a small patio. The best plants focus on resilience, though, as our dirt (and air) comes with quite a few challenges.

What does urban housing in London look like?

The housing market here is characterised by a wide (and wild) variety of property types. We’ve got it all: from historic townhouses to the most modern apartments. Garden space, however, can often be quite limited, especially in the more central areas. Many of us have small gardens, balconies – or at least some window boxes to work with. These constraints mean that we have to get creative to use every inch available to cultivate greenery.

London aims to become a National Park City – which requires half of it to be green. Currently, gardens in the capital make up almost 25% of all available space. 40% of that is being covered up by patios, decking, and paving, however. You don’t have to remove all of it to contribute to a greener and cleaner living space – but think of the possibilities!

So, what can we grow?

As London’s estate agency, Foxtons pointed out in their recent blog post celebrating urban gardening, it comes with its own set of unique challenges here in the capital. The city’s heavy clay soil can hinder drainage and root growth, and its urban pollution poses a threat to plant health – requiring plants that can tolerate both such conditions. Hardy varieties that can withstand poor air quality. Slugs and snails are common pests, thriving in moist environments.

1.      Hardy Herbs: Practical and aromatic

Herbs are a fantastic addition to any garden – both for their culinary and ornamental benefits. They are generally quite easy to grow, too, requiring minimal space. Hardy herbs in particular are well-suited to the urban environment with our less-than-ideal soil.

• Basil: Ideal for window boxes wih lots of sunlight!
• Rosemary: Very resilient and perfect for container planting.
• Thyme: Compact and super low maintenance. Great for small pots and a lovely fragrance.

2.      Compact Vegetables: Fresh produce at your fingertips

Not a lot beats growing your own veggies. Many vegetable varieties are quite compact and perfect for small spaces and containers. They can easily be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even small garden beds.

• Cherry tomatoes: Perfect for small spaces and even hanging baskets!
• Lettuce: Incredibly fast-growing and it can be harvested continuously. Suitable for shallow containers, too!
• Radishes: Super quick and ideal for small plots and containers.

3.      Decorative Flowers: Adding some colour

Flowers can transform any garden space with their vibrant colours and delightful smells. Even in a small urban garden, the right flowers can make such a big difference. Choose varieties that are well-suited to containers.

• Petunias: Versatile and super colourful, suitable for window boxes and hanging baskets.
• Marigolds: Hardy and vibrant, great for borders and pots.
• Lavender: Ah, a favourite! Provides a lovely scent and attracts lots of pollinators. Needs sun!

4.      Foliage Plants: Greenery for every nook

Foliage plants add texture and lush greenery to any garden. They are particularly useful for filling in gaps and providing a backdrop for other plants. They are usually quite low-maintenance and can thrive in shade, making them perfect for locations with varying light conditions.

• Hostas: Thrive in shady areas and are lovely green!
• Ferns: Perfect for a bit of texture. They love low-light conditions.
• Succulents: Low-maintenance and perfect for small spaces.

5.      Vertical Gardening: Maximise space

Growing stuff vertically is an excellent way to maximise what you have. You can create lush green walls or utilise trellises and hanging planters. It’s perfect for small gardens and balconies, where horizontal space is at a premium.

• Climbing Ivy: Fits simply everywhere and provides fantastic coverage for walls.
• Clemantis: Adds beautiful flowers – perfect for trellises and fences.
• Strawberries: Yes, you can grow strawbs upwards!

Creating a lovely garden even in such a dense urban environment as London is all about picking the right plants that suit the conditions here. Give it a go, enjoy the fruits of your work, and make our city a little bit greener!