The Rise of Gardens in 2020

A communal garden is a space shared by several local residents, typically in an urban setting like Putney or the surrounding areas. In many areas across London residents are very fortunate to have access over to the various parks, commons and spectacular walks along the banks of the river Thames.


Roughly 43% of the capital’s population live in flats with communal spaces making a household level of quarantine complicated. In communal gardens our horticultural contractors undertake everything from watering, conservation areas, trees with TPO’s, feeding plants, specialist pest and disease eradication, grass cutting, pruning shrubs, trimming hedges, architectural planting, re-designing, tree surgery, hard-landscaping, fencing, installation of water features, supply of security and ornamental gates and paving etc. Perhaps unsurprisingly, in 2020 the rise of the outside space and gardens has been phenomenal.

A well-maintained garden is more than just a place to relax or a way to engage with others; it has become a lifeline for many residents and an excellent way to get active outdoors. It also supplies oxygen, reduces pollution and encourages wildlife. Making the most of your garden can involve maximising its potential with raised beds, sensory planting, seating, unusual specimens, disease retardant varieties, and creating inviting secluded areas that provide tranquility and calm.

This month there is an Autumnal chill in the air as the days are drawing in.  Although we had some warmer days over September, Autumn is here, and it is feeling colder and wetter.  October/November is a majestic time of year with the leaves on trees changing colour as the bright green fades away, we see yellow and orange colours. Leaves are nature’s food factories. Small amounts of these colours have been in the leaves all along. We just cannot see them in the summer because they are masked by the green Chlorophyll.  Some leaves turn red. This colour is manufactured by glucose trapped in the leaves. Brown colours are also created in the autumn, they come from waste left in the leaves.

Trees can be used as a focal point, specimen planting or for screening, shade or fruit.  The only drawback is the mess that deciduous trees make when they drop their leaves and berries etc. Many residents wake up to the sound of leaf blowers, or the raking or sweeping of drives and sticky tarmac under foot. A few of our residential blocks have communal composting so at least garden clippings, leaves and organic waste are recycled. The evergreen Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry tree) has inedible lychee type fruit, flowers, and has an interesting, twisted trunk with unusual bark.  This is an unsung favourite that ticks all the boxes.  It is described as a shrub but can grow to over 40 foot. Ideal for the urban communal garden.

Gardens are environmentally good for one’s well-being and mental health. What could be more fantastic than to have access to a garden?

Poets have extolled their virtues for centuries:

Alfred, Lord Tennyson,

from Maud (Part I):

Come into the garden, Maud,

I am here at the gate alone;

And the woodbine spices are wafted abroad,

And the musk of the rose is blown.


If you feel that your property would benefit from a more professional managing agent that understands the importance of outside spaces as well as those inside, get in touch with us today to discuss your property.

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