How to Create a Condo Garden
A mix of perennials, veggies and blossoms turns a condo balcony into an urban family oasis
Originally published May, 2009
“You won’t find pink or purple here,” says Jane Cox, who used a warm-hued watercolour painting done by her father-in-law as inspiration for the palette of her ninth-floor rooftop garden. The interior designer and her architect husband, Steven, worked together to create a design plan that would reflect the modern, graphic and eclectic style they used inside their condo in Vancouver’s trendy Main Street neighbourhood. What resulted was a space defined by its bold rich colours, a variety of textures and strong architectural lines. By dividing the 300-square-foot space into separate sections—one for dining, one for lounging and the other for barbecuing and tool storage—they were able to create beautiful outdoor rooms for their family to play and relax in. “The garden is our son’s favourite place,” Jane says. “He loves to be surrounded by the plants and, on really hot days, we even set up his swimming pool out there.”
When it came time to choose plants, Jane and Steven worked with certified landscape designer and friend, Kari Renaud. Recommending the spectacular coral bark maple and a selection of colourful and leafy perennials, Renaud played matchmaker between the design-savvy duo and the vast plant selection at the nursery.
Design duo Jane and Steven Cox enjoy relaxing in their garden with their son Jasper. Surrounding them is a beautiful selection of ornamental and edible plants. The lacy-leafed coral bark maple (behind Jane) and the spiky phormium (behind Steven) are two of the show-stopping specimens that make this space so spectacular.
By Jennifer Reynolds
Photos by Janis Nicolay Styling by Heather Cameron
