Isabelle Palmer: Designing London City Gardens As ‘The Balcony Gardener’

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A specialist in designing small spaces, Isabelle Palmer, perhaps better known as ‘The Balcony Gardener’, has been designing city gardens around London since 2009.

Having published three books on balcony gardening and with several appearances on TV shows like Love Your Garden, Isabelle has established herself as one of the UK’s leading designers.

I spoke to Isabelle about her career and her ambitions for the future.

Images in this article have been provided with permission from Hardie Grant publishing.

How Did You First Get Into Gardening?

“I used to have an apartment with two very small balconies and I wanted to create a lush, green, verdant space of my own,” shares Isabelle.

“I wanted somewhere I could enjoy and sit outside surrounded by plants. I wanted to make a garden of my own, albeit incredibly small.

“I started looking for products that would help me with small space gardening (having little prior gardening knowledge) and that would fit in with my modern aesthetic inside my home. I wanted the balcony to be an extension of my indoor space, but I couldn’t really find anything in that field. 

“This kickstarted it all for me, as I couldn’t find stylish products at a reasonable price point. I started up an online business that sold readymade window boxes and mini gardens along with pots, furniture and accessories for small spaces delivered straight to your door.

“My shop was my initial entry into gardening and it just kind of developed from that. I then wrote some books and discovered that people really wanted a sort of bespoke element to things.

“It’s fundamentally about trying to transform a small space into everything you would feel in a real garden adding a little bit of ‘wow’ factor. I love designing small spaces because you can create an instant garden in a short space of time ready to enjoy– I’m really impatient, so having to wait for years for a garden to mature can be frustrating!

“What could be better than creating a wonderful small garden in just a day?”

What Is Your Process For Designing?

“For me, colours and textures are a real starting point for a container to a larger space,” she says.

“What type of greens, what palette I want and the colour aspect are all very important parts of my design process. Colour is really important because it is what gives the garden its harmonious atmosphere and vibrancy.

“From that, I progress to the types of plants that will fit in the aspect the space faces, such as if it’s sunny or shaded.”

Do You Have Any Golden Rules For Designing Gardens?

“My focus is on containers,” says Isabelle.

“You can introduce smaller plants and leave them to mature, but putting larger, more mature plants, from the start creates a better display from the beginning. That gives you a sense of a flourishing lush embodiment you would see in larger gardens and creates that oasis.  

“I place more plants in the pot than you would do in the ground. 

“I also really prioritise watering in any container garden. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a hot sunny day in the summer, you really need to water potted plants.

“Don’t place your plants under a canopy, let them access rain when it does fall. Use the element of rainfall to help you.”

What Are Some Of Your Career Highlights?

“It’s been 12 years so I have experienced many exciting and fulfilling projects along the way! I was clearing out my office the other day and I found all of these forgotten references that I had completely forgotten about.

“In 2013, I undertook quite a few projects for the Chelsea fringe along with the front window display for Anthropologie, which always transform into something around the festival. I really enjoyed that process because it was nearer to the start of my career when I had no expectations.

“There are so many other things, though. My job changes constantly and evolves, so the opportunities that have afforded me are far greater than the expectations I had for this career. I don’t think anyone expected me to write three books! That’s another definite highlight.”

Has Gardening Shaped Your Outlook On Life In Any Way?

“Oh yeah,” she laughs.

“Gardening is like food for the soul. I’m never happier than when I’m in the garden or creating a new display. It’s a type of meditation for me, as I really zone out of everything going on in my life.

“Especially in today’s hectic world, as I enter into the garden, it all goes away.”

What’s Next For You?

“In September, I’m going to study at Kew for a year,” shares Isabelle. “I’ve decided to expand my botanical and horticultural knowledge with the benefit of having some time now my daughter is older. 

“After that, I will be coming back to carry on with what I do. I think expanding my knowledge will help me to take the balcony garden to the next level.

“I never know what’s in front of me, which is exciting.”

What Would You Say To Those Wanting To Try Garden Design?

“I wouldn’t have ever thought about doing gardening when I was younger, but I think it’s a cooler career to go into now as there is a younger generation involved.

“There are so many different aspects of gardening now. Garden design is an amazing career to grow in and it plays a really important role in people’s lives.

“If you’re outdoors and enjoy the space too, it’s a real bonus. You also get to be really creative. So, 100% go for it.”