The Ideal Garden · 2026

Part of a Four-Level Planting Design Project for a Townhouse in Kifisia

Landscape design

The overall objective for the planting design of this townhouse was to create cozy greenery that screens the space from the unwanted gazes of neighbors and passersby on the street.

We established a balance between openness and enclosure. The plants create a visual barrier but do not block the view entirely, leaving air between them; as a result, the terraces do not become enclosed spaces—just another set of rooms with solid walls.

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This terrace is located on the -1 level and is enclosed by walls. A planter had already been built along one of the walls; we extended it along the other wall. The terrace was finished with decking.

The surrounding walls were simply painted, and we planned to cover them with plants. Ficus pumila is an amazing vine: climbing surfaces with the help of clinging rootlets, it densely covers the walls with small leaves, like scales.

We recommend a related projectPart of the Four-Level Planting Design Project for a Townhouse in KifisiaOpen →

This terrace receives sunlight for only part of the day, so we planted nandinas, loropetalums, and mahonias, which are adapted to such conditions. The Southern magnolia in the upper canopy layer thrives, receiving more sun. The ground cover consists of shade-loving tradescantias, liriope, and ferns.

What is crucial when designing planting for sunken terraces enclosed by walls is to avoid a "well effect" and prevent the height of the walls from feeling overwhelming.