Problem Solved: Building a Lush Garden in a Dark Urban Canyon

Jeffrey Erb, a NYC landscape designer, thrives on logistical nightmares that would make others cringe. His goal: make a positive, stylish difference in clients' lives. His process blends inspiration with nitty-gritty problem-solving. Let's examine a Greenwich Village courtyard project.

Location: Greenwich Village, New York, NY
Size: 692 sq ft (64 sq m)
Designer: Jeffrey Erb, Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design

Primary challenges: Standing water and mosquitoes from failed drainage; dilapidated 15-ft fence; no direct street/alley access; construction noise restrictions; deep shade from neighboring buildings; no ground-level planting beds; garden viewed from two levels. All materials—hardscape to trees—hand-carried through the house and down stairs (bulk deliveries impractical in NYC).

Homeowner requests: Two fashion-industry artists wanted an eclectic design marrying contemporary style with aged European gardens, plus a fountain, flowing brickwork, soft supplemental lighting, open art/entertaining space, and lots of green.

Before Photo

BEFORE: A flawed canvas—barely a green retreat. The owners had fired a previous designer. At their first meeting, they presented five 24x30-inch inspiration boards of colors, materials, textures. "That has never happened before," Erb says.

The Designer's Process

Erb holds a landscape contracting degree with design-build concentration and a horticulture minor. Raised on a PA farm, 4-H member, always surrounded by plants. He draws inspiration from museums, public gardens, Tarrytown estates—and the urban environment. Small spaces intrigue him: "In the city, things that seem insignificant can make a big difference." He observes, then mentally transforms.

Solutions for a Dark Urban Courtyard

Raise the Floor

Drainage was paramount. Erb reworked the system, then installed worn bluestone pavers (sourced via a client's Connecticut family connection from a neighboring estate) on Bison Screwjack pedestals. The pedestals raised pavers off the existing slab, enabling drainage. Pavers were cut on-site. The aged imperfection matched the clients' vision. Along the house, a narrow ipe deck mirrors the overhead balcony dimensions, creating continuity.

Rethink the Walls

The 15-ft fence, visible from both levels, had a horizontal mid-seam. Erb painted it black—walls recede, space feels larger, elegance added. He built a ledge with metal planters along part. On the wall adjoining inter-level steps, he installed wooden beams in a barn-style motif: hides the seam, adds texture, speaks to the opposite wall's focal point. Finally, large sections of GreenScreen (modular vine support) were mounted off the wall 10–12 inches, planted with climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, zones 4–8) and Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii', zones 4–10). Cables ran parallel to the building, drilled into steel beams and fence (can't drill into NYC buildings). Uplighting behind the screen creates night shadows and depth illusion.

Repurpose a Focal Point

Clients wanted a fountain; Erb warned of mosquitoes, pigeons, rodents. They agreed. Antique barn doors became the focal point—repurposed, worn, timeless. Mounted under a weathered metal planter echoing their patina.

Incorporate Multiple Seating Types

Capped raised planting bed walls provide extra seating for guests and flowing brickwork, avoiding extra demolition (saves money, minimizes noise for HOA compliance). Lightweight patio furniture moves easily for large functions.

Add Site-Appropriate Plantings

Maximize green in max 20 minutes of daily direct sun. Light foliage reflects available light. Tropicals love this microclimate: seasonal rubber plants, caladiums, staghorn ferns. Several green-leafed Japanese maples ('Viridis', Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis', zones 5–8) provide form and texture. Plant selection is trial-and-error; Erb's maintenance team constantly evaluates and replaces weak performers. "Shade gardens are tough." Hardscape and plant choices consider long-term wear.