Lush urban oasis in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg

Finally - a spot to unwind and take it easy

As a high-energy personal trainer MB has little time to relax, so what he has, he wants to enjoy to the full.

On his tasteful ground-floor terrace in a quiet backyard in Prenzlauer Berg, there was one big problem: no privacy at all.

Freshening up with Japanese maple and lush bamboo

We discussed various options and soon agreed: a planting of dense, shade-tolerant and winter-loving bamboo that would transform the grey place into an oasis for him and his family. Add a Japanese maple and insect-friendly perennials and spring flowers.

The window boxes on the street side also got an upgrade from annual flowers to a varied planting concept that will grow back year after year.

All projects

As a garden designer I help high-profile clients transforming their roof-top terraces and gardens into pollinator-friendly spaces.

What lights me up: Listening to bumblebees buzzing as I'm planting a new terrace in the middle of busy Berlin. Seeing birds from our kitchen table when they visit our terrace in winter. Hearing a paper wasp rasping the outer layer of one of last year's flower stalks - just meters away from my home office desk.

What I believe in: You can make your life richer when you begin to invite life into the space you're entrusted with - even if it is as tiny as a window box. As you get in touch with nature - right where you are and in your everyday life - you life will get so much bigger.

What I wish for you: I would love for you to experience the calm and joy that comes with being in your very own oasis.