LIFE.STYLE.ETC

Small-space garden designer and author of The Balcony Gardener Isabelle Palmer on what inspires her

isabelle Palmer started her garden design and supply company, The Balcony Gardener, in 2009 and has been transforming some of the smallest corners of the capital ever since. She has written three books sharing her expertise in small space gardening. Isabelle lives in Richmond, southwest London, with her partner Luke and their two children.

Sum up your business in five words…

Gardens, fresh, inspirational, meticulous and passionate.

What was your light-bulb moment? Just over 10 years ago, I was trying to turn a tiny London balcony into a green oasis and I couldn’t find the sort of contemporary products that suited my aesthetic. On a trip to Bruges, my grandparents brought me back some stylish window boxes and everyone asked me where they were from. I realised there was a gap in the market, not only for advice on utilising small outdoor spaces, but also for modern gardening products.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken? Giving up my job in PR to start the business at the end of the recession in 2009 was a bit scary, but once I realised how much I loved it, those fears seemed to slip away.

What got you into gardening? It’s something that has always been a big part of family life. W hen I was little, my dad gave me a pot with a strawberry plant to look after and I was so excited about having my own little ‘garden’. I’m going to do the same this summer with my daughter, who is nearly two.

Any all-time favourite plants? I like big, bold plants and at this time of year I get excited about peonies: those blowsy flowers really add impact. For indoors, it would have to be the fiddle-leaf fig. It’s great to have a large, statement plant if you’ve got space.

Your best advice for the less green-fingered? Start with one plant, care for it and build up your confidence. For container gardening, get the biggest pot you can as that will reduce the frequency you have to water it and will make life easier.

Your pinch-me moment so far? Being asked to write my first book, The Balcony Gardener, then seeing it in print. I’d never in my wildest dreams imagined writing a book.

Name three stores you couldn’t live without… Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm – the way they merchandise is amazing ; The Old Cinema in Chiswick for vintage furniture; and Burford Garden Company, which is pushing the boundaries far more than any other garden centre.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don’t be afraid to have a go; if you make a mistake it doesn’t really matter. Oh, and buy a house in London before it gets too expensive.

Share your best business tip… Be organised. Write everything down. Keep lists. And get a good accountant!

I realised there was a gap in the market, not only for advice on utilising small outdoor spaces, but also for modern gardening products