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About 5 Northampton Park
5 Northampton Park is an oasis of seclusion within the urban environment of North Islington. The old red brick walls which surround it lend an air of peace and tranquility as well as being a remnant of the garden’s 180 year history.
Now, after over thirty years, the garden that has given us such pleasure and many surprises has undergone a total redesign; a design that has been shaped by the lessons the garden has patiently yet firmly taught us: where the light and shade fall and in which season, which areas respond to close nurturing and which prefer a more laissez faire approach.
Entering the garden through the side gate into the gravel area an ebullient olive tree thrives upon an undersoil of rubble and tough London clay. From here the natural route is alongside the house, enclosed on each side by borders, then onto the broad York stone terrace and seating area. Here, the much cherished atmosphere of calm enclosure within a walled city garden has been encouraged.
A short gravel path turns beneath the shade of a mature oak tree gently doubling back past a water feature and beds of new and old planting. Here the blend of cool silvers, greys and greens returns towards areas of warmer splashes of red and orange on the sunnier Eastern side. To the right of the glass box addition to the house is a corten (steel) herb planter and a small vegetable plot – our first venture into veg. growing.
We hoped for surprises and expected blunders and thus it has transpired.
We have harvested a small crop of potatoes, runner beans, fresh salad leaves and, in a few years time, there may even be artichokes. Meanwhile, our first attempt at broad beans will need a rethink.
The smaller olive tree and the palms have not enjoyed their relocation and currently seem to be in a months long stasis but we remain hopeful that they will come round.
By spring of ’26 we should know either way…
The view from the south/garden shed end towards the the gravel area gives the attention grabbing olive tree the prominence we think it deserves thereby completing a brief but hopefully engaging tour.
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