Case Study: Alexandra Noble’s dazzling Chelsea Garden

The time has come. Temperatures are rising, evenings getting longer, and gardens, patios, and terraces are crying out for attention. If you’re seeking inspiration for your outdoor area – particularly if it’s a compact space – look no further than the incredibly charming balcony garden created by Alexandra Noble for last year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Cleverly designed and packed with personality, Alexandra’s garden proves you really don’t need tons of room to make a big impression. In fact, it could be one of the most perfect examples of ‘less is more’ that we’ve seen.

We love this special space so much we asked Alexandra to share all the design details here (and yes, one or two of our tiles are involved…).

Full name: Alexandra Noble

Occupation: Garden and Landscape Designer

How long have you been designing gardens? I moved into landscape design from architecture in 2014 and have been designing outdoor spaces ever since.

How many times have you shown at Chelsea? Once.

Please tell us about your Chelsea 2021 garden…

I was invited by the RHS to design a balcony garden for a new category at Chelsea Flower Show 2021. My proposal aimed to demonstrate that small spaces can be practical, productive, andenchanting. Two trees provided a sense of enclosure, whilst a continuous green edge was planted with long-flowering perennials for pollinators, edible herbs, and ornamental grasses.

Which Bert & May products did you use?

I specified the Small Old Iron tile with the occasional Luna Old Iron tile dotted through the space. The grout was Mapei Ultracolor Plus in Anthracite.

Why did you choose them

I chose the tiles as I felt their darker colourway would complement the Crittall-style double doors as well as being a great way of introducing a decorative element to the schem

What do you think they add to the space?

The tiles bring a sense of playful informality to the modern balcony aesthetic. I also love how their matt finish references the smooth rendered surface of the walls

What led you to use Bert & May?

I first came across the company on Pinterest and have loved the soft and muted elegance of the products ever since. 

If you’re interested in transforming your outdoor space, get in touch with Alexandra via her website, alexandranoble.com

Instagram - @alexandra.noble

Twitter - @_alexandranoble

Pinterest - @alexandranoble