This backyard garden will extend the ground floor of the Greenwich Village townhouse with a verdant, urban retreat. Working closely with the private client, Starr Whitehouse crafted an outdoor room designed to fit many uses, from backyard barbeques to reading and reflection. The design features a custom wood bench and Cor Ten steel table, which can be adapted to different activities. Working within the constraints of the north-facing site, the designers chose light-colored pavers, to brighten the space, and created a layered planting plan adapted to dry shade conditions. The simple and elegant garden design will transform the small space into a year-round sanctuary that reflects the client’s lifestyle.