Fez — A Moroccan-inspired courtyard garden designed in Brighton, England, has captured national attention in the United Kingdom after being featured on the BBC’s “The One Show” as part of the launch of the 2026 “Pocket Garden Makeover Prize.”
Created by the Brighton-based design studio Fern & Pine, the project transforms a compact urban patio into a secluded oasis inspired by Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship, and outdoor living traditions.
The garden served as a filming location for the BBC program’s feature announcing the new edition of the competition, organized jointly by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and “The One Show.”
Moroccan design meets British urban gardens
The courtyard reflects the homeowners’ passion for Moroccan aesthetics and outdoor lifestyle. Designers combined colorful textures, geometric patterns, and layered planting to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan riad garden.
Zellige tiles, warm-toned materials, and a Moroccan-style fountain form the visual centerpiece of the space, giving the small courtyard a distinctive character and a sense of tranquility.
The design integrates architectural structure with vegetation and decorative elements to create a balanced environment that feels both intimate and visually expansive.
According to Fern & Pine founder Alick Nee, the goal was to show how thoughtful landscape design can transform even the smallest outdoor spaces.
A compact space divided into two zones
The courtyard is organized into two distinct areas designed for different types of use.
One section features an intimate outdoor dining area built into the property’s side extension. The second area, located in the main garden space, functions as a relaxed seating and lounging zone.
Privacy was a key consideration for the design due to the garden’s urban setting. To create a sheltered atmosphere, the designers incorporated trellis screens, pergolas, layered planting, and laser-cut metal panels decorated with Moroccan-style motifs.
These elements provide enclosure while still allowing sunlight to filter through the space.
Climbing plants soften the architectural structures and will gradually increase privacy as they grow.
A year-round sensory experience
Beyond its decorative elements, the garden was designed to function throughout the year.
Layered lighting systems illuminate the space after sunset, while tropical and architectural plants add visual contrast and movement. Integrated irrigation and sound systems also enhance the usability of the courtyard.
The result is a multi-functional outdoor area that supports dining, relaxation, and social gatherings while maintaining a calm, immersive atmosphere.
