Our Top Design Tips for a Rooftop Garden
Summer is about enjoying the warm sun on your shoulders & soaking up the outdoors as much as possible. We believe in integrating nature into our everyday habitats, even for those in big cities like Philadelphia. How do we do it?
One way is by turning your rooftop into an oasis. If you're overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of urban life and longing for such an experience in a peaceful and relaxing haven, a well-designed rooftop garden might be all you need.
With a little planning and creativity, you can transform a small balcony or a large rooftop terrace into a lush and vibrant garden. Rooftop gardens not only provide a peaceful retreat from the turmoil of city life but also offer environmental benefits, such as improving air quality and decreasing stormwater runoff.
How to Design a Rooftop Garden
If you're new to gardening or just starting to explore the world of rooftop gardening, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. In this article, we'll share our top design tips to help you create a stunning rooftop deck that reflects your style and personality.
From choosing the right plants and furniture to incorporating lighting and water features, we'll provide you with our best design tips.
Plan It All in Advance
Before you start planting on your rooftop deck, it's essential to have a plan in place. How much space do you have? How much sunlight will your garden receive? What types of plants will thrive in your particular climate? A detailed plan will also help you create a cohesive design that feels intentional and well thought out. Consider the following elements when drawing up your plan:
The overall style you want to achieve e.g., modern, bohemian, farmhouse, etc.
The types of plants you want to grow and how much space they will need.
The amount of shade and sunlight your garden will receive throughout the day.
The types of furniture and accessories you want to include
Put the Right Plants in the Right Place
Choosing the right plants is crucial for the success of your rooftop deck. When selecting plants, consider your local climate. Pick plants that are well-suited for your particular environment so you’ll be sure they won’t end up withering.
Here are some great plants for rooftop gardens:
Succulents: These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of shapes and colors and are perfect for confined spaces.
Herbs: Some nice-smelling herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme are easy to grow. Plus you can use them in cooking and enjoy their pleasant aroma.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all great choices for a rooftop deck. You can even become a homesteader and consume fresh, organic food every day.
Flowers: Add some color to your garden and make it much more vibrant with flowers like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias.
Play With Color
Adding color to your rooftop deck not only makes it feel more inviting but also adds visual interest to it. Using brightly colored furniture, throw pillows, or planters can add a pop of color to your personal sanctuary.
Think about not only the color palette of the furniture and planters that you choose, but the plants themselves. Use various plants & flowers to create a variety of textures and hues throughout your rooftop.
Incorporate Seating
Use outdoor furniture like couches, benches, chairs, and tables to create a comfortable environment to relax in. Take into consideration the size of your rooftop space when planning your seating. If your main objective is to grow herbs & vegetables on your rooftop, you might only have the space for a cafe table and a couple of chairs. But if your vision is evening drinks & morning coffee in the sun, make room for an outdoor sectional and more cozy arrangements.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Lighting can help create ambiance in your rooftop garden and make it feel more inviting in the evening. You can use outdoor string lights or lanterns to add a soft glow.
Use Vertical Space
When working with limited space, it's important to make the most of what you have. Using vertical space can help you create a lush and abundant garden in a small area. Using vertical planters or hanging baskets are good techniques to add more plants without taking up valuable floor space.
Custom Rooftop Gardens in Philadelphia, PA
A rooftop deck is a great way to create your very own peaceful space in an urban environment. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to design your garden, so have fun playing around with different ideas and let your creativity run wild!
Ready to take your outdoor space to the next level? Hoffman Design Group offers fully customized plant designs for businesses & residents in Philadelphia, PA. Contact us today for a FREE design consultation. Let’s build the perfect rooftop experience for you.