Roof Terrace Gardening
When constructing a rooftop garden, it’s important to consider the weight of the planting containers. Pre-fabricated planters are lighter than customized planters. You can also design the planter with a false bottom to reduce the weight and volume of soil required to fill the container. Also, choose a lightweight material for the planter deck, such as wood or porcelain, to reduce the weight of the structure. If you’re considering planting on the top of a building, be sure to check the building codes and consider any barriers for children or pets. If the garden is in view, you may wish to consider a screening material, like evergreen hedges or vines. You can even incorporate an umbrella table for extra seating.
For a garden on a rooftop, it’s important to consider the microclimate of the area. The microclimate is often unique, with shadow projections, damp zones, and wind. When planning the design, try to observe how different weather events affect the rooftop. Sometimes water puddles on the roof during storms, while AC units cast a shade that affects the plants. Once you’ve decided on the best plants for your space, you’ll have to think about the amount of water you’ll need for the garden.
A rooftop garden is a great space for spending quality time with family and friends. It also gives you a private nook where you can spend quiet me-times, or simply a scenic backdrop for photos. A rooftop garden can help you cope with stress, since green is a calming color that improves one’s mental health. Moreover, green spaces can help you recover faster from illness. If you’re thinking about starting a rooftop garden in your building, it’s important to have the support of your building’s owner and developers.
While a rooftop garden is a great addition to an urban residence, you should make sure to consult a structural engineer before you begin planting. Remember to map out your rooftop garden first before choosing plants and make sure you choose plants that will fit the space. You can also consider incorporating a raised bed to support a greenhouse. Once you’ve done that, you can begin planting! If you have the space and permission from the landlord, you can gradually expand your rooftop garden into a full-fledged garden.
The beauty of a rooftop garden is that it can be easily adapted to fit the space of a small apartment. In fact, a Brooklyn roof gardener, Chris Phillips, has fifteen containers set up on his six-by-12-foot common roof deck. He has also been successful growing fragrant plants. He’s even used a crane to carry heavy paver stones up the stairs. Moreover, there are many DIY projects you can do yourself, without hiring a professional.
In order to have a lush, vibrant rooftop garden, you need to make sure that it receives the proper amount of water. You can do that by installing a rainwater harvester or installing a water storage system on your roof. You can also install an irrigation system, a stormwater solution, or a drip irrigation system. Watering plants on a rooftop is essential, especially during hot summer months, when you need to keep them from scorching.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://diygardeningtips.com/vegetable-gardens/elevated-garden-beds-for-planters/