Landscaping of terraces and roof gardens

Landscaping of terraces and roof gardens

Landscaping of terraces and roof gardens - nature in the heart of the city

In the modern urban environment, the terrace is often our only connection with nature. Proper landscaping of roof spaces and large terraces can turn gray concrete into real “air oasis”. However, this is one of the most complex directions in landscape design, as it includes technical factors such as load capacity, strong wind and limited space for the roots. In this article, we'll look at how these projects are approached, to ensure long-term success at high altitude.

Contents

Weight and substrates: Why the ordinary soil does not work?

With roof gardens, every kilogram counts. Using regular garden soil is a mistake, because it is heavy and breaks easily.

  • Lightweight substrates: We use special mixtures with perlite, vermiculite and coir. They are up 50% lighter, retain moisture better and ensure perfect drainage.

Selection of flowerpots: Design vs. Functionality

Cough with “the home” of your plants.

  • Materials: We recommend fiberglass, galvanized steel or high quality polymer. These materials do not crack when frozen and are resistant to UV rays.
  • The size: We always choose flower pots, which are at least with 20-30% larger than the current root ball, to provide room for growth in the following 3-4 years.

Dealing with strong wind and hot sun

At high level the wind is much stronger, resulting in rapid desiccation of plants.

  • Selection of species: We choose tough plants like Bamboo, Lavender, ornamental grasses or low coniferous species, which do not break easily.
  • Protective screens: Sometimes we integrate glass partitions or pergolas, which serve as windbreaks.

Automated watering of the terrace

Manual watering of a terrace with 10-20 flower pots quickly become tedious, and in the summer the plants in containers die for 48 hours without water.

  • We integrate micro-drip irrigation, which is almost invisible. It delivers just the right amount of water to each planter, without wetting the floor or the neighbors below.

Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need permission from a builder for a roof garden??
For large projects with heavy vegetation and a lot of soil - a must. For standard landscaping with planters, there is usually no need, if the load norms are observed.

2. How plants overwinter in pots?
We choose cold-resistant species and, if necessary, insulate the pots from the inside with fiber, to protect the roots from fatal frost.

3. Can I have grass on the terrace??
Yes, through the use of drainage composites and lightweight substrates a true grass carpet can be built, as long as the construction allows it.

Conclusion

Landscaping on terraces and roof gardens is an excellent way to turn an otherwise unused space into a cozy and beautiful place to relax. With the right selection of plants, suitable containers and good planning, even a small terrace can become a real green area. Roof gardens not only enhance the look of the building, but also create a more comfortable environment, more shade and a sense of calm in the urban environment. Well-designed landscaping makes these spaces more functional, more pleasant and usable for most of the year.

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