Has living in a city crushed your gardening dreams? Well, as long as you have a terrace, all is not lost. The same terrace you barely go up to can be easily transformed into a green paradise.
Not only does a terrace garden make a wonderful recreational space, but it also insulates your home from scorching summers. And if you decide to plant a couple of vegetables and herbs, you can have your very own rooftop kitchen garden.
You don’t need to be Alan Titchmarsh to get started. This helpful guide will give you 13 ways you can get started.
Consider Waterproofing
If you are serious about converting your terrace into a fully-functioning garden, then waterproofing becomes crucial. Not to state the obvious, but growing plants requires regular watering. You don’t want this water to seep into the building’s foundations and cause corrosion. So, it’s a good idea to get a waterproofing expert involved.
Make It Green
When the word ‘garden’ is mentioned, we immediately think of a lush, thriving grassy area. Though growing grass on a roof is not an easy task, you can still emulate the aesthetic with artificial grass. Prestige Lawns offers a wide range of bespoke artificial grass solutions. These are low maintenance and mud-free!
Create a Dining Space
Not everyone has the time or skills to commit to a full-fledged garden. Instead, how about an alfresco dining area surrounded by greenery? Depending on the space you have at your disposal, place a two-seater or an eight-seater dining table. Use durable yet light furniture, and remember to buy a cover for it!
Light It Up
Fairy lights can really enhance small spaces, helping create a magical atmosphere for evening meals. Also, solar-powered lighting can provide a functional and gentle ambience for the area.
Get Shady
Plenty of shade is required, whether you’re creating a dining space, a garden or a mix of both. From patio umbrellas to retractable roofing, there are several ways to add shade to your terrace.
Start Simple
Building a terrace garden is not an overnight process. To avoid getting overwhelmed by it all, start slow. Rather than buying too many gardening materials straight away, begin with a couple of potted plants and hanging planters. See if this is something that’s manageable for you before investing further.
Creative Planters
Milk cartons, spare tyres, buckets, shoes… with the right vision and execution, anything can become a planter. You don’t have to spend a lot on designer planters.
Create Raised Beds
With the help of wooden or metal frames, you can create raised beds to get your kitchen garden started.
Vertical Gardening
Don’t let sparse terrace space limit you. Installing a vertical garden is an excellent way to make the most of a small terrace. You can plant herbs, succulents or climbers, whatever you heart desires… and local weather allows!
Plant Vegetables
Only a few of us are lucky enough to enjoy homegrown produce. Vegetables such as beans, tomatoes, chillies, radish and lettuce are some easy-to-grow options for a rooftop garden.
Hang a Mirror
A mirror on a terrace? Absolutely! Hanging a large mirror will open up a small terrace space by making the most of the light and giving the appearance of a larger area. It also adds character to the space.
Water Feature
Installing a water feature is perfect for those who love to go above and beyond. It will make your garden a tranquil and relaxing environment for you.
Dedicate Time & Effort
For a thriving terrace garden, you have to dedicate time and effort. At least an hour a day is enough to build a flourishing rooftop garden. Not only will you be able to enjoy organic vegetables, but also respite from the concrete jungle.
Transforming a terrace space into a recreational garden space is not an easy task, but it’s certainly doable, and can be incredibly rewarding. We hope this post inspired you to give your terrace a makeover!