INNER CITY ROOFTOP GARDEN

The owners of this rooftop garden had tried to make it a space they would use (as it is their only outdoor space), but nothing seemed to work for them. Plants died, and when they tried to use the space, they had to take furniture out from the house. On top of that, the neighbours could see into the area, and seaside winds blew across the deck.

Their budget was extremely limited, but a small budget doesn't have to mean a small idea! They called me in because they really didn't know where to start - and there were other issues, such as access via the narrow interior staircase, which influenced how any transformation could occur.

So we simply removed the 'higgledy-piggledy' pots and ratty old plants, cleaned up the existing decking, and then the real work began!

First, we addressed the privacy and wind issues by using basic framing and Natureed cladding across the existing banisters, which also have a uniform backdrop.

Then we built two large boxes from decking timbers; the first box was fixed, running the length of the area, and fitted with stainless steel hinges for cushion and umbrella storage; with planters sunk into each end. The second box was a little shorter, the same height, but with castors, so that it could be wheeled around to make various seating combinations. Each box was one metre wide, so that two people could sit back to back, or the owners could lie on them, with a place to put their coffee (or cocktail) alongside.

We repainted the brick wall with Porters' Chintz Grey, and planted out the planters and a few matching pots with flaxes, grasses and leucodendrons.