I have recently bought a flat with a roof/terrace. would like to make a roof garden. How can i get ideas?

Answer 1

Before you plant anything, check to see if your roof is strong enough to hold a roof garden. Then get an experienced landscape architect to design the garden for you. The watering and weight issues are important. Only a general contractor who has experience with heavy installations on roofs can tell you if your roof is sturdy enough. Landscape architects are the most expert of the landscapers and can handle this kind of project. You might do a search for roof or terrace gardens, but most are not on the web, just in professional journals. Architects may also be able to tell you about the weight-bearing capacity of your terrace.

Answer 2

Remember there are two sides to this issue: there is the new loading exerted by the garden (the size and distribution of which can be altered by altering the layout of the garden) and there is the load carrying capacity of the structure (which can be enhanced by increasing the strength of existing load bearing members or by adding new ones). When designing a roof garden consult with a licensed engineer regarding the load carrying capacity of the building you are working with and ensure that the garden design and the structural capacity are compatible.
Theoretically, any roof surface can be greened - even sloped or curved roofs can support a layer of sod or wildflowers. Switzerland has just passed a bylaw which states that new buildings must be designed to relocate the green space covered by the building's footprint to their roofs - even existing buildings -including historical buildings - must now green 20% of their rooftops. This has created an increased demand for research and material/product design, which will soon be available to North American markets.

Answer 3

Greetings. It sounds a lovely idea.Well! it depends on space. If large you could have some paving paths leading to a small gazebo.Lots of plants. Flowers, some miniature fruit trees, herbs and even vegetables amongst the other plants.Have some perennials and annuals and longer growing plants, grouped together in built up areas with either brick or treated hardwood or railway sleepers. in a circle surrounding the Gazebo with seating and a little table, as the focus point.
If a small area. A small outdoor setting with roses or fruit trees espalliered against the wall attatched and trained along wire.Same but a smaller planting area around your sitting place. Or seating that is attatched to the built up wall containing the plants. A pot water feature could be added on 1 side to add interest.
Good Luck and Happy Gardening
Sorry about if spelling mistakes no spell checker disappeared.

Answer 4

Assuming the roof structure is sound and built to recent standards you will be fine. Consider wind/sun exposure onto the planted area, choose plants that suit your aspect and ability to maintain, water, and protect from adverse weather. Some shelter, trellis/screen on the windward side benefits plants, and also those `sitting outside`. Climbers add character, some privacy and class to terrace gardens. Where watering is important ,choose plants wisely. Choose something spectacular; make it worthwhile!

Answer 5

You should first make sure that the roof is strong enough to support the weight of containers filled with soil, water and plants. If you feel the roof deflecting when you walk on it, it might not support the additional weight, so it would pay to have someone experienced in these matters check it out.

As far as what to plant, plant what you like. Use a lightweight soil-less mixture. Our website has info on container gardening at-

http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/container-gardening.html

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!

Answer 6

the least complicated way is to ask them. it really is a good purchase smarter than sorting out after the very truth and having to tear out what you construct. keep this in recommendations. the load of a backyard of any length, making use of customary soil, is stunning. particularly after being watered (or rained on). in case you do not layout the roof to attend to the load and provide drainage, it really is going to give way! per chance no longer the first time yet veritably, if the backyard is of any length, it really is going to ensue. i have bid jobs the position roof good gardens were area of the kit and all of them used particular light-weight soil mixes, very extreme reinforcements to the shape, and extremely robust drainage structures. imagine two times about your plans. in case you quite intend to attempt this, talk with an architect. in case you're sure and determined, i ought to concentration on progression your backyard alongside the perimeters of the roof the position the walls provide maximum help. And please talk with an architect!