Even the smallest room on a flat roof can be transformed into a garden with just a few potted plants.
The most important prerequisite is that the roof bears the weight; precise knowledge of the statics is necessary here.
With planters made of plastic or fiberglass instead of terracotta and a styrofoam drainage instead of pottery shards, the weight of the pots can be reduced. However, tall plants need heavy vessels that can withstand strong winds. Good drainage is also required, as a roof garden is exposed to the lowering sun in summer
Access to the roof is also important; pots, substrate and plants must be able to be transported there. In addition, a tap is necessary so that you don't have to carry the full watering cans up the stairs. can install an irrigation system.
Suitable plants
Most roof gardens require protection against wind and weather or a view from the surrounding buildings. Good privacy protection is provided by tall grass or bamboo that still has enough light
let through, climbing plants are suitable as wind protection.A beautiful view can be emphasized by plants with a special habit. On the other hand, if the view is less attractive. Distract attractive individual plants from it, even with limited space, some larger shrubs such as large-leaved room aralia can serve as an attractive eye-catcher.
Shrubs with narrow, long leaves, on the other hand, are more suitable for roof gardens, as they are easily destroyed in strong winds. Trees such as cotoneaster, olive willow and Oregon grape are far less sensitive.
The main planting for roof gardens are plants that are attractive all year round. Especially when space is limited, it makes sense to choose plants with a long flowering time that still look beautiful after flowering. This includes, for example, the horn scar, which delights the viewer with its monochrome flowers all summer and is noticeable in autumn with its bright red leaves. For species that only come into their own at certain times of the year, evergreen plants form a beautiful background.
When arranging the plants, it makes sense not to just place the vessels along the walls. More creative are flower banks of different heights, which provide variety and make the room appear larger. The combination of plants of similar growth shape or color also creates the illusion of more space.
Most of the roof gardens are small. If you want a lot of plants, you have to cut back on the furniture; if you like to sit generously, you have to be content with a few plants. With a plant table you have more space for your plants and at the same time space for your garden furniture.
