How to Create a Rooftop Garden

If you live in an apartment yet crave an outdoor entertaining space, try a rooftop garden. Many apartment dwellers have access to a portion of the roof. With a little creativity, you can create a rooftop garden that will be a gorgeous place to party with your friends.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Containers
• Plants
• Fertilizer and water
• Patio furniture
• Party equipment

1. Study the rooftop at different times of the day to get an idea about how much sun and how much shade your area receives. Note it on paper and then head to the gardening center.

2. Buy an assortment of beautiful containers. Make sure they're all in the same color family. For a Tuscan look, choose Terra cotta pots and other containers glazed in colors of the Mediterranean. For a more contemporary look, go with a black and white theme.

3. Get some advice from the pros about what flowers and greenery to buy. Although you can start your plants from seeds, you'll get a head start on the season with bedding plants.

4. Arrange your containers on the roof in an interesting pattern. Be sure to have them at different heights. You can use bricks or other natural materials to elevate some of them.

5. Plant, fertilize and water. Remember, you'll need to keep up the watering throughout the season.

6. Add some new patio furniture. Besides a table and chairs, you could have a bar and some stools. Create the feeling of an outdoor dining room.

7. Host a party once your flowers are blooming profusely. Use garden themed plates, napkins and cups.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorporate water into your design. A small fountain can help drown out city noises and will add to the ambiance.