Raise the Roof

How do you take your garden to new heights? Try putting it on a balcony, a deck or even a rooftop.


If you have some unused real estate on a deck, balcony or rooftop, why not make the most of it with a rooftop garden?


Although your rooftop may or may not have a lot of space on it, you can put pots, plants, soil, furniture or a fountain on it. But first consider how much weight you can put up there.


There are ways to go about creating a beautiful rooftop garden without all the weight. If concrete pots are too heavy for your roof, plastic and foam containers are readily available. Fill them with lightweight potting soil so they won't be so heavy. To make sure the pots drain properly, consider setting them an inch or two off the floor.


Rocks at the bottom of the pot are another way to ensure good drainage, but if weight is an issue on this balcony, consider empty soda cans or water bottles. The same thing goes with potting soil. Adding perlite or vermiculite to the soil mix lightens the load considerably. You can also buy pre-mixed lightweight potting soils.


Other rooftop-gardening tips:


~ If you're looking to hide an unsightly roof and want privacy from nosy neighbors, screen unwanted views and viewers with fast-growing clumping bamboo. Many cultivars are evergreen and range in size from about one to 20 feet tall.


~ Know how much sun and shade the area gets and plant accordingly. Pots in shady spots need plants that like shady spots.


~ To create your own private sanctuary, block out noise from the street below with a fountain.


~ Outdoor rugs are a wonderful way to add color to an outdoor room. They're stain and mildew resistant and won't fade from the hot sun.


~ When considering furniture options, opt for cast aluminum which is extremely durable and lightweight.