CITY ROOF GARDEN
It may be on the eighth floor, but this roof terrace is buzzing with design and planting know-how
This terrace, filled with Mediterranean plants, is a haven for wildlife
When it comes to gardening, every roof terrace has its issues. Strong winds and extreme exposure can desiccate even the toughest plants while weight restrictions, safety regulations and getting materials to the top of a building all make vertiginous outdoor spaces among the most challenging sites. But with those challenges come major benefits; at one penthouse terrace, designed by Aralia’s Alastair Henderson, in Hammersmith’s Fulham Reach they include incredible views of the River Thames as it snakes west and a breathtaking vista of the south London skyline towards the greenery of Richmond Park.
This eighth floor garden is also just that – a true garden that feels immersive and naturalistic. ‘A lot of roof terraces can look very contemporary but not really be about the plants themselves,’ says Alistair, who took his cue from coastal and Mediterranean plants that can tolerate exposure, as well as the owners who were leaving a much-loved garden at their family home across the river in Barnes. ‘They were keen to have a space that could evolve over time, attract wildlife and that was abundant with colour, scent and atmosphere.’
The main planting included osmanthus hedging with its rich jasmine-scented flowers in mid-spring as well as several trees; amelanchier (with beautiful blossom in March), small olives and multi-stem heptacodium trees that flower in autumn and are beloved of bees. Dotted in between are ilex balls, pittosporum and Pinus mugo – a tough, slow-growing shrub.
But it’s the drifts of perennials that bring rich colour; clumps of rusty red heleniums and soft pink sedums provide a contrast to purple salvias, lavender, verbena and hardy geraniums. There are bearded iris too – the least obvious contender for a windy site with their tall and extremely delicate flowers; here, they are staked for added support.
Alastair’s clever use of materials also works to create a soothing, natural mood. Bench seating and tables in iroko will age and fade over time, while larger planters are coated in a dark olive green that disappears into the planting.
At night, the whole space is subtly lit – crucial, given that the glass facade of the 50ft-living room faces directly out to the terrace. Seating is defined with inconspicuous tape lighting, while shadows and silhouettes are created among the trees and shrubs by hiding lights within the planters. For the owners, the evenings have proven to be the most magical time of day, too: ‘Even inside we feel part of the garden because it’s in the direct line of vision. The sunsets are wonderful and we see how the sun swings around throughout the year. Every night is different.’
‘The terrace is always buzzing with bees and there are often birds, too’
‘Despite neighbouring blocks, the terrace feels private thanks to the layered planting and carefully placed trees’