TEAM ANSWER

gardening on a roof terrace

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MATT SAYS You need robust plants for this exposed position, and I would choose variegated, evergreen species for year-round structure. Compact hebes are a great option, providing plenty of flowers too. ‘Nicola’s Blush’ has dark green leaves with red margins, turning purple in winter, plus pink flowers from spring to autumn. ‘Neil’s Choice’ has green leaves with red margins and midribs, and violet flowers during late summer and autumn.

‘Emerald Gaiety’ is another compact shrub, with white leaf margins that turn a very attractive blush red in winter.

For fragrant blooms, choose semi-evergreen honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica ‘Horwood Gem’ with yellow mottled leaves, and Elaeagnus submacrophylla ‘Limelight’, with robust leaves splashed with lime and gold.

Make sure your roof terrace can cope with the weight of plants, compost and pots