GARDEN INSIGHT
DESIGNER CHARLOTTE ROWE COMBINES FORM WITH FLUIDITY IN THIS OUTDOOR ROOM WITH A VIEW
Charlotte Rowe’s design for a roof terrace centred around a riverside view
The roof terrace was constructed on top of the old Eton College boat sheds, which have been converted into riverside houses. It looks directly over the River Thames and on to a well-known park. This meant that the brief was for the design to centre around the view. The challenge was to ensure privacy for the client while still allowing them to see the river. The plant choices would therefore be key to achieving this.
The scheme is a combination of structural and loose herbaceous planting – the structure is for the winter months and to provide it with form, while the grasses and perennials provide seasonal interest and softness. We painted the boundary fence a dark shade of grey and planted it with evergreen climbers, which adds intimacy.
There is a wonderful multi-stem Cornus mas in a prominent position for seasonal interest and screening. By autumn the Cornus mas will have transformed into a vibrant bronze colour, setting the scene for the next season. City dwellers take note that this is one of only three or four trees that work well on roof terraces.
The grasses are Calamagrostis brachytricha and Pennisetum – varieties like this look good for much of the year and so are the ideal choice for displaying in town gardens and roof terraces. As for maintenance, they can withstand shortage of water and high winds.
You can also see some Gaura (beeblossom), a pretty white pink perennial flower that will attract pollinators. It likes a sunny or partially shaded spot and will put on a floral display from May to September.
In terms of construction we chose a long run of integrated planters as these have more visual appeal than lots of little pots in limited space.