Terrace Gardens

Terrace gardens are good alternatives to small urban plots or even apartment dwellers. They enhance the quality of our living spaces and act as our personal gardens.
They are adaptable to severe space constraints though they require careful planning. The effort is well worth the final outcome, quite serene refuges, amidst the noise and chaos located with the urban dwelling.

Terrace gardens make it a possibility for even dwellers in soaring high rises to have a bit of nature in their homes. Planning is the first stage involved in the creation of terrace gardens. The weight bearing capacity, as well as the overall physical condition of the structure, must be taken into account before the garden is designed. Waterproofing of the terrace is essential, to ensure that the terrace is made watertight thereby preventing damage to the building due to dampness.

Lightweight containers, like plastic, are best suited for terraces. Soil can add to the weight on the terrace, substances like vermiculite provide a good alternative to the soil, due to their lightweight.It is important to consider the conditions at the terrace before deciding on the plants, because plants thrive in environments best suited for them. Even plants that are otherwise well adapted to the local environment often prove delicate on terraces. Therefore the selection of plants and their placement becomes very crucial.

While selecting plants for the terrace it is important to keep in mind that they are in constant contact with the elements. While hardy plants, especially indigenous ones tend to thrive on terraces, tall sturdy plants along the exposed edges can be good windbreakers, effectively screening the terrace and providing a sense of privacy. Sturdy plants can also buffer the smaller and more fragile plants from being blown away.

It is important to understand the light requirements of each individual plant. Plants that require shaded or semi-shaded areas when moved to sunny spots, may face ailments due to sun scorches or even bleaching. Plants also require to be acclimatized before they are shifted from one spot to another. Installation of a source of water supply and regular watering becomes necessary to prevent plants from drying due to constant exposure to the atmosphere (direct sunlight and heat). However, over-watering of plants, especially those in shaded areas can cause them to decay. Pots should also be periodically checked for blocked drainage holes. Shallow basins should be placed beneath the pots and excess water should be thrown away. Watering plants at night too should be avoided, because the cool air makes them most susceptible to diseases.

Fertilizing the plants periodically is necessary to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Planting bushes like mulberry or Singapore cherry attract birds that act as the most natural method of pest control. In order to avoid the harmful effects caused by toxic chemical pesticides, especially in confined spaces, organic soaps and sprays like Neem sprays can be used. To further minimize the chances of diseases crowding of plants should be avoided. Pruning yellowed leaves and branches will also help in minimizing diseases.

Plants that thrive in the sun are cacti, palms, succulents and flowering ones like Adenium obesum, Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), common Lantana (Lantana camara), garden Balsam (Impatiens balsamina), Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea poultonii), Egyptian star clusters (Pentas lanceolata).
Those that prefer shaded areas are African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha), Four o’clock plant (Mirabilis jalapa) and Firecracker flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis). Snakeskin plant (Fittonia albivenis), Taller tree like Ficus benjaminas and Leaccocinea burgundy can be grown in readily available cement pots. Bonsais can be planted in case of limited space.

A myriad variety of containers like terracotta, plastic, cement pots are available in the market. Even mundane household items like baskets, chipped ceramic mugs could be put to good use after being provided with drain holes. Movable stands could be used for ease of transport. In case of structurally stable terraces, lawns and planter boxes can be provided.
Materials used on a terrace for paving too could hold the design. A wide variety of materials are available in the market to suit all budgets. From uncut kaddappa, to Sandstone paving and gravel, the choice is endless. Semi-covered structures like a pergola structure or a gazebo can be used for larger terraces.
There are several options to choose for outdoor furniture from built-in chairs or tables – for fixed designs, to cane furniture – when protected under a canopy, to weatherproof plastic or metal garden furniture.
Through it all, the fact that terrace gardens require as much or more care than the usual gardens cannot be denied.