Hi there,
I am planning on creating an "urban oasis" on my rooftop patio but have no idea where to start! I am a beginner so am hoping someone could recommend a good book to me. The patio is tiled so everything would be in containers. Also, any starter tips anyone has would be great. Since it is on the roof with full sun I need things that can stand up to the heat. I love the look of modern/minimalist gardens so want to use a lot of grasses as opposed to flowers.
Thanks!
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Congrats, you're going to have alot of fun - and be the envy of your [above] neighbors.
The first thing to consider is weight. Wet soil, big plants and large pots can be very heavy. Check with your building manager to see if there are restrictions.
Pick your containers carefully. There are new products out there that look like heavy terracotta but weigh a fraction as much. I don't usually recommend artificial materials but real terracotta dries out fast [and can freeze and break over winter].
If your containers are too small, you'll be out there watering all the time and some specimens won't be able to reach their full glory. A simple irrigation system may be worth the trouble. Use a "hanging basket" soil mix. This has moisture-retaining polymers mixed in [don't have to water as often]. Use styrofoam "peanuts" for drainage in your planters - don't forget the hole in the bottom [a must or you'll have plant soup]. If you can't find any peanuts, break up larger pieces of foam into smaller, jagged bits.
Wind and excessive heat may be a problem. Plants that are drought-tolerant and "move" are good choices [do you recognize your Grasses?]. Don't pick anything that needs staking or looks dainty - it likely won't survive for long.
The large pennisetums [fountain grass] and miscanthus [maidenhair grass] are the ones or you. They come in various heights and colors so mixed planters are possible. Consider that most plants grown in containers can't reach their full size potential as there is not enough root room to ramble.
For height, you could also try trellis' and experiment with what likes your exposure. Campsis [trumpet vine] likes the heat, grows fast and has some pretty color choices. It dies down almost to the ground over winter so it won't get out of control and is easy to maintain. Clematis is another family to investigate. Plant something at the base of the clematis to protect the roots - Clematis like their heads in the sun and their feet in the shade.
You may want to create shade for you, your guests and potential plants. An open roofed pergola or arbor may do the trick. To create shade with an open sructure, place 2X4 or 2X6 lengths on their side along the long "2X" end. The closer you place them together, the more shade you produce.
If you need more specific plant slections, I'd be happy to help out. In the meantime, enjoy your penthouse garden.