GARDENS are exclusive to large plots, bungalows and independent houses - true or false? False. Terrace gardens are great, smart alternatives for small plots and apartment dwellers. These gardens are adaptable to space constraints and offer us the luxury of a garden that is as good on top as it would be below. Space-starved city residents are today, looking skyward for solutions. And architects and landscapists have found ways to accentuate less space and enhance the beauty of gardens on rooftops.

Options Open To The Sky

Now, terraces have dual functions. They are no doubt, the open rooftops on buildings, but they also act as huge balconies adjacent to living or dining areas in apartments. Often, in independent houses, they come as open-to-sky spaces adjacent to rooms on the upper level. Terraces can, with a little effort, become meaningful extensions of the insides. They have a dynamic character due to the ever-changing natural light from dawn to dusk, which at night, can be further dramatised by the use of artificial lights.

• Before You Lay Out Your Garden keep in mind the location and lifestyle of the occupants.

• Check the stability of construction and its load-bearing capacity. Check waterproofing. Terrace gardens remain moist almost all the time since soil is spread on the surface. Dampness penetrates through the ceiling and if the treatment is not in place, the dampness shows on the ceiling below. For waterproofing, always use non-porous materials. The choice also should depend on the load the terrace can take.

• Once the basics are in place, you can look at the masonry work, which includes tiling, paving and landscaping.

Design Details

Hiring the services of a landscapist is often a good idea. However, if you are doing it yourself, keep in mind the following:

Pick a concept:

It can vary from formal, informal to poised, it can be dynamic, a dry garden, a Japanese type and more. A garden with a formal concept can have rigid and rectilinear patterns on the lawn or cuboidal planter boxes spread all over symmetrically. In an informal concept, an element of asymmetry can be allowed, along with flowering lines. Water can accentuate the formal poise or invigorate the informal dynamism based on the way it is synchronised in the design. The use of natural or artificial pebbles, earthenware, etc, can enhance the textural quality of the terrace garden.

The choice of plants is an important part of getting together a terrace garden. Often plants that thrive well outside wilt on the terrace. Plants need to be acclimatised before they are shifted from one place to another. Choose plants that are sturdy and don't need too much attention. Based on location, terrace gardens can be developed to enhance views or screen views. Using screen planting, mural walls, etc, the objective can be achieved.

Wall finish, parapet designs and patterns on the floor enhance the aesthetic quality of the garden.

Lighting forms another integral part of making the garden pretty. Diffused lights that do not hurt the eyes are the most suitable for rooftop gardens.

Other elements such as built-in seating, bar counters, 'jhoolas' and canopies enhance function and appeal.

With inputs from architect Srinivas K Sharma and landscape architect Srivathsa. Aparna Bidarkar is a senior consultant with Hue Designs, Hyderabad.

Elements Of Style

Paving or flooring: Beautiful flooring makes a dramatic impact. Slate, terracotta, or gravel in different patterns, finishes and touches can add a distinguished touch.

Roofing or shade: A pergola, canopy or even a garden umbrella makes a lot of difference.

Furniture: Outdoor furniture is a vast range by itself - from built-in chairs and tables to cane furniture and weatherproofed plastic or metal garden furniture. Link your indoor rooms with your outdoor. Decorate outside in a similar way to the indoor décor. Bend little rules to suit your style.

Party time: If your terrace is going to be used as a party venue, the need for a small kitchen or pantry and a toilet cannot be ignored.

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