How to Create a Rooftop Garden

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Before you begin

   Make sure the regulations allow it, and if you have a freeholder
   - make sure they allow you to build it.
   
   You don't want to spend lots of time and money preparing for a garden/roof terrace and then find out that it is prohibited.
   
   Also make sure that the roof is able to hold the weight of a rooftop garden.
   
   For the majority of houses, flat roofs aren't strong enough for terraces/roof gardens.
   
   If so, figure out how much weight it can hold.
   
   Consult a structural engineer
   - you have to make sure it is not damaging your house.
   
   Remember this when making the garden and use lighter containers, soil, flooring, furniture etc.
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   Step 2: find out if it is possible to create a garden on your roof.

   You may have to consult an architect, or a roof garden specialist. , Or use a designer to help.
   
   It is here when you have to chose your flooring too: stone, or decking etc. , Or you can use a planting expert or a landscape designer to help. , Their size depends on the size and type of the plants you chose.
   
   They also should be lightweight, but also stable.
   
   Perhaps think of how you can fix them and integrate them within your scheme. , You can install a water storage system or an automatic irrigation system.
   
   Or, you can just carry the water up to the roof by hand, depending if your access way allows it. , These can be trellises or other latticed windbreak, but it shouldn't be completely solid, since they will blow over more easily. ,
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   Step 3: Work out a comfortable access way to the roof.

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   Step 4: Choose a design

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   Step 5: figure out how you will layout the roof garden.

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   Step 6: Work out a planting scheme

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   Step 7: with plants to work well with the natural light you have

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   Step 8: humidity

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   Step 9: wind etc.

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    Step 10: Get containers/planters

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    Step 11: furniture etc to finish it off.

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    Step 12: Decide how you will water the garden.

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    Step 13: Consider windbreaks

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    Step 14: as a rooftop garden will be very windy.

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    Step 15: Remember there are various details to consider when building a roof garden

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    Step 16: terrace or any other structure on the roof

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    Step 17: so it is perhaps worth consulting a specialist (or a few specialists) before you start your project.

Detailed Guide

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