outdoor habitat

Brooklyn Heights Brownstone

At this newly renovated Brooklyn Heights brownstone, we designed 2,500 sq ft of gardens and outdoor living space.  This $22M home boasts an expansive roof deck, a large second floor terrace, a cozy first floor terrace and in-ground beds at the front and sides of the building.  The priorities were privacy and adherence to city Landmarks requirements for this historical district.  Plantings created a textured, evergreen backdrop for tranquil extensions of the home. 

Bed-Stuy Roof

We designed a unique native-style garden for this common 1,500 sq ft rooftop. Inspired by a masculine-leaning interior, we developed a natural palette of browns, tans and burgundies. We commissioned custom fiberglass anchor planters with a rust finish that mimics corten steel. The plantings serve as both visual and physical barriers to direct walkways and create more intimate spaces. Low voltage lighting highlights the entry ramp and uplights the foliage for a cozy evening vibe.

Union St. Roof

At this Park Slope condo building, we designed and installed a 1,600sq ft common rooftop, with a surround of largely native plantings and multiple social spaces. Spring kicks off the flowers, which rotate through summer and fall. Fall brings full grasses that evoke a wild meadow. Furniture was chosen to be low-maintenance and durable, without sacrificing comfort and style. 

Halsey St. Sidewalk Garden

When redesigning this historical landmark building, the architect dedicated ample space to create a garden feel to the façade.  It has a sprawling 165 feet of frontage, including a focal point entry bed, an extensive border bed, and 7 tree pits — totaling 620 sq. ft of plantings. The irrigated beds have a mix of evergreen shrubs, for increased privacy for ground-floor apartments, and flowering and verdant plantings to add interest and fullness.  The tree pits have an array of drought-tolerant plantings as they are hand watered.  

Timber House Sidewalk Garden

At this innovative, Passive House-style building, our clients wanted an integrated sidewalk garden with clean lines and a built-in look.  We created custom-fabricated planters to meticulously fit the double angles of the sidewalk, then were powder-coated to match the building's trim.  Front plants are shade-friendly and will offer evergreen interest through all seasons.

Park Slope Rooftop

At this Park Slope condominium, the shared rooftop commands panoramic views from Staten Island to Manhattan.  This space was wrapped in a modern design of grasses, junipers and hydrangeas. Wheeled planters help screen the mechanical components of the roof, and furnishings complete this welcoming outdoor oasis. 

Secluded Terrace

At a private residence in Columbia Waterfront, we transformed an exposed, bare terrace into an intimate secret garden. A custom fabricated skeleton provided an envelope of planters and privacy screens. Stained, clear cedar clads most surfaces to invoke a warm,  protected feel. Vines of grape and wisteria will continue to spread and offer shade, while long-blooming pollinator florals and an array of evergreens create a lush feel. A comfortable lounge area, dining nook with built-in storage benches and an outdoor shower complete this urban oasis.

Butler St. Entrance

At this new luxury condominium, the clients wanted a streamlined sidewalk garden to flank the entry to the lobby. We chose simple planters with boxwoods for year-round greenery, filled with a lush, low-maintenance underplanting. Tree pits are always a challenge, so we chose hardy plants that can withstand a little abuse, but will still green up the sidewalk. We added protection through a tree guard and wire to keep our furry friends out.

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Planting plans and design layouts for rooftops, terraces and yards across New York City 

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