Rooftop gardens : the great outdoors in NYC! Leaving the city below and being right up there next to the big blue sky, among trees and grasses, flowers, birds . . . it's really so special. This UWSide roof garden makeover (BEFORE photo) is currently… — Rooftop gardens : the great outdoors in NYC! Leaving the city below and being right up there next to the big blue sky, among trees and grasses, flowers, birds . . . it's really so special. This UWSide roof garden makeover (BEFORE photo) is currently in the approvals stage (see below for more information about the "approvals" process).

If you have rooftop space or a terrace in New York City, make it into a garden. There's really nothing like it.

The process may seem a bit daunting, so here's a little breakdown of what to expect :

1 - design. The landscape design process starts with the designer's visit to your space and in-depth discussion with you of how you'd like to use your space, what your concerns about it are, and what you find aesthetically pleasing. The design process includes several preliminary design options and a cost guide to help make final design decisions. From there, the final design phase includes a final estimate, materials and plant selection : a complete plan.

2 - approvals. Next your board (if in condo/coop) will need to review the plan, usually by sending it along to the building manager who in turn sends it for review to the building's reviewing architect of engineer. If any changes are required the designer will incorporate these and then the board normally approves the work. At this stage, if there are any permanent changes being made to the building by the garden installation -- a pergola attached permanently to the structural deck, an awning attached to the facade of the building -- then these will require filing with the DOB. Additionally, if the building is in a landmarks district, approvals may be required from the LPC. Now we have all our approvals, so. . .

3 - installation. All metalwork, carpentry, stonework, irrigation, lighting, and planting take place in an order that is carefully scheduled for efficiency. Lead times on materials range from 4 weeks to 4 months, generally speaking (for furniture too). Construction on site varies, according to complexity but normally is significantly shorter than lead times.

4 - maintenance. If you'd like some help maintaining your new haven, garden care can be scheduled throughout the growing season to maintain the garden and keep the plants in robust health.