There are many ways to dress up an open terrace.
You can add a canopy plant or two to offer some privacy, or you can fill the void with bushy plants like ferns.
The possibilities are endless!
Read on for some Open Terrace Garden Ideas.
You can make your terrace looks like a forest in no time!
Here are some open terrace garden ideas to get you started.
Using Canopy plants and conifers is a great way to make your terrace look lush and beautiful.
Canopy plants
Planting a terrace can be a fun project for any gardener. From small trees to ferns, plants can be grown on a terrace to make a unique design.
When selecting plants, make sure that their roots are small enough to reach the terrace’s edge.
Consider which plants will thrive in the shade, and light, as well as how much space you have available.
You can also plant a vegetable garden or a small tree on the terrace as a means to produce fresh food.
For privacy, you can plant ivy to cover the walls of the terrace. This vine will give the area a unique look and can be a great choice if you have a balcony.
Choose from Boston, Algerian, and Persian ivy, which are fast-growing, but do require careful cultivation. Alternatively, you can plant a row of dwarf vines. Either way, the ivy will provide privacy for your terrace and add charm.
Conifers
A variety of conifers can be planted on an open terrace. For a windswept look, consider planting Mugo pines, while taller weeping trees will cascade toward a sprawling dwarf groundcover.
Use your foundation conifer as a reference and work the composition as a whole.
Don’t start planting in one corner and then move onto the next, as this will only result in a contrived arrangement. Instead, plant smaller, flat specimens along the edges and as connections between diverse plantings.
If your open terrace has a high-rise building, consider conifers. Not only are these plants low-maintenance but they will also block noisy neighbors.
Planting conifers in pots will also provide visual interest and privacy. Another idea is to plant confederate jasmine, which will screen the nearby buildings and perfume the area with a citrus-sweet fragrance. Alternatively, you can use ivy topiary to add uniqueness to your rooftop garden.
Floorboards
There are many outdoor flooring options for your open terrace garden. You might be wondering which one is right for you.
Here are some tips for safe and stylish terrace flooring. First of all, consider the weather. Open terraces can experience a lot of rain, so you may want to use a waterproof coating.
Another option for open terrace garden flooring is cement. This material is durable and can withstand high traffic. Another option is terracotta tiles. They are less expensive than cement and come in a variety of styles.
Composite wood is another option for flooring. This material is specially made for outdoor use and is resistant to different risks of cracking caused by weather.
It will also help retain its original appearance longer. A symmetrical look is also achieved by using large tiles.
A symmetrical floor design will give your terrace a symmetrical atmosphere. It can even add more value to your home. It is a smart option to add a balcony or a terrace garden.
Planters
One of the easiest ways to beautify your terrace is by using planters. You can easily find large and small planters that fit into any area. For an elegant, formal look, you can also use wall planters.
These types of containers can be used for a number of different purposes, and you can use them on more than one floor of your terrace.
Choose the right size for your terrace, and be sure to buy a few that can hold a good amount of water.
For privacy, consider using climbing plants. These beautiful plants need minimal care and can serve as a privacy screen. In addition, they can hide the annoyance of noisy neighbors.
Alternatively, you can install a wooden or metal frame to give your terrace a more elegant appearance.
To increase privacy and comfort, consider growing various types of small trees, flowers, or even bamboos. If you don’t have a large area, you can use raised planters made of concrete or metal.
Illumination
You can add illumination to an open terrace garden by placing lanterns on your decking, on the floor, and even on your balcony.
You can use decorative lanterns reminiscent of the kerosene lamps of yesteryear.
Table lamps are convenient to carry around and are also cost-effective options for soft lighting. You can also use battery-operated lanterns if you’re worried about fire safety.
Alternatively, you can opt for an informal setup with outdoor chairs, potted plants, and a shade structure. Illumination for open terrace garden ideas also adds charm to a space where you can relax.
Depending on your preferences, you can create a cozy sitting area, a bar, or a kitchen. For an added bonus, if you have a rooftop with a panoramic view, a small tree stamp can serve as a sitting area.
Solar powered lights are an excellent option for illumination, as they provide even illumination to the entire space. You can also place them near the staircase or around plants for a magical effect.
Or, you can use candlelights to light the area and add a touch of romance to your terrace garden. And if you can’t afford to spend a lot of money on lighting, consider getting a cheap string of lights instead.
Curves
For a unique and impressive display of your garden on a slope, consider a curved open terrace. Unlike linear step terraces, curved terraces offer numerous viewing areas, making them the perfect choice for terraces on slopes.
This design gives you the flexibility to enjoy your entire garden. You can even have a different curved terrace on each side, allowing you to enjoy the same view of your garden from every vantage point.
Adding curves to an open terrace can soften the look of hard-edged man-made structures. An inviting curve can transform an urban rooftop into an outdoor garden.
Here, a custom curved bench snakes around a round outdoor table, defining its edge. The tall, curved metal fountain is positioned on the other side, while diagonal decking breaks up the boxy look of the buildings around it.
Plants that will grow big
Herbs are among the easiest to grow plants in an open terrace garden and require little to no maintenance. Plants like basil and oregano grow well in pots and need minimal sunlight and water.
Herbs grow best in areas that receive moderate sunlight and are very drought-tolerant. Other herbaceous plants that will thrive in an open terrace garden include mint, lemongrass, thyme, and basil.
You can create a backyard forest with a small potted fern or a dwarf crape myrtle tree. A bonsai tree can fit on a coffee table, and a dwarf crape myrtle tree will fill a 15-inch pot.
In a garden that is not shaded, small bushel plants will fill in the gaps. A terrace garden can be a great space to create your own private sanctuary.
If you’re looking for easy plants that can grow in an open terrace garden, there are many varieties to choose from. Begonias, for instance, require very little maintenance and bloom all year long.
Another option is hibiscus, which grows well in moist conditions.
A hibiscus flower will also thrive on your open terrace garden. It requires low maintenance and attracts bees.
Plants that require minimal maintenance
For low-maintenance garden plants, opt for herbs and vegetables that require little care. Thyme, Rosemary, sage, lavender, mint, and lemongrass will thrive in the open space and require minimal maintenance.
Succulents can be grown in planters, and they require minimal maintenance. Their low-maintenance nature makes them a great choice for terrace gardens. The best part is, they are also food sources!
A mixture of hardy palms and succulents will create a low-maintenance garden, requiring only occasional pruning and watering.
Shrubs like Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ will add an air of romance to the open terrace garden. Hydrangea ‘Annabelle’ has super-sized flowers and will look stunning in a shady spot.
In addition to their low-maintenance requirements, plants with small root systems can help transform a drab rooftop terrace into an oasis of calm.
They need a moderate amount of light and moisture, and can even double as a pathway.
Choose plants with silver or furry foliage to minimize evaporation and maximize the available space. These plants will provide privacy while providing the look of a lush garden.