City life offers culture, nightlife, dining and dense urban landscapes, but food production rarely comes to mind. Landscape architect David Seiter argues that existing urban infrastructure can also become a place to grow food. One of his projects, "Pool Farm", proves how an unused rooftop pool can become a productive herb garden and dining terrace.
Herb garden on the roof of "The Press Lounge"
When Adam Block approached Seiter with the idea of converting the rooftop pool at his restaurant, "The Press Lounge," into an upscale dining terrace with a kitchen garden, Seiter was delighted. The project combined his interests in urban infill, gardening and rooftop landscape design in a Manhattan setting. The result is a fine example of how herbs and vegetables can be grown almost anywhere. Guests dine close to the ingredients used in their meals.
Herb garden on the roof terrace
Block’s original idea was to sink the dining area into the former rooftop pool. Seiter and Future Green Studio designed a system of terraced planters that cascades from the pool deck to the pool floor, softening the level change and keeping the plants within easy reach.
The pool stairs and depth markers remained
Salvaged ipe decking was used throughout the project. Although Pool Farm is an upscale restaurant renovation, it can also inspire anyone planning an herb garden on a roof terrace or balcony.
Lessons from this example:
1. Reuse materials whenever you can. Inventory leftover decking, pots or other useful pieces before buying new. Reusing materials saves money, reduces waste and gives each part of the garden a story.
Rows of herb planters
2. Work with the existing pool instead of against it. Seiter kept the pool stairs, handrail, lights and depth markers. The sunken dining area also shields guests from rooftop wind. Do not worry too much about trends or fixed ideas of what a garden should be; start with what the site offers.
Why not create your own rooftop herb garden?
3. Solve problems creatively. Terraced planters disguise the different container sizes and depths while allowing a versatile planting plan. Long-lived herbs such as rosemary can grow in larger planters, while smaller and more delicate herbs can thrive in shallower containers.
Rooftop gardens also have to account for the weight of soil, especially when it is wet. This project used a lighter engineered growing medium from ROOFLITE to keep the load manageable.
The old pool elements were preserved
4. A productive garden can be beautiful. Pool Farm shows that you can create a garden and grow food in unexpected urban places. It also shows that productive herb gardens can be as carefully composed and attractive as ornamental flower gardens.
Even without a penthouse roof terrace, many homes have patios, balconies, windowsills or walls that can support a small edible garden. Instead of another patch of lawn, consider a compact herb garden.
A lovely outdoor dining room
Anna Lohan
Peter Dark
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