Gardeners’ Question Time Q&A
Bob Flowerdew
Bob is an organic gardener and has designed his garden to produce lots of veg, fruit and cut flowers.
Matt Biggs
Matt trained at Kew and has been gardening professionally for more than 30 years.
Pippa Greenwood
Pippa is one of the foremost experts on pests and diseases. She gardens using organic methods.
Q Which shrubs and climbers can I grow on my roof terrace?
Gabrielle Donnelly, by email
A BOB SAYS First, and most crucially, triple check the weight allowance for the terrace, taking into account all the planters, compost, plants and people. Also ensure all supports and plants are firmly fixed to stop them blowing over and be 100 per cent sure nothing can be blown off the roof.
As your terrace is on the ninth floor, this may reduce pollinator numbers, although there may be colonies of bees on other roofs nearby. Wind will also be a major problem, mostly when gusting.
As for plant choice, almost any should be fine, except those with delicate flowers or large leaves, which may sustain too much wind damage – though I wouldn’t let this disqualify them totally. It’s probably best to avoid the largest and most vigorous growers though, so no Virginia creeper or rambling roses.
Q&A TEAM ANSWER gardening on a roof terrace
A You need robust plants for this exposed position, and I would choose variegated, evergreen species for year-round structure. Compact hebes are a great option, providing plenty of flowers too. ‘Nicola’s Blush’ has dark green leaves with red margins, turning ‘Emerald Gaiety’ is another compact shrub, with white leaf margins that turn a very attractive blush red in winter.
