This rooftop garden in Midtown Manhattan features a combined ipe pergola and horizontal fencing that feels like a secret little cabana oasis and also provides both shade and privacy for a seating area. Plantings include spiral junipers, wisteria vines, cherry trees, hydrangeas, and boxwoods in a mix of terra cotta and Corten steel planters. We […]
Midtown Rooftop Garden Read More »
Success in gardening starts with proper soil preparation. Fruits and vegetables need nutrient-rich soil to grow fast and healthy. A well-prepared soil will not only promote plant growth but also minimize the needs for fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. Here is how you can prepare garden soil for planting to optimize yield. Perform Soil Test Soil test gives
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Anyone who has lived in the city knows it has its many advantages. City life offers luxurious living, modern amenities, delicious food, and a close proximity to entertainment and nightlife. However, most people will tell you the one thing city life is missing is personal outdoor space. Everyone doesn’t have a patio, balcony, backyard or
Making the Most Out of Your Small Outdoor Space Read More »
New York is a city of renters. 51 percent of the city’s housing units are occupied by renters as compared to 41 percent of owner, and the number of renters outnumber homeowners in New York City in every age group. Not only is renting extremely common in New York City, but most people also live in
Gardening Succulents Read More »
We at Amber Freda believe in creating completely bee-friendly gardens. By only using organic pesticides and fertilizers, we hope to contribute in some small way to a healthier, more sustainable planet for both our bee friends and our fellow human beings. We don’t want our clients, their pets and children, or our team members exposed
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Occasionally at Amber Freda Garden Design, we get asked to design something other than a rooftop garden! While most of our projects are urban and on the contemporary side, we also enjoy designing for more suburban and traditional spaces such as this week’s featured gardens. Project 1 – Long Island Landscaping with Retaining Walls & Pool House
Natural Suburban Gardens Read More »
When I first saw this roof deck near Gramercy Park in Manhattan, it was just a black pitch roof with some ugly lattice fencing, bright blue tarps, and rotting cedar planters. Our re-design included contemporary looking wood planters, decking, and fencing custom-built out of ipe, a weather-resistant hardwood with a 30-year life expectancy. Evergreens provide
Gramercy Park Custom Roof Deck Read More »
This TriBeCa rooftop garden was not very inviting when we first laid eyes on its black tar surface and neglected planters. Our makeover redesign included brown bamboo fencing, artificial turf, custom bench seating, outdoor rugs, and lush new plantings. The planters are a mix of ceramic and fiberglass pots. Plantings include maiden grasses, a hydrangea
TriBeCa Rooftop Garden with Turf Read More »
This Chelsea rooftop garden packs in a lot of luxury in a small space! The redesign included a custom kitchen, fireplace, and built-in seating. We also warmed up the look of the existing metal walls and concrete flooring by using ipe (pronounced e-pay), a hardwood with a 40+ year life expectancy. Lighting built into the
Chelsea Rooftop Garden Read More »
This Boerum Hill, Brooklyn backyard felt barren and boxy when we first laid eyes on it. Our redesign included a bluestone patio, additional fence boards to fill in the gaps, comfortable outdoor furniture, and lush plantings. We recommended tall, narrow hornbeam trees to soften the fence line without taking up too much space. Additional plantings
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Backyard Read More »
