Incredible Chicago Roof Garden

When the owners of a Chicago penthouse needed an area to relax and entertain, they turned to Mariani Landscape. The challenge was to transform their U-shaped, rooftop terrace, which sat atop a vintage, 11-story building, into a colorful and functional garden. The owners also wanted a classic design that would echo their Art Deco interior. Landscape architect and Mariani Design Director Sara Furlan partnered with Morgante Wilson Architects to bring privacy to the sprawling space.

Since the building that houses this apartment dates back to 1919, Mariani reused the existing pavement by turning it on an angle and staining it to resemble the patina of the limestone facade. Grass panels were also added. The panels are actually faux turf; it isn't always practical to install a real lawn that needs mowing and maintenance on a rooftop.

Many of the building's historical features, such as its stone lions, parapet walls and limestone balustrades, inspired Mariani's design for the rooftop garden. Here, window boxes were added to the east side of the walls for a visual break in the space; they're planted with pink pentas and blue pentunias.

Lush plantings that attract butterflies and hummingbirds bring color and movement to the rooftop garden. The containers also make this large, urban space feel more like a natural oasis. The planters were placed strategically to create multiple sightlines without sacrificing privacy. The trees are serviceberry; the groundcover underneath them is stonecrop (Sedum spurium 'John Creech').