Rowland Byass – Landscape Architect

Location: Clerkenwell, London

Like most urban roof gardens, this one is sunny and exposed. The urban location means that it is warm, but it’s also exposed to dessicating winds. Plant selection is therefore critical, even with an automated irrigation system.

Custom-made steel planters, powder coated in blue, line the roof. Planting consists of drought tolerant shrubs, grasses and perennials from Mediterranean and arid habitats, designed to cope with the rooftop location. On a lower level roof, Japanese maples and a cloud-pruned Ligustrum jonandrum complement the planting in the communal courtyard.