20 Terrace Garden Ideas With Tips and Tricks

Are you sick of staring at grey walls and yearning for a bit of green? Well, guess what? You’re not alone! More and more of us city folks are looking for ways to bring greenery into our spaces, both indoors and outdoors. So, whether you’re a complete newbie to terrace gardening or you’ve already got a bit of a green thumb, we’ve got some terrace garden ideas that’ll knock your socks off. Trust us, you’ll be itching to get your hands dirty by the time we’re done here!

#1: What is a terrace garden?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of terrace gardening ideas, let’s chat about what a terrace garden actually is. Basically, it’s any garden you create on a roof, terrace, or even a balcony. It’s urban gardening at its finest!

The beauty of terrace gardening is that they’re super flexible. You can go all out with a jungle-like oasis or keep it simple with a few pots of herbs. It’s all about what works for you and your space.

#2: What are the benefits and advantages of having a terrace garden?

Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I bother with all this terrace garden malarkey?”. Besides being in total control of how your plant babies are grown, there are a few other benefits to playing around with roof garden ideas. Here are some of the important ones: 

• A terrace or roof garden can help regulate the heat in the home, lowering indoor temperatures
• Terrace gardens can act as great insulators for your space during different seasons (and for sound too!)
• You have more control over how you use the terrace garden to populate your garden (especially in terms of using pesticides and harmful chemicals)
• Helps you stay active as it requires a fair share of physical work
• Your terrace garden design can also act as a habitat or ecosystem for certain birds and animals
• Can help reduce your overall carbon footprint

#3: How to make a terrace garden?

Step 1 – Prep the area

First things first, make sure your terrace is waterproof. When you are exploring balcony floor tile designs, ensure that it is equipped for the landscape you desire. Trust us, your downstairs neighbours won’t appreciate a leaky ceiling!

Step 2 – Design the layout

Have a think about what you want from your garden. Are you after a full-on green paradise or just a cosy corner to chill in? Your terrace garden design should fit your preferences and the layout of the space.

Step 3 – Select your plants 

If you’re new to this gardening lark, start with some easy-peasy plants. Chillies and coriander are pretty forgiving if you forget to water them now and then.

Additionally, when decorating with plants, make sure your selection fits the layout and structural elements. If your balcony doesn’t get enough sunlight, stick to the snake plants or peace lilies.

Step 4 – Exercise your green thumb

If you are new to this, get yourself a decent potting mix. A combination of compost coir peat, vermicompost and regular soil is a common staple. Terrace garden aficionados often make their own manure, but wait a while before you dig this deep into terrace gardening lessons.

Step 5 – Care for your new garden 

Regular TLC is key to a happy terrace garden. Check on your green babies often and give them what they need. This might mean pruning, fertilising, or just giving them a good talking to (plants love a chat).

Also Read: 5 Reasons Your Plants Are Dying and What to Do to Save Them

#4: How can you maintain a terrace garden?

1. Use the right furniture

Since your balcony or terrace is exposed to sunlight, rain and dust, invest in outdoor furniture pieces that can withstand different weather conditions. You can also consider natural materials like rattan that provide a bohemian touch to your garden.

2. Fine tune the ambience of the terrace 

Embrace terrace gardening ideas that make use of flowering plants that can help add to the visual quality of the space. Further, go for plants that secrete calming scents like jasmine. This will help decorate the space both visually and in terms of scent.  

3. Go chemical-free with your own organic produce

Imagine not having to pay a monthly grocery bill because you already have a kitchen garden that you can pick your greens from! By using the right terrace gardening ideas, you certainly can make this a reality, especially if organic produce is high on your list of priorities. What’s more, since you are the one growing these veggies, you can rest assured that they have not been touched by harmful chemicals. 

Also Read: Why Buy When You Can Grow Your Own Vegetables at Home?

4. Choose your own turf

Who says you need a massive space to try out different garden landscaping ideas? With a bit of creativity, you can create distinct zones in your terrace garden, each with its own character.

If you’ve got the space, why not layer your terrace with different levels? Start with a patch of grass (artificial turf works great if you’re short on time), then add a raised bed for your veggies, and perhaps a slightly elevated decking area for your seating.

5. Play with fun planters and pots

When it comes to terrace gardening ideas, don’t underestimate the power of a good pot! Planters are like the accessories of your garden – they can make or break your overall look.

Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and colours to create visual interest. A tall, slender pot can add height to a corner, while a wide, shallow planter is perfect for a herb garden. And don’t be afraid to go bold with colour – a bright blue or sunny yellow pot can be just the thing to liven up a dull corner.

6. Add some drama with visual elements

Last but not least, let’s talk about garden lighting. Good lighting can transform your terrace garden from nice to absolutely magical as the sun goes down.

LED string lights are a classic choice – drape them over your seating area or weave them through plant foliage for a twinkling, fairy-tale effect. Solar-powered lanterns are another great option – they’re eco-friendly and can be moved around easily.

#5: What are the disadvantages of having a terrace garden?

• A garden can be expensive to construct and maintain, especially if you have a large area to work with
• It might lead to erosion and water damage if the roof isn’t waterproofed beforehand 
• It can lead to excessive water accumulation without a proper rainwater harvesting system in place
• Maintaining a terrace garden can be a lot of work and time-consuming

15+ Unique terrace garden ideas just for you

Right, now for the fun part – let’s talk terrace garden ideas! Here are 21 ways to jazz up your outdoor space.

Terrace garden ideas #1: Wall planters to the rescue

Short on floor space? Wall planters are your new best friends. They look fab and won’t leave puddles on your floor. Win-win! You can create a stunning vertical garden with a mix of trailing plants like ivy or string of pearls, and more upright plants like ferns or small shrubs.

Open terrace garden ideas #2: Plant stands are your space savers

Plant stands are great for small spaces. They add a bit of height and interest without taking up too much room. Plus, they make your plants look extra fancy. You can find them in all sorts of styles, from sleek and modern to rustic and charming.

Terrace garden designs #3: Long wall-planters make a statement too 

Want to make a statement? Try long wall planters. They’re perfect for herbs, succulents, cacti, ferns, and vines. Just make sure your plants like the same kind of soil, or you’ll have a right old mess on your hands.

Modern roof garden design #4: Wall garden on point

Turn your terrace into a proper green oasis with a living wall garden. Set up a mesh on your wall and let climbing plants do their thing. You can also go for flowers like sweet peas and morning glory for a more colourful look. Just make sure your wall can support the weight and moisture.

Roof terrace design #5: Chairs, greens, terrace dreams

Sometimes, simple is best. Chuck a bunch of potted plants on your sunny terrace, add a comfy chair or two, and Bob’s your uncle – an instant chill-out zone. Mix up the pot sizes and plant types for visual interest.

Modern roof garden design #6: A bar counter for bevvies

Balconies or terraces are one of the best spaces in your house for a wind-down sesh. It is only fair to install a small bar unit design here so you can have your favourite tipple at a moment’s notice. Snug in a comfy chair, snuggle with a throw and have a glass of wine in hand. Take in the beautiful panoramic views!

Modern roof garden design #7: Patchwork garden

Looking for low-cost and simple rooftop design ideas? Go for a patchwork garden. It’s a dead simple terrace garden idea, but it looks pretty impressive. You can create different “zones” on your terrace – a grassy area for lounging, and raised beds or pots for your real plants.

Small terrace garden idea #8: Rustic-looking gardens

Fancy a bit of countryside in the city? Go for wooden plant boxes and frames. They’ll add a touch of rustic charm to your home terrace garden. Reclaimed wood works great for this look – old pallets can be upcycled into fantastic planters with a bit of DIY spirit.

Small home terrace garden #9: Green dreams in a sky-blue frame

Sick of green? Add some sky-blue planters to mix things up. Pair them with cascading plants like spider plants or pothos for a dreamy look. Blue and green are a classic combo that’ll make your terrace garden feel fresh and vibrant.

Modern roof garden design #10: Terrace gardens for a huge rooftop

Got a massive terrace? Lucky you! Create different zones for veggies, flowers, and herbs, with little paths in between. It’s like having your own mini botanical garden! You could even add a small water feature or a seating area for entertaining. The sky’s the limit when you’ve got the space to play with.

Also Read: Green Thumb Galore: Beautiful Balcony Garden Ideas

Roof terrace design #11: Tall, green, and fabulous

Go big with tall plants like Areca palms or Fiddle leaf figs. They’ll make your terrace feel like a proper tropical getaway. Just make sure they’re happy in pots and can handle any wind on your terrace.

Roof terrace design #12: Black and green gardens

For a touch of city chic, mix black metal frames with lush green plants (hello, Monsterra!). Chuck in some vintage-style lamps for a cosy vibe. This look works great for a modern, urban terrace. Think sleek lines and architectural plants like snake plants or birds of paradise.

Small home terrace garden #13: Create a green balance

Minimal, colourful, and sorted: that’s what this terrace garden idea is all about. The white plant pots give the balcony a neat vibe, and the yellow couch adds a splash of colour to the overall white theme. Once you’ve got flowers blooming, add a few little green plants to keep things balanced.

Home terrace garden ideas #14: White and brown aesthetics

Can’t decide between clean white and warm brown? Use both! White wall planters with brown beams or furniture create a balanced, harmonious look. This combo works well for a Scandinavian-inspired terrace garden design – think hygge, but outdoors!

Home terrace garden designs #15: Rooftop patio

Your rooftop patio could be a terrace garden too! Add some comfy seating, surround it with plants, and voila – your own private rooftop bar! Don’t forget to add some shade – a pergola or large umbrella can make your terrace usable even on the hottest days.

Terrace garden designs #16: Rattan-inspired terrace-garden idea

Add some boho charm with rattan or jute hanging planters. They’re good for the planet and look pretty cool too. Macramé plant hangers are another great option for this look. Mix different textures and heights for a laid-back, eclectic vibe.

Terrace garden designs #17: Canopy gardens

Got a covered terrace? Create a stunning green canopy. Train vines to grow across the ceiling and add some hanging plants. It’s like sleeping under the stars, but better! Blue morning glory vines can work well for this, creating a beautiful, shaded retreat.

Terrace garden ideas #18: Fountain magic

Want to feel like you’re on holiday every day? Add a small fountain to your terrace garden. The sound of trickling water is dead relaxing. Plus, it’ll make you feel posh as anything. You don’t need anything fancy – even a small, solar-powered fountain can make a big difference to the ambience of your terrace.

Terrace gardening ideas #19: Swing into relaxation

Why not check out balcony swing designs to add an element of fun and relaxation? Stick a garden swing or hanging chair in your terrace garden. It’s the perfect spot for a cuppa and a good book. Just make sure it’s securely fastened – safety first!

Open terrace garden ideas #20: Bring in the bougainvillaeas

Want to add a touch of the Mediterranean to your terrace? Get yourself some bougainvillea. These climbers are tough as old boots and bloom like crazy. They’ll have your terrace looking like a Greek island in no time. Just be prepared for a bit of pruning – these beauties can get quite enthusiastic if left unchecked!

Also Read: 28 Best Garden Landscaping Ideas for a Stunning Outdoor Space

How can Livspace help you? 

We hope you found this guide on terrace garden ideas useful! Choosing the right designs for your house can be confusing. Luckily, our team of seasoned experts are here to help you. Book an online consultation with Livspace today to know more.

• Our team can custom design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
• We have delivered over 75,000 happy homes
• Count on us for premium-grade materials that are not only high-quality but also built to last