15+ Terrace Garden Ideas for Your Green Haven

In our concrete jungles, we’re always looking for a spot of green. It’s no wonder that in the past decade or so, there’s been an uptick in the number of urban homeowners growing terrace gardens. If you’re a novice who falls under this category, you might find yourself in need of some terrace garden ideas for beginners to get you that terrace garden design of your dreams. 

With these terrace garden ideas for the home, you can grow a terrace garden filled with dainty flowers, plump vegetables, juicy fruits, green herbs or a mix of all. So, if you’re an enthusiast looking to get your hands dirty with your very own terrace garden design, then follow our basic tips to get started.

#1: What is a terrace garden?

If you live in an apartment, the chances of you having your own private terrace garden are probably slim. However, this need not stop you from exercising some clever small terrace garden ideas on your balcony. But before we come to the many terrace garden design ideas out there, let’s first look at what terrace gardens are all about. 

In simple terms, they’re nothing but a garden you create on your roof or terrace. Depending on the layout and size of your space, there are a variety of roof garden ideas you can capitalise on. These terrace gardens aren’t just limited to aesthetics either. They can also be relatively functional, allowing you to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

Also Read: 5 Creative DIY Ideas To Grow A Vertical Garden

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

It’s a great feeling to know the exact source of your produce. That is exactly what you get with a terrace garden. Besides being in total control of how your vegetables 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 terrace garden ideas to populate your garden (especially in terms of using pesticide 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

Since a terrace garden requires a lot of water, it’s a good idea to waterproof the floor so that there aren’t any leaky roofs. If you are planning to start with small terrace garden design ideas — on your balcony — make sure your drain outlet is in order. 

Step 2 – Design the layout

Do you want a full-fledged garden or are you okay with a collection of pots in a cosy corner? These are some questions you will have to ask yourself before you start executing your terrace garden ideas. 

Moreover, make sure the layout you choose is conducive to your selection of plants since some plants may not require as much sunlight as the others. This in turn will affect their placement before you finalise the layout. 

Step 3 – Select your plants 

Terrace garden ideas for beginners suggest going for plants that are relatively easy to maintain. Once you get the hang of growing them, you can begin diversifying your selection of greens. Chilli and coriander are a few examples of fast-growing plants that can grow on their own. 

Similarly, plan your selection of plants according to your layout and use structural elements to your advantage. A terrace garden idea that you can incorporate into an existing structure is using creeper plants on existing poles or grills.

Step 4 – Exercise your green thumb

To boost your confidence (and not kill your saplings), it’s best to buy a good potting mix, if you are a novice. A combination of compost coir peat, vermicompost and regular soil should work with your terrace garden ideas. 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 

Make sure you use nutrient-rich soil for your terrace garden to promote healthy growth. Depending on the nature of your plants, you will also need to carry out routine maintenance checks to ensure they are growing well. 

Also Read: How to Keep Gardens Clean?

#4: How can you maintain a terrace garden?

1. Use the right furniture

A good terrace garden idea is to choose the right furniture to complement your plants. Consider going for terrace garden decoration ideas in natural materials like rattan to create a more cohesive look. However, be sure that the furniture you choose is safe for the outdoors or else it can get weather-damaged. 

2. Fine tune the ambience of the terrace 

Embrace terrace garden 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 garden 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. 

4. Choose your own turf

Have a variety of different terrace garden ideas you’d like to try out? No problem! Based on your layout, you can even choose to layer your grass with shrubs. This falls under landscaping and is best used in spacious areas where you have a lot of room to work with. 

5. Play with fun planters and pots

Add some colour to your terrace garden ideas with pots and planters in different shapes, sizes and hues. If you have a lawn, go for vibrant colours that can contrast and complement the green shades in your space. 

You can also experiment with different styles of planters — wall mounted and hanging — in your terrace garden ideas. Plastic troughs and pots are cheaper. However, they are often poor in quality and not very conducive for healthy growth. Terracotta pots or clay pots make better containers, and look visually pleasing.

6. Add some drama with visual elements

Don’t hesitate to keep things interesting with some visual elements like LED lights, wall ornaments or concrete planters. You can even go for a grid-themed backdrop and add in some backlights to it to further accentuate your terrace garden ideas. 

Also Read: Starting a Balcony Garden is Easier Than You Thought

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

• Can be expensive to construct and maintain, especially if you have a large area to work with
• Might lead to erosion and water-damage if the roof isn’t waterproofed beforehand 
• 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

Terrace garden ideas #1: Wall planters to the rescue

Turn your balcony or rooftop into a mini garden by hanging planters. Just like this balcony example, use the railing and wall planters strategically for sunlight and to keep your floor dry—stacking wall planters helps prevent water stains on your carpet or floor.

Terrace garden designs #2: Plant stands are your space savers

Save space on your small terrace by using a plant stand—it’s like a stylish space-saver for your plants! Make it a focal point by putting it in the middle of your seating area or along a walkway. Just pick plants with similar light and water needs, and choose a stand material that matches your terrace style—wood, metal, or stone. Make sure it’s big enough for your plants but not too massive for your space!

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

Here’s another wall planter design for your terrace garden! Just be sure your green babies (like succulents, cacti, ferns, and vines) get along with each other’s soil preferences, and use pots with drainage holes to avoid soggy situations!

Modern roof garden design #4: Wall garden on point

Turn your terrace into a vibrant oasis by going beyond regular pots. Try a cool wall garden – just set up a mesh on a wall, let flowers like Sweet Peas and Morning Glory go wild, and voila, you’ve got an Instagram-worthy picture spot in your garden!

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

Let’s be real, we love pots and planters—they’re low-maintenance, and you can place them anywhere. Do you have a sunny terrace? Throw in some vibrant greens, add a couple of chairs, and voila! Your chill spot is ready, and easily changeable whenever you feel like it.

Modern roof garden design #6: From bland to botanical

We all dream of having a nice, spacious balcony or terrace when we’re looking for a home. If you’ve just got one, consider decorating it by placing your favourite plants along the edge to add a touch of drama to your space.

Modern roof garden design #7: Patchwork garden

This type of wall grass mat is artificial but you can grow your own set of climbers. Control their growth in a designated area, and enhance the charm by placing some pots nearby to add a statement touch to your garden.

Small terrace garden idea #8: Rustic-looking gardens

Get in on the trend with charming rustic plant boxes! Transform your cosy terrace with rustic touches on the floor, and walls, and even for your green companions. Don’t forget to set up a wooden frame on the wall for your climbing plants too! 

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

Check out this cool wall planter with a rustic sky-blue frame. Keep a consistent soft colour theme with other planters, and try cascading plants like spider plants or pothos for a lush look as they drape over the sides.

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

Wow, check out that lush terrace garden! If you’ve got a spacious terrace, try replicating this idea by organising different plants in wooden or concrete boxes with a walkway in between—perfect for growing veggies, flowers, and herbs.

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

Create a comfy green space at home by bringing in Areca palms, Fiddle leaf figs, and ZZ plants. Spruce it up with a variety of potted plants in different sizes and colours to give your space a forest-like feel.

Roof terrace design #12: Black and green gardens

These garden plants are perfect for pots and low maintenance. To give it a Victorian vibe, use black metal frames, rustic planters, and grow climbers with lush creepers, along with big leafy plants like Monstera deliciosa. Toss in some vintage lamps among the climbers for a cosy atmosphere.

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 some little green plants to keep things balanced.

Terrace garden designs #14: White and brown aesthetics

Fan of white aesthetics? Bring that clean look into your terrace garden with these white wall planters. Make sure the backdrop is white with minimal furniture but if an all-white setup seems too plain, mix in some brown frames, planters, and lounge frames to bring a balance.

Terrace garden designs #15: Rooftop patio garden

Your rooftop patio could be a terrace garden too! Add daylilies, begonia, and lavender to create a comfy lounge area with a touch of nature. If you prefer taller plants, consider ponytail palms or areca palms.

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

Check out this cool Rattan hanging planter! You can also find ones made from jute or other recycled materials for an extra touch of charm. Just make sure to use a well-drained potting mix to keep maintenance easy-breezy for you.

Terrace garden designs #17: Canopy gardens

One word: luxury terrace garden; if you’ve a rooftop ceiling then you need to save this image now. Just cover the ceiling with vines, add some smaller plants on the railings, throw in a few hanging lights and voila, you’ve got yourself a charming terrace garden.

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! With 50000+ Livspace Homes and 3500+ designers, we promise to transform your home with love. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.