Charlottesville -- High Garden

HighGarden is a rooftop container garden planted in 2017 in painted cedar boxes and large pots, on three outdoor surfaces that add up to 1,343 square feet outside a fifth-floor condominium. The owner, who designed the garden, potted up and moved many of the woodland plants and perennials from her previous inground garden. The custom boxes designed by the owner were airlifted to the balconies and elevated four inches above the surface. They were lined with perforated heavy-duty plastic, styrofoam peanuts and landscape cloth, then filled with a mixture of garden soil, potting soil and compost. Drip irrigation equipment was installed. Three outdoor spaces are connected by walkways and were designed as garden rooms. The fourth space with contemporary furniture is used for dining. A cherished Sasanqua camellia raised from seed was potted up and moved to the rooftop garden. Added trees, shrubs and vines include a dogwood, fig, redbud, sky pencil hollies, native hibiscus, azaleas, peonies, hydrangeas, native honeysuckle, clematis and passionflower. Spring bulbs include varieties of daffodils and tulips, followed by many perennials that include geranium, iris, lilies, anise hyssop, coneflower, hellebore, rudbeckia, salvia and ferns. Annuals include impatiens, zinnias and million bells. The raised boxes and large pots are planted and arranged to look like layered garden beds. Features include two contemporary wall fountains, a Haitian sculpture, contemporary furniture, and a Bertoia gong. The gardens are visited by butterflies and moths, hummingbirds and other birds including turkey vultures looking for prey (but no deer or weeds). Persons associated with the garden's design: Carolyn Achenbach (2016- ); Mike Philips, carpenter (2017-2018).