Transform Your Urban Terrace into a Serene Oasis: Top Tranquil Plants and Design Ideas
In the heart of the city, where the hustle and bustle of urban life can be overwhelming, creating a serene oasis on your terrace can be a game-changer. Here, we’ll explore the top tranquil plants and design ideas to help you transform your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Urban Oasis
When it comes to creating a tranquil oasis, the plants you choose are crucial. Here are some of the top noise-reducing and visually appealing plants that can help you achieve your goal.
Noise-Reducing Plants
These plants are not only beautiful but also help in absorbing sound, making your space even more peaceful.
- Lavender: Known for its soothing scent, lavender also has dense, bushy growth that helps in absorbing sound. It’s a low-maintenance option that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a natural sound barrier due to its dense foliage and tall stalks. It’s also a great choice for urban gardens because it’s relatively low maintenance and can grow in a variety of conditions.
- Boxwood: Boxwood hedges are excellent for noise reduction and can be shaped to fit any design. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
- Peace Lily: The peace lily is a versatile plant that not only reduces noise but also purifies the air. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering.
Tropical Plants for a Lush Oasis
If you want to create a lush, tropical oasis, here are some plants that can help you achieve that.
- Hibiscus: With its vibrant flowers, hibiscus adds a touch of tropical beauty to your garden. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and requires regular watering.
- Begonias: Begonias are versatile and come in a variety of species, some of which are more cold and drought tolerant. They add a pop of color and can thrive in shaded areas.
- Monstera: The Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss-cheese plant, is known for its large, unique leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Design Ideas to Create Your Serene Oasis
Designing your urban terrace to be a serene oasis involves more than just choosing the right plants. Here are some ideas to help you create a peaceful and inviting space.
Utilizing Natural Materials
Natural materials can add a touch of warmth and coziness to your outdoor space.
- Wooden Furniture: Using wooden furniture such as teakwood benches or lounge chairs can create a natural and inviting atmosphere. Summer Rayne Oakes, who transformed her Williamsburg loft into a plant-filled oasis, built her furniture with her father using wood found on the street.
- Stone and Gravel: Incorporating stone and gravel into your garden design can add texture and create a natural, earthy feel. These materials are also low maintenance and can help with drainage.
Adding Water Features
Water features can significantly enhance the tranquility of your space.
- Small Fountains: A small fountain or water feature can create a soothing sound that helps to mask urban noise. The sound of bubbling and falling water is truly therapeutic and can transform your space into a serene oasis.
- Ponds: If you have the space, a small pond with aquatic plants can be a beautiful addition. It not only adds visual appeal but also attracts wildlife like birds and butterflies.
Vertical Gardening
For small urban terraces, vertical gardening is a great way to maximize space.
- Climbing Plants: Using climbing or cascading species like bougainvillea or passion flower can add greenery to your space without taking up too much floor area. These plants can grow tall in pots and provide a lush, tropical feel.
- Green Walls: A sub-irrigated green wall, like the one Summer Rayne Oakes used in her bedroom, can be a stunning addition to your garden. It not only purifies the air but also adds a natural element to your space.
Practical Tips for Gardening in Urban Spaces
Gardening in urban spaces comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right tips, you can create a thriving and tranquil oasis.
Understanding Your Climate
Before choosing plants, it’s essential to understand your local climate.
- Check Hardiness Zones: Knowing your USDA hardiness zone will help you select plants that are suitable for your area. For cooler zones, consider using potted plants that can be moved indoors during colder weather.
- Soil and Light: Understand the soil type and light conditions in your garden. Desert gardens, for example, require plants that are drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun.
Low Maintenance Plants
For busy urban dwellers, low maintenance plants are a must.
- Succulents: Succulents like agave, yucca, and aloe are perfect for urban gardens because they are heat and drought-tolerant. They require minimal watering and care.
- Compact Varieties: For small spaces, compact versions of plants like Alocasia or “elephant ear” are great choices. They grow to manageable heights and add a touch of greenery to your space.
Case Study: Summer Rayne Oakes’ Williamsburg Oasis
Summer Rayne Oakes’ 1200-square-foot loft in Williamsburg is a prime example of how to transform an urban space into a serene oasis.
Creating a Jungle in the City
Oakes’ loft is home to over 500 plants and 150 species, creating a veritable jungle in the heart of the city. Here are some key takeaways from her design:
- Diverse Plant Selection: Oakes has a wide variety of plants, from flowering plants like heliconias and passion flowers to large-leaf plants like monstera and banana. This diversity creates a lush and vibrant environment.
- Functional Design: Her space includes a sub-irrigated green wall, a veggie/herb garden, and carefully curated vignettes. Each element serves a purpose, whether it’s purifying the air or providing fresh produce.
Impact on Well-being
Oakes’ garden has had a profound impact on her well-being and the well-being of her guests.
- Relaxation and Meditation: Oakes mentioned that her home is a sense of relief for her and her guests. She hosts meditation nights, and the presence of so many plants creates a super chill and peaceful atmosphere.
Table: Comparing Different Types of Plants for Urban Gardens
Here’s a comparative table to help you choose the right plants for your urban garden:
| Plant Type | Description | Maintenance Level | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Dense, bushy growth; noise-reducing; soothing scent | Low | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Hibiscus | Vibrant flowers; tropical beauty; regular watering required | Medium | Warm, humid conditions |
| Begonias | Versatile; some species cold and drought tolerant; add pop of color | Medium | Shaded areas |
| Monstera | Large, unique leaves; bright, indirect light; consistent moisture | Medium | Warm, humid conditions |
| Succulents | Heat and drought-tolerant; minimal watering required | Low | Full sun, well-drained soil |
| Boxwood | Dense hedges; noise-reducing; well-drained soil and partial shade | Medium | Versatile |
| Peace Lily | Air-purifying; noise-reducing; moderate watering required | Medium | Well-drained soil, moderate light |
Transforming your urban terrace into a serene oasis is not just about adding plants; it’s about creating a holistic space that promotes relaxation and well-being. By choosing the right plants, incorporating natural materials, and adding water features, you can turn your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat.
Final Tips
- Start Small: Begin with a few plants and gradually expand your garden as you gain experience.
- Be Creative: Use repurposed materials like old wood or tea containers to add a personal touch to your garden.
- Enjoy the Process: Gardening is a journey, and the process of creating your oasis can be just as rewarding as the final result.
By following these tips and ideas, you can transform your urban terrace into a serene oasis that provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
