Native Urban Garden
Designer: McKenna Heeg
A Garden That Gives...
This residential landscape was designed around one guiding principle: native plants belong in urban gardens. From the backyard design to the rooftop planting, every species was selected to strengthen the local ecosystem while delivering year-round beauty. Layered grasses, ferns, and flowering perennials create seasonal color, movement, and texture, attracting pollinators and providing habitat in the heart of Brooklyn.
The rooftop's tall native grasses also serve as a living privacy screen, blending ecological function with thoughtful design (more on that below). The project included extensive backyard site preparation—from removing existing soil and regrading the space to installing a gravel surface—before completing the landscape with thoughtfully selected native plantings.
Before
After
Project Highlights
☑ Native plant focused design to support urban biodiversity.
☑ Layered grasses, ferns, and perennials provide texture and seasonal color.
☑ Rooftop native grasses designed as a living privacy screen and habitat feature.
☑ Extensive backyard preparation, including soil removal, regrading, and gravel installation.
Nature as a Natural Barrier
Native Privacy Screen
Rather than relying on traditional screening, this rooftop uses a layered planting approach to create privacy through nature. Tall native grasses form a dynamic green backdrop, softening the edges of the terrace while adding movement, texture, and seasonal interest.
Beyond their visual impact, these resilient plants support pollinators by providing shelter and nesting sites, therefore contributing to a healthier urban ecosystem. Even the most elevated city spaces can become thriving landscapes!
Please Note: The copper planters and the plants within them are not part of Chelsea Garden Center’s design.
Residential Landscape Services
Interested in transforming your own outdoor space? Explore our Residential Design Services page to see how we can bring your vision to life.
Have questions or need a quote? We’re here to help—reach out anytime and our team will be happy to get you started. For faster service, please include relevant photos and measurements of your garden area(s).
