Starting an urban garden + NYC listings with private gardens (2024)

From physical advantages like increased vitamin D and anti-inflammatory effects to mental health improvements to a sense of accomplishment, there are many benefits to gardening. This was especially clear at the height of lockdown, when "pandemic victory gardens" sprang up to such an extent that garden centers struggled to keep up with demand for fruit and vegetable seeds. Years later, amidst greater concern about produce prices and pesticides, some are taking matters into their own hands and growing their own food and flowers.

“There are certain, very stabilizing forces in gardening that can ground us when we are feeling shaky, uncertain, terrified really. It’s these predictable outcomes, predictable rhythms of the garden that are very comforting” – Joel Flagler, professor of horticultural therapy, Rutgers University

During his campaign for mayor in early 2021, Eric Adams spoke in favor of vertical and rooftop farms as a means of bringing nutritious food to low-income communities, creating food-based job opportunities, and promoting environmental awareness. More recently, Mayor Adams’ Green Economy Action Plan seeks to invest in jobs and sectors that will help the city combat climate change; this includes everything from building low-carbon transportation alternatives to work on coastal resilience projects to farming sustainable food.

Mayor Adams' rooftop farming plan is not without precedent. In 2009, Singapore introduced an incentive program where the National Parks Board would fund up to 50% of installation costs of rooftop and vertical greenery. Additionally, a public-private partnership between the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore and vertical farm Sky Greens launched a vertical farm for the roofs of the multi-story buildings that ate up much of Singapore's arable land. Years later, the rooftop farms are among the lush greenery that led to Singapore's designation as "the Garden City," and the benefits of the rooftop farms are becoming clear: The public has an opportunity to learn how their food is grown; closer food production cuts down on transportation costs and carbon emissions; and the resulting vegetables are fresher and more delicious.

However, not all urban gardening needs to take place on such a grand scale. It’s not uncommon to see pots of herbs on the windowsill of an apartment, but some are prepared to take it one step further by turning their private terraces into full-fledged vegetable and/or gardens. But in New York, it isn't always easy to create a beautiful, functional, or compliant garden. From ensuring a roof or terrace can handle the weight of a garden to meeting regulations for railings to selecting plants bound to thrive in the often-extreme environments found on New York City rooftops, it is important to enlist the help of a trained professional in the planning and execution of your project.

The Unique Challenges of Urban Gardening

Spaces in urban, suburban, and rural settings alike pose unique challenges, but urban gardens can still present some especially extreme conditions. Depending on the location of your outdoor space, high wind, intense heat, and excessive shade are all common problems in New York City. Todd Haiman of Todd Haiman Landscape Design is a landscape designer who has helped hundreds of New Yorkers imagine and create urban oases in surprising locations. For Haiman, every project is a new beginning: “There is always something new to learn whether you’re working in an urban or rural space, but urban spaces do pose some unique challenges.”

Haiman has found that since many New Yorkers live in small spaces, they want their gardens to truly serve as extensions of their indoor living spaces, especially in a new class of maisonette apartments that opens up to private backyards that can easily be turned into gardens. Of course, to do this, one needs to consider factors that many suburban and rural gardeners may be able to more easily ignore, including privacy. As Haiman explains, “Privacy is a major issue for people in New York, but there are restrictions about putting up high fences, so you have to ask yourself, how you can create privacy despite these restrictions? I work with clients to consider various options. Some people use evergreens or ornamental grasses to create a screen, but the choice really depends on your specific situation.”

EWEN via Corcoran

Even if some flowers and shrubs are bound to flourish more than others, owners usually have at least some choice when it comes to selecting plants for the garden. The same is not true when it comes to building structures. Indeed, in New York City, even though you don’t generally require a permit to install a garden, restrictions are the rule of the day.

If you’re hoping to build a rooftop garden, for example, you’ll need to hire a structural engineer to determine how much weight your rooftop can handle and where it will be safest to place planters. NYC building codes also require adequate railings that are at least 42-inches tall and if you want to avoid a fire violation, you’ll need to limit wood coverage to no more than 49% of the rooftop, ensure you have both a water source available, and if your garden exceeds 250 square feet, you’ll also need a fire extinguisher.

Once you’ve troubleshot all the specific requirements imposed by the city, you may find yourself facing a final hurdle: your condo or co-op board. As Haiman emphasizes, “In my experience when the design is finished, tenants nearly always need to present it to their building. The board will want to know that you’re protecting the building itself. In some cases, the building will provide parameters in which to work and this may include weight restrictions. Some buildings will want you to bring the plan back for a second reading. This is something you should expect and factor in when you’re thinking about your timeframe.”

234 East 84th Street

While enlisting the help of an expert is evidently advised, this leaves a final round of questions: Should you hire a landscape designer or landscape architect? If so, what is the difference?

When deciding whether to hire a landscape designer or landscape architect, the first consider the scale of your project. Generally, smaller residential projects can be tackled by designers while larger projects (e.g., a garden occupying the roof of an entire high-rise condo building) will require a landscape architect. Second, consider the complexity of the project. If you need extensive construction carried out, you’ll likely need an architect rather than a designer, even if they do frequently offer overlapping advice.

If you’re looking for a landscape designer, it can be somewhat tricky since designers don’t technically need a degree nor license to practice. That said, many NYC-based landscape designers have years of training and are credentialed. Haiman, for example, has a master of science in landscape design from Columbia University, training from the New York Botanical Gardens’ School of Professional Horticulture and Landscape Design, and is a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers and Royal Horticultural Society. If you need to hire a landscape architect, however, they must hold an architecture degree from a recognized school of architecture and hold a state license to practice.

Beyond credentials and licenses, however, Haiman emphasizes that it is still important to find someone whose work matches your own aesthetic. Of course, sometimes clients know they want a garden but are still unclear about the possibilities. As a result, he says part of his job is about helping clients gain a better understanding their needs, wants, and the potential of their available space: “Part of my job is understanding who the users are and how they want to use the space and how long they want to use the space for. If someone only wants to use the space for five years, they will make different decisions about how to landscape. Basically, I’m the car who brings you where they are going.” While Haiman emphasizes aesthetics in choosing a designer, it is important to note that most landscape designers have many years of formal training.

Private garden at 125 East 95th Street

Great Garden Apartments

All images of 129 West 118th Street via Warburg Realty

From the listing: A classic stoop welcomes you into this elegant, historic brownstone. Enter then into this floor-through apartment with soaring 12' ceiling heights, dark wood plank floors and beautiful detailing throughout. A bright and lovely secondary bedroom leads you out onto a staircase that brings you to your very own landscaped, 290-square-foot garden. Grill and relax all summer long!See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 148 West 80th Street via Douglas Elliman

From the listing: This stunning triplex penthouse offers a lovely living space with three oversized windows adorned with original moldings and hideaway shutters from the turn of the century. The 9'6" ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, exposed brick, and open kitchen lend an old world ambiance and comfort that only a home of this vintage could offer. The topper (literally) is the amazing private roof terrace, incredibly serene and quiet with lovely views east, north, and south, perfectly suited to bring out the gardener and entertainer in most anyone. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of EWEN via Corcoran

From the listing: This 1,494-square-foot townhouse-like duplex is currently being used as a two bedroom, with two full bath and has over 1,100 square feet of private outdoor space! The garden pergola has New Dawn climbing Roses, artic kiwi, two concord grape vines and one Muscat grape vine. The vegetable garden is complete with organic soil and organic fertilizers. The first floor of the apartment has a large open kitchen and living room which allows for access straight to the backyard. See floor plan and full details here.

From the listing: With a newly renovated and secluded outdoor sitting, dining area, and vegetable garden, this pin-drop quiet 1-bedroom penthouse is perfect for private gatherings and the last gem in the highly coveted area of Brooklyn Heights. Each room boasts high ceilings and architectural beams that you only get in a pre-war building. A spacious bedroom, dining, and living area with views of the Verrazano, Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges complete this perfect rooftop oasis. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 155 Henry Street via Nest Seekers

All images of 245 West 24th Street via Singer Real Estate

From the listing: Charming Chelsea co-op has been updated with new security and entertainment systems, multi-zone air conditioning units, built-in air purification system and humidifier, and voice-controlled smart home technology. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with an expansive island, state-of-the-art appliances, and endless cabinetry. The landscaped private garden comes with built-in seating, electricity, speakers, heat, water, plumbing in place to allow for a hot tub, and enough room for an extra-large grill. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 415 Leonard Street via MNS

From the listing: Elegant two-bedroom corner penthouse features an expansive 538-square-foot private terrace and lush garden sanctuary with iconic, awe-inspiring Manhattan views. The chic living area, with soft white-painted walls and bright white ceiling, features rustic-feel hardwood flooring and five floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a glass door beckoning to the exquisite outdoor terrace. The pristine kitchen, complete with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, opens to the living space to provide for all-inclusive entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 71 Carroll via Compass

From the listing: As you pass the 'Amazing Garden' on this quiet tree-lined street on the Columbia Street Waterfront, you will discover this sundrenched, boutique 3 bed, 2.5 bath duplex condo home, complete with your own parking spot! There is a south-facing 750sqft terrace for your urban gardening passions, entertaining under the stars, or creating a culinary masterpiece on the grill. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 555 Park Avenue via Nest Seekers

From the listing: This loft-like 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is an exciting opportunity to create a dream indoor/outdoor living sanctuary. Soaked with light, the north terrace is an unheard of 83-ft in length with high walls for a rare sense of privacy, perfect for dining alfresco, entertaining or creating a lush garden. The south roof terrace has stunning city views and also drenched in light. See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 234 East 84th Street via Corcoran

From the listing: A sleek and contemporary elan greets the visitor, welcoming them into a dramatic, sunken great room with 12’ ceilings leading to the large planted outdoor area framed by glass panels and skylights. The living area is centered by a gas-burning fireplace, flanked on one side by a cozy sitting area with banquette and the other by a home work area. Supplementing both the indoor kitchen and dining areas is the piece de resistance of this special home – more than 700 square feet of prime outdoor space equipped with gas grill and gas fireplace, the perfect place to entertain lavishly, to escape with a cold drink and good book, or to work on your gardening skills! See floor plan and full details here.

All images of 505 West 19th Street via Corcoran

From the listing: As you enter the home off the private key-locked elevator, you will find no detail was overlooked in the customization of this 2,117 square-foot showplace. The double-height great room with soaring, 22' ceilings creates a dramatic setting for grand entertaining and floor-to-ceiling casem*nt windows illuminate the space with golden western sunlight. Just outside is a lush garden oasis spanning almost 1,000 square feet and surrounded by tall trees and beautifully landscaped planter boxes illuminated by an outdoor lighting system. Prepare delicious meals at the custom marble island with gas grill, fridge and kitchen sink and enjoy dining al fresco at the large outdoor dining table. See floor plan and full details here.

Townhouses and Upper-Level Terraces