Roof top gardening

Gazanias

As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, it is now time to put the summer container garden to rest.  The basil plants have grown elongated and woody, and the final batch of summer pesto ( a combination of basil, mint, parsley, sunflower seeds, grated parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil) has been made and consumed.  The annual gazanias have gone to seed, the tomatoes and eggplant have yielded their final fruit, and the coleus looks ready to come inside for a winter over rest.




It is also time to reflect on what worked and what didn't, and how to make the whole thing better.  There are the perennials that have to be winterized for their survival.  I lost two fir trees and a hibiscus to the last brutal winter, and don't wish to have to go through that again.  I have learned that  it is not necessarily the lack of a good hydration system, but also the wind factor that takes its toll on perennial plants.  And the semi-salty air of the New York harbor does have an effect on the plants on my roof top deck/balcony.


Rosemary and oregano



The chocolate rose bush continues to bloom in its second season of summer, and the hearty rose bush I purchased with the gardener's  blessing at my local nursery is still thriving.  It is the same variety that grows along that overused and oftimes fume filled West Street in Manhattan, and so I expect it will winter over well here.  When I pull up the soon spent basil and tomato plants, I will plant some newly purchased tulip and daff bulbs.  I have been assured that these will do well in the large containers I have.  The hostas wintered over with some TLC, and that will be my routine with them again.  The blade grass will also winter over, I have heard, with some gentle TLC...sheltering it from too strong winter winds.                                                               

Hostas



Live Forever

My major concern is my new Mallow hibiscus; I was told it is winter hardy, but I still think I will wrap it to be on the safe side. I have been assured that plastic bubble wrap will suffice.  I also have a plant sometimes referred to as "Live-Forever", a tall green succulent with purplish tiny blossoms. That will also be wrapped. And after losing my tall rosemary bush last winder, I am bringing the newer one along with the mint, lavender and oregano inside to sit in a nice sunny spot until the spring when they will again go outside.

My next garden project is learning more about capturing rainwater for irrigating on roof tops...any suggestions out there?