Terraces usually refer to the area in the immediate vicinity of a building.
This is a raised ground space constructed around a dwelling house or on the sides of a hill.
The terrace forms a link between the house and rest of the outdoor living space and must therefore, be designed in harmony with the plan of the house
Garden on the Terrace for relaxation
Gardening on terrace is aimed at providing privacy and leisure time pursuits.
If the house is built on sloping ground, it will appear to slide down hill. Hence a flat area around the building has an immediate establishing effect.
The size of the terrace is important, but shape and treatment also need careful consideration.
Terrace gardening is now a very specialized job for landscape gardeners and civil engineers.
It involves land raising and construction of steps, ramps, walls and paved paths as well as planting of lawn grasses and other plants.
It is desirable to have plants on the terrace but it should be restricted to the edges so that the middle is left open for circulation.
Since such gardens are mainly for relaxation, they should provide both sunny and shady areas.
Sheltered, paved terraces invite dinning outdoors, lounging, entertainment and children’s activities.
It must offer a fine year round view of the entire garden.
Addition of sculptured rocks, a small lily pond with a fountain and water plants will lend visual enrichment.
Unlike any other type of gardening, terrace garden requires detailed plan. It should be proportionate with lawns, shrubs , ground covers and small trees.
One can also assimilate the concept of water garden or rock garden or create a shady structure in the terrace garden.
Fiber-rooted plants are better than tap root plants.
The rooted plants have the tendency to grow through the building thereby causing harm to it.
The soil should not exert much pressure on the building
Last modified: Tuesday, 13 December 2011, 12:20 PM
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