How to choose plants for office roof terraces & balconies
Is the outdoor area of your workplace in need of some love? Whether you’ve got a small office balcony or 100 square meters of rooftop to play with, outdoor plants can transform your space into a sky-high oasis. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your office roof garden or balcony. And if it feels a bit overwhelming, become a Plantclub member and we’ll take care of it all for you.
Environmental factors to consider
Choosing plants for office roof terraces can be tricky. Your greenery will have to cope with drought, rain, wind, frost—whatever the weather throws at it. The first thing you’ll have to think about is the environment: light, direction (for office balconies), wind, and temperature.
Unless the space is shaded by surrounding buildings, sun-worshiping plants are best for your office rooftop terrace. Plants that enjoy direct sun will also do well on a south-facing balcony. Don’t worry if your balcony gets indirect sun—there’s plenty of inspiration for outdoor plants that need little light.
The higher you go, the windier it gets. Wind burn is a common problem for balcony plants on high-rise buildings, and you won’t want your hanging baskets to take off. No sheltered spots on your balcony or outdoor area? Be sure to select hardy varieties that can handle a battering: small-leaved plants, like bamboo, tend to do better as the wind can move through their foliage.
Balconies have their own microclimate, so another factor to consider when choosing plants is temperature and humidity. For moisture-loving plants, you can raise humidity levels by grouping pots or planters together. To keep your space looking green all year round, choose perennial balcony plants that can survive outside in the winter months.
What the is space used for
Once you’ve sussed the growing conditions, it’s time to find out what your workers want from the space. Somewhere for working in the sun, an area for social events and relaxation, an escape to nature—or all of the above.
Looking to create a productive area outside? You’ll need tables and seating if you want a place where people can use laptops or have lunch. You can divide the space and make private spots for meetings using raised planters, while office building balconies offer an oasis of quiet—ideal for employees to make phone calls.
A well-designed roof terrace makes the perfect setting for social activities and team events. For this purpose, it’s best to keep the space open and uncluttered—nobody wants to trip over a pot after one too many drinks. Growing herbs is also a great way to liven up team lunches at the office. And if you’re thinking of grilling, keep the BBQ a good distance from the plants so they don’t get burned.
Being outside boosts energy, improves focus, and sparks creativity, while scented outdoor plants can reduce stress. Designing an outdoor office space your workforce wants to use could bring these benefits to your employees and your business. If you want to give something back to nature in return, the addition of flowering plants on your green roof is a great way to support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
How to design the space
Last but not least is the design stage. This is the fun part—where you get to create a planting plan to compliment the space. Use the existing architectural features of your balcony or rooftop to get the most from your outdoor office space.
With open areas, choose taller plants and arrange them in groups to break up the space. To provide shade, try growing trailing plants on trellising to create a green canopy. Vines such as ivy offer privacy and protection from the wind when grown along railings. Train climbing plants up walls to add greenery, and brighten up dark corners with low-light flowering plants.
Caring for outdoor plants isn’t your thing? Need a hand with the design side? If choosing plants for office roof terraces is your idea of a nightmare, we’ve got you.
Plantclub.io provides you and your colleagues with the benefits of plants, wherever you work. Rent office plants and transform your space into a green oasis, with flexible monthly membership options to suit your size. Diversify your employee perks with a dedicated company store, where you can give green gifts and your team can buy plants for their home office. Book a time to chat with us today.