Year: 2022

Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn

Scope: design, project management, woodwork, ceramic planters, planting, irrigation, maintenance

A contemporary ipe pergola with integrated planters shades a seating and lounge area and a custom kitchen–in complementary ipe topped with a Caeserstone counter–anchors a versatile cooking and dining space on a brownstone rooftop.

At one side, Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel) and Juniperus chinesis (Chinese juniper) create a privacy screen before giving way to a row of densely planted ornamental grasses, including Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) and Miscanthus sinensis (Silver grass). At the other side, the planted feet of the pergola burst with Lavandula (Lavender) and Salvia nemerosa (woodland sage), Rosmarinus (Rosemary), sedums, and draping Hedera helix (English ivy).

A Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’ (smokebush) adds color and drama in a large, Italian terra cotta pot, underplanted with Stachys byzantina (lambs ear), and Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’ (Creeping Juniper). A cluster of smaller, matching pots holds purple-flowering Alliums, Perovskia (Russian sage) and Artemisia (Silver Mound). 

The matte texture, organic lines, and clear salmon color of the pots adds contrast and interest against the clean straight lines of the woodwork, which silvers as it ages.