New York Roof Garden

Sometimes roof gardens don't seem to be about gardens, too much. Not at this stage.

(Above, the ipe deck going in. Styrofoam pads to be replaced by plastic pedestals.) These roof gardens are about load-bearing. And engineers. And deadlines. And long-suffering neighbours. And the dance of stone masons, contractors, carpenters, architects. Irrigation experts. Electricians.

Did I mention deadlines? In this case construction on the actual apartment has gone way (think years) over its limit and the garden, coming in last, has to hustle to get in before irate neighbours self- implode or start pointing telescopic rifles at anyone wearing a hardhat...

I have heard that miracles happen. So maybe, in a week, this will be cleared out so that our plants and soil can arrive. Think 700 bags. Under this water tower will go a little greenroof, of waving Japanese ribbon grass.

Above, carpenters installing planters

Just another day at the office.