Balcony & Terrace Gardening: Plants That Thrive on a High-Rise

A private terrace high above Manhattan is a rare gift — and with a little know-how, it can become a genuine garden. Growing plants in the sky comes with its own quirks: more wind, more sun, and containers instead of soil. Here's how to create a thriving outdoor space on a high-rise terrace at The Anthem.

Understand Your Conditions

Before buying a single plant, read your space. Note how many hours of direct sun it gets and from which direction, since that determines what will flourish. Higher floors are windier than a backyard, which dries soil out faster and can batter delicate stems. Working with these conditions — rather than against them — is the difference between a lush terrace and a graveyard of pots.

Choose Hardy, Wind-Tolerant Plants

The best high-rise plants are tough and forgiving:

• Ornamental grasses — they sway with the wind instead of breaking, and add movement and texture.
• Sun-loving herbs — rosemary, thyme, and lavender handle exposure well and earn their space in the kitchen.
• Sturdy perennials and succulents — drought-tolerant choices shrug off the faster drying of a breezy terrace.

A nearby nursery or garden shop can steer you toward what's thriving for the current season.

Containers and Watering

Everything grows in pots up here, so choose them wisely: larger containers hold moisture longer and resist tipping in wind, and good drainage prevents soggy roots. Because terraces dry out quickly, you'll water more often than you would at ground level — check the soil regularly, especially in summer, and consider self-watering planters to lighten the load.

Through the Seasons

Rotate with the calendar: cool-weather greens and bulbs in spring and fall, heat-lovers through summer, and evergreens or hardy structural plants to keep some life through winter. A little seasonal planning keeps your terrace looking intentional year-round rather than peaking for one month.

Make It a Place to Be

A terrace garden is most rewarding when it's a place you actually use, not just look at. Leave room among the planters for a small bistro table or a couple of folding chairs, so morning coffee or an evening glass of wine outdoors becomes part of your routine. Weatherproof, stackable furniture stands up to the elements and tucks away when the wind kicks up. A weather-resistant outdoor rug and a lantern or string of warm lights make the space feel like a true outdoor room after dark. Mind your downstairs neighbors when watering, and secure anything light against gusts. With a little intention, your terrace stops being a ledge with plants and becomes the favorite room in your home — one with a Manhattan skyline for a ceiling.

With the right plants and a bit of attention, your slice of sky becomes a living retreat. Not blessed with a terrace? The Anthem's landscaped roof deck offers open-air green space for everyone. Browse available residences, see our amenities, or schedule a tour. Our team is at (212) 684-3222.