WELCOME TO OUR NEW URBANROOFGARDENS NEWSLETTER!

Spring 2004 saw the start of our little green revolution. Urbanroofgardens was launched onto an unsuspecting and grey London roofscape. Our mission was to create green spaces in the sky – benefiting both urban dwellers and their environment. We can look back with some pride. We’ve battled and argued with town hall planners. We’ve kicked sand in the faces of the “can’t be done” brigade. And with your help, customers and friends, we’ve transformed scores of neglected rooftops into green and pleasant spaces. Our passion to green the concrete jungle remains undiminished. We’re now the market-leaders: providing the complete concept-to-completion service. And now Spring 2006 sees new innovations. Our new quarterly Newsletter to keep our clients informed of what’s new and exciting in the world of the urban green. Our new Webstore offering the widest selection of modern rooftop furniture, fittings and features. Our new GreenLine phone-in service. And more…
The green revolution has only just begun!

LAZY HAZY WATER-FREE SUMMER DAYS?

Because the hosepipe ban will be hitting us hard this summer, now is the time to reconsider the survival of the quintessential English lawn. Roof gardens are looking into the future by allowing tough drought-resistant plants to populate and green extra space when there is less and less of it available at ground level. By building a roof garden one is ensuring easier access to sunlight and a garden that will withstand the pressure of the changing climate. The ability of plants to filter pollution, reduce runoff and provide an extra haven for local birds and insects is also in keeping with environmental concerns at the start of the 21st Century.

WEBSTORE LAUNCHES. INTO GREENER SPACES?

Our Webstore launched on Friday 14 April. We’re setting out to make it to be the one place you’ll want to visit to find anything that’s new, funky and innovative for the modern urban rooftop dweller. Everything you need, delivered direct to your roof terrace, and at the best prices you’ll find. We have searched the whole world for amazing products, offering great design, inspiring use of modern materials, and offered at a range of prices to suit all budgets. And not just furniture and fittings, but plants as well! As a special launch offer, and for a limited time only, we are delivering FREE to any address in the UK! Click here to enter the store.

AS SEEN ON TV. NOT YET BUT SOON?

We are developing plans for a documentary series on roof gardens on national television. Green spaces in the sky are increasingly noticeable in the urban landscape and should ideally become a necessary feature of the modern cityscape. They offer an opportunity for those who are not lucky enough to own a small patch of land at the back of their property to create their own little private oasis, often with a view, a wonderful bonus. The series of programmes hopes to cover a wide range of contemporary issues in an interesting and inspiring manner, leading the way to a new vision of the garden as environmental and spatial difficulties become crucial in the design of our cities. The series would show how they can be fun, beautiful and intelligent spaces and one would be mad to ignore their potential! The program also hopes to visit and draw inspiration from other leading cities in the world where roof gardens have gained much credibility: New York, Chicago, Toronto, Melbourne, Tokyo and Frankfurt. Although we are still in the very early days of planning, we’d be delighted to hear from those of you who have not yet created your own roof garden for possible inclusion in the series. There may also be sponsorship opportunities for featured roof gardens. Email us now by clicking here.

GREENLINE. THE RED-HOT PHONE LINE?

Every Thursday, between 1400 and 1700, you can now call us to get some free advice if you own or are thinking of building a roof garden. Our resident architects, engineers, designers and horticulturalists will be happy to offer you some sound advice on the matter, with no obligation on your part. If you are worried about this summer’s drought and the impact on your plants, some old rotting decking, or simply how you could get a roof garden in the first place, this is definitely the time to call. If you act soon enough, you could be enjoying your very own green space in the sky this summer, and for many more to come! Call us on 020 8840 8028.

URBAN MAT. JUST ADD WATER?

We are in the process of creating our very own sedum mat system. It will be easy to apply, practical, durable and most of all, economical! It comprises the following layers: insulation, drainage, substrate and finally, the sedum mat. It will ensure the greening of any available flat roof, providing natural insulation and cooling systems, absorption of excess runoff and new wildlife habitats. Sedum is an amazing plant, available in a wide range of colours, and able to withstand extremes of temperatures and climates. Using our sedum mat will dramatically improve the aesthetics of your building, swapping the concrete jungle with a greener one. Email us by clicking here.

COMING NEXT IN OUR SUMMER NEWSLETTER…

A Roof with a View: showcasing apartments with roof gardens
The Bigger Picture: shifting focus to large public spaces
Named and Shamed: green-resistant London councils exposed