Number 9: The rooftops become green!

Continuing with our Top 10 things that have got us most excited in 2012 - in 9th place is....

Green goodness of rooftop gardens! As space becomes more of a premium, there has been a massive upwards rise in the number of rooftop gardens and terraces opening in 2012. This green trend is not only helping to bring back nature to our cities but at the same time, creating amazing, breath-taking hang-outs all across the world.

Our favourite example of this in 2012 was the partnership between the Southbank Centre and the Eden Project.  The rooftop garden at the Queen Elizabeth Hall was built from scratch by the Grounded gardening team from Providence Row Housing Association (PRHA) working together with colleagues from Eden.

Photo care of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mctumshie/5743995476/

The gardens actually opened in 2011 but it was such a successful venture that they were reopened in April 2012 with a real lawn, vegetable planters and wildflower meadows. With a relaxed and cheerful vibe this was the perfect place to hang out, explore the planting and enjoy a pint or two from the ‘Roof Garden Café’, run by Company of Cooks.

The space attracted all sorts! From drop-in gardeners, passers-by looking for a quiet spot to relax or Londoners wanting the perfect venue for summer’s evening drink. The garden is planned to reopen April / May 2013.

Read more about the QEH rooftop garden.

Photo care of: http://davisla.wordpress.com

There are a number of environmental benefits that weigh in favor of this rooftop garden trend, such as the improvement of water management, absorption of particulates, improved air quality and providing a habitat for plants and animals.

In fact, Chicago City Hall rooftop garden was designed to test the cooling effects of this kind of landscaping design, as well as being an experiment in how rooftop gardens can support plants, birds and insects in a city.

And of course, no-one could do a blog on outdoor spaces and not include the High Line bridge in NY. Although completed in 2011, this is just another wildly exciting example of green space forcing its way back in to our cities.

We expect to see more roof gardens and terraces opening in 2013, specifically more vegetable rooftop gardens as people decide to put these outdoor rooms to good use. We hope to see you there and share a beer or two!

Be inspired by the 50 best rooftop bars and restaurants.

Read more about the rooftop trends.