The staff at Adams & Son Garden were extremely helpful and had a great selection. We nailed in trellis arbors to build a green fence between our deck and the EL tracks next to us. We chose honeysuckle, which is fast growing and easy to maintain, to grow up the arbors. In less than a month, it's doubled in size. For our planter boxes, we chose potato vines that love sun and grow quickly. They're already beginning to cascade over our deck rails. For our shrubs, we chose a combination of boxwoods and a burning bush. Both options are extremely hearty and do not require a lot of TLC to thrive.

Attempting to make our roofdeck an extension of our living space, we chose teak wood furniture with thick, comfy cushions. We wanted an eclectic look, so we mixed various planter styles -- all in a similar color pallete. Lanterns, accessories and planters add warmth. To complete the space, we added an outdoor rug from World Market and indoor/outdoor pillow from Bethie B.  Even with the heat this summer, the plants are doing well with watering only a few times a week. The extra space allows us to have a mini oasis right in the city and has already been the location for numerous cocktail get-togethers with friends this summer.