How to Design a Garden: A Simple Guide

Ever find yourself scrolling through Instagram or see a neighbor’s brownstone backyard thinking, “I wish I knew how to design a garden like that”? You’re not alone. Whether you’re working with a tiny terrace in Brooklyn, a vacant rooftop, or a backyard in Manhattan, creating a garden design that feels like you is entirely possible. You don’t need to be a professional landscaper to get started—you just need a plan, a little inspiration, and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty.

At New York Horticulture Group, we’ve designed countless rooftop gardens, terrace retreats, and city escapes, so we’ve learned what works and what tends to trip people up. Here’s our approachable guide on how to create a garden design that’s functional, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

Step 1: Start With Your Lifestyle

Before you sketch a single plant or pick up a shovel, think about how you want to use your space. Do you imagine sipping morning coffee among potted herbs? Hosting dinner parties under string lights? Or maybe you want a low-maintenance escape from the city where you can breathe a little easier.

Your lifestyle is the foundation of your design. If you love entertaining, you’ll want an open gathering space and hardy plants that can handle foot traffic. If you’re after quiet moments, a cozy seating nook and calming greenery might be all you need.

Step 2: Look at Your Space Honestly

We all want sweeping lawns and rose gardens, but in NYC, space is precious. Is your terrace mostly shady or sunny throughout the day? Does your rooftop get strong winds? How much weight can your deck actually hold?

Take note of sunlight, shade, and weather patterns—it’ll save you frustration (and money) later. A garden design that works with your environment instead of against it is always more successful.

Step 3: Pick a Theme or Mood

Think of your garden as you would a room in your apartment. Do you want it to feel modern and sleek, with structured planters and statement grasses? Or wild and lush, with vines climbing brick walls and colorful blooms for pollinators?

Even a simple theme like “calming green with pops of color” or “minimalist herbs and evergreens” makes decisions easier and ensures your design feels intentional.

Step 4: Layer Plants Like You’d Layer Décor

Designing a garden is like styling an outfit: it’s all about layers. Combine tall plants that give height, medium-sized ones for body, and low growers or groundcovers to tie it all together. Add planters or pots for structure.

In the city, vertical gardens, trellises, and railing planters are lifesavers when square footage is limited.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Non-Plant Elements

Plants are the stars, but design is about the whole picture. Think about:

Seating – benches, lounge chairs, or even a bistro set for morning coffee
Lighting – string lights, lanterns, or solar garden stakes for cozy nights
Paths – stepping stones or gravel for flow (if you have the room)
Decor – planters, a water feature, or a piece of outdoor art

These details make your garden design more livable and inviting—even if your “yard” is a terrace six stories up.

Step 6: Start Small, Grow Over Time

Here’s a secret: no one’s garden looks “finished” overnight. Start with a few plants or one section, see how it feels, and expand. Gardens evolve with the seasons—and with you.

Step 7: Ask for Help If You Need It

Sometimes, having a professional eye makes all the difference—especially in NYC, where weight limits, drainage, and building rules can get tricky. At New York Horticulture Group, we specialize in transforming rooftops, terraces, and brownstone backyards into stunning outdoor sanctuaries that fit city living. Whether you want a full design plan or just some guidance, we’re here to help.

Bringing Your Garden Vision to Life

Designing a garden isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about creating a space that makes you feel good. Start with your lifestyle, respect your space’s conditions, and let your personality shine through. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop garden in Manhattan or a backyard escape in Brooklyn, you can create a design that’s not just pretty—it’s yours.