Object Details
- General
- There are four unconnected terrace gardens on a contemporary high rise, built when Omaha's riverfront downtown area was redeveloped and preserved as a feature for the city. Roof gardens were a novelty there when the owners purchased their penthouse residence in 2011-2012. The terraces were planned and constructed by professionals: a complex project of structural reinforcements, selection of hardscape and plants, wind remediation, watering systems, and general mechanics including drainage and lighting. Initial plants, especially trees, had to be replaced when they grew too big or when large leaves dropping in autumn were too messy (garden waste must be carried inside the residence then down the elevator). The initial soil selection was too porous to support the plants and had to be replaced. Perennials that grew too tall and blocked the view were replaced. Finally, climate conditions were different, warmer in summer although harsher in winter, than for inground gardens, which was another reason for swapping out the initial plants. The hardscape palette is neutral white and light beige, so flower colors and green foliage stand out. Drip irrigation in raised planter beds is spaced so that six-inch pots fit between hoses, with movable emitters for the trees, shrubs and annuals. There are three seasons for planting: in spring there are pansies, daffodils, tulips and lettuce. In summer there are begonias, coleus, zinnias, pentas, and torenia, and each fall a different chrysanthemum color is chosen. Pachysandra and Lady's mantle have adapted well and spread as groundcovers. The best rooftop trees are a seedless crabapple, small leaved maples, and mugo pine. Floor to ceiling windows on all sides of the residence and ongoing maintenance of the garden's growth afford year-round views of the river, far-off hills, downtown Omaha, and Fourth of July fireworks, as well as entertaining family and friends. Persons associated with the garden's design: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects (design of rooftop terraces, 2011); Kinghorn Gardens (garden design, 2012-2015); Luke Waschkowski, Estate Landscape & Nursery (garden manager, 2015- ).
- Sculptor
- Fleming, Frank
- Creator
- Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects
- Kinghorn Gardens
- Garden maintenance
- Estate Landscape & Nursery
- Photographer
- Hubbard, Alexandria
- Humphry, Michael
- Waschkowski, Luke
- Young, Cameron
- Provenance
- Loveland Garden Club
- Collection Creator
- Garden Club of America
- Place
- United States of America -- Nebraska -- Douglas County -- Omaha
- Omaha Rooftop Terraces
- Topic
- Gardens -- Nebraska -- Omaha
- Urban gardens
- Roof gardens
- Sculptor
- Fleming, Frank
- Creator
- Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects
- Kinghorn Gardens
- Garden maintenance
- Estate Landscape & Nursery
- Photographer
- Hubbard, Alexandria
- Humphry, Michael
- Waschkowski, Luke
- Young, Cameron
- See more items in
- The Garden Club of America collection
- The Garden Club of America collection / Series 1: United States Gardens / Nebraska
- Sponsor
- A project to describe images in this finding aid received Federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, administered by the National Collections Program.
- Custodial History
- Loveland Garden Club facilitated the submission of this garden's documentation.
- Archival Repository
- Archives of American Gardens
- Identifier
- AAG.GCA, File NE011
- Type
- Archival materials
- Digital images
- Collection Citation
- Smithsonian Institution, Archives of American Gardens, The Garden Club of America collection.
- Collection Rights
- Archives of American Gardens encourages the use of its archival materials for non-commercial, educational and personal use under the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law. Use or copyright restrictions may exist. It is incumbent upon the researcher to ascertain copyright status and assume responsibility for usage. All requests for duplication and use must be submitted in writing and approved by Archives of American Gardens. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
- Genre/Form
- Digital images
- Scope and Contents
- 22 digital images (2012, 2021-2024) and 1 digital file folder.
- Collection Restrictions
- Access to original archival materials by appointment only. Researcher must submit request for appointment in writing. Certain items may be restricted and not available to researchers. Please direct reference inquiries to the Archives of American Gardens: aag@si.edu.
- Record ID
- ebl-1696950603137-1696955025649-0
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