If you thought urban gardening was impossible, think again! Julie, also known as @gardengirlnyc, is sharing her stunning NYC rooftop garden in Zone 7b where she grows fruits and veggies of all kinds, plus perennials, herbs and more. We loved getting a personal tour and learning all about her growing space!

Julie’s garden journey began with a single Meyer Lemon Tree gifted from her sister. From there, she expanded her collection and grew her green thumb. And even though her balcony is small, it’s filled with everything from peaches, cherries, apples and blackberries to tomatoes, lavender, morning glory vines, roses, ornamental corn and even an Alberta Spruce that she decorates in lights and ornaments each year.

Julie has such a passion for her plants, and we’re so impressed with how she’s filled her space. Over the years, she’s enjoyed creating a sensory experience in her garden, whether that’s through the visual beauty of her plants, through their fresh fragrances and flavors (she loves crafting garden-to-table items for friends & family!), or through the many butterflies and bees that stop by and pollinate her plants! 

Julie has also enjoyed learning as she goes. She never thought she’d have this much success growing fruits and veggies, especially from a small city balcony, but her hard work has paid off. She describes her gardening experience by saying, “I've felt much more connected to New York's ecosystem ever since I began gardening on my roof. You learn which seasonal plants grow throughout the year and the types of pollinators they attract to keep the fruits and vegetables healthy and thriving.”

Julie’s rooftop is the perfect example of achieving big impact even in a small space. It encourages all of us to grow a little more regardless of the area we’re working with. And she “[hopes] it continues to inspire others to grow gardens no matter the size and location of their outdoor spaces.”

You don’t need much to reap the rewards of flourishing plants—a tiny balcony or window sill, sunlight and a little dedication is all it takes. And even in a cityscape like NYC, greenery can abound!

Learn more about Julie from @gardengirlnyc and shop her plant picks below!

Sarah Logie

As Content Strategist at FastGrowingTrees.com, Sarah is smitten with words and a fanatic for flowers, particularly cut florals and house plants. With a love for curating compelling content, she also enjoys furthering her plant knowledge along the way! A few of her favorite flowers include hibiscus, hydrangeas, peonies and dahlias.

Sarah’s fondness for plants was cultivated through many childhood trips to Longwood Gardens in southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as through her first job out of college at a floral event design company. In her free time, catch her snapping photos of anything and everything, day-dreaming about interior decor, and enjoying the outdoors any chance she gets.

Questions? Contact Sarah at plantexperts@fast-growing-trees.com.