Rooftops, podiums, balconies, courtyards

Landscaping Sydney CBD

Rooftop, balcony and courtyard gardens above the city

In the city there is rarely any open ground, so landscaping Sydney CBD means designing for slabs, planters, podiums and rooftops instead. Every build respects weight limits, waterproofing and building access from the first sketch, not as an afterthought.

We create green rooftops, planted balconies and sheltered courtyards for apartments, terraces and commercial buildings, working to strata rules the whole way. It is our landscaping service adapted for the vertical city.

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CALL 0433 176 547

20+ yrs

Local experience

5.0 ★

From 88 reviews

467914C

Renovation licence

7 days

Open all week

Request a Quote Today!

Gardens above the street

Landscaping for life above the street in the CBD

Landscaping Sydney CBD rooftop garden with planters, a lightweight deck and a city skyline backdrop

Trades for the vertical city

What each service looks like in the CBD

Ten trades, each reworked for rooftops, planters and the access rules of city buildings.

Landscaped garden design and build project in Sydney CBD

Landscape Design & Build Sydney CBD

In the city there is rarely any ground to plant, so we design for slabs, planters and rooftops instead. Every build respects weight limits, waterproofing and building access from the first sketch. It is landscaping Sydney CBD residents and strata managers can approve and enjoy above the street.

Landscaped rooftop balcony with planter boxes and greenery overlooking Sydney CBD

Mulching Sydney CBD

Planter boxes and rooftop beds dry out fast in city wind and reflected heat, so mulch is essential up high. We use lightweight, wind-stable mulches that hold moisture without blowing across a shared rooftop. Plantings in courtyards and on balconies stay healthier between visits.

Courtyard pavers set on pedestals protecting the membrane in a Sydney CBD terrace

Paving Sydney CBD

Courtyard and rooftop paving has to protect the waterproof membrane underneath, not pierce it. We lay pavers on pedestals and protection layers so terraces stay dry below and level above. Materials are chosen to be light, slip-safe and easy to carry through a building.

Weeded and tidied garden bed in Sydney CBD

Weeding Sydney CBD

Even planters and green roofs grow weeds carried in on the wind. We keep beds, courtyards and rooftop gardens tidy without harsh chemicals near shared living spaces. Regular upkeep suits strata and building managers who want a clean, low-fuss result.

Trimmed planter hedge screening a Sydney CBD balcony

Hedge Trimming Sydney CBD

Screening plants earn their place in the city, softening balconies and giving courtyards privacy between neighbours. We trim potted and planter hedges to stay dense in wind and restricted light. Shaping keeps growth clear of glass, rails and shared walkways.

Sydney CBD rooftop garden with decorative pebbles, stepping stones and raised planter beds

Pebbles Sydney CBD

Pebbles are a light, clean finish that works beautifully over rooftop drainage and around planters. We use them to top beds, dress courtyards and manage run-off on terraces without adding much load. The look is tidy and the maintenance is close to nil.

Lightweight rooftop deck on adjustable pedestals in the Sydney CBD

Decking Sydney CBD

Rooftop and balcony decking creates a usable floor while protecting the surface beneath. We build lightweight timber and composite decks on adjustable pedestals that clear the membrane and drain freely. Every board is sized to be carried up and installed without vehicle access.

Raised planter wall built on a slab in a Sydney CBD courtyard

Retaining Walls Sydney CBD

True retaining is rare in the CBD, so here it usually means raised planters and structural garden edges on a slab. We build planter walls that hold soil, drain cleanly and respect the load the structure can take. Waterproofing and weight are checked before anything is built.

Green waste and garden rubbish cleared in Sydney CBD

Rubbish Removal Sydney CBD

Clearing green waste from a tower or terrace means lifts, stairs and tight access, not a truck on the verge. We bag, carry and cart away prunings and old planter fill with the building’s rules in mind. Courtyards and rooftops are left clean and clear.

Rooftop lawn laid over drainage cells and light growing medium in the Sydney CBD

Turf Laying Sydney CBD

Real lawn on a rooftop needs drainage cells, a light growing medium and careful load planning, and we set all of that up. Where structure or access rules it out, we lay quality artificial turf for a green, hard-wearing finish. Either way your city courtyard or terrace gets usable green underfoot.

Building on structure

The realities of building a garden in the city

City sites come with constraints the suburbs never see. We design within them and can align plans with the greening and planning guidance from the City of Sydney, coordinating access, hours and protection with your building manager.

Rooftop planter garden exposed to wind between city towers in the Sydney CBD

No ground soil, only slabs and planters

In the CBD the garden lives in planter boxes, on podiums and across rooftops. Everything is designed for containers, not open ground.

Weight limits and waterproofing to respect

Every kilo counts on a structure, and the waterproof membrane below cannot be pierced. Load and drainage are planned before planting.

Wind that funnels between the towers

Gaps between high-rises accelerate wind that can shred soft foliage and topple light pots. Planting and fixings are chosen to hold.

Deep shade broken by harsh reflected glare

Towers throw long shade, then glass bounces hot glare back. Species have to cope with both extremes on the one terrace.

Strata-ready crew

A licensed crew that works to strata rules

20+ years

Landscaping Sydney since the early 2000s

5.0 stars

Averaged across 88 customer reviews

Licence 467914C

Held under the Home Renovation Licence scheme

Open 7 days

Quotes and work any day of the week

Free quotes

On-site, no-obligation pricing

Access and strata, handled

Delivering a city install around access and strata

Step 1

Site and building check

We assess access, load, waterproofing and building rules before anything is designed or priced.

Step 2

Strata-ready quote

You get an itemised quote and the detail strata or the building manager needs to approve the work.

Step 3

Protect, then build

We protect lifts, floors and the membrane, then install planters, decking and greenery to plan.

Step 04

Finish and remove waste

We plant, tidy and carry all waste out through the building, leaving the space clean.

City questions answered

Sydney CBD landscaping questions, covered

City jobs are priced around access and structure as much as size, so we quote after a free site visit. Carrying materials up a tower is a different job to a ground-level courtyard. Quotes are itemised with no call-out fee.

Yes, rooftops, podiums and balconies are our main canvas in the city. We design within weight limits and protect the waterproofing, using planters, pedestals and lightweight media.

We do. We work to building rules on access, hours and protection, and provide what strata needs to approve the work. It keeps a city project moving without friction.

Real lawn is possible with drainage cells and a light growing medium if the structure allows it. Where load or access rules it out, quality artificial turf gives a green result with no watering.

We hold Home Renovation Licence 467914C and have over 20 years behind us. We do not currently advertise insurance, so please confirm any building or strata cover requirements with us directly.

We cover the Sydney CBD and inner city, from apartment balconies to commercial rooftops. Call 0433 176 547 or use the form for a free quote.

Around the city centre

City gardens on our books

A sample of rooftop, balcony and courtyard work across the city centre.

Green rooftop terrace with planters and seating in the Sydney CBD

Planted apartment balcony with screening in the Sydney CBD

Sheltered courtyard garden behind a city terrace in the Sydney CBD

Local coverage throughout Sydney CBD

Professional landscaping across Sydney CBD

Landscaping Beaconsfield
Landscaping Darlington
Landscaping Erskineville
Landscaping Paddington
Landscaping Potts Point
Landscaping Redfern

Landscaping Rushcutters Bay
Landscaping Alexandria
Landscaping Barangaroo
Landscaping Camperdown
Landscaping Chippendale
Landscaping Darlinghurst

Landscaping Dawes Point
Landscaping Elizabeth Bay
Landscaping Eveleigh
Landscaping Forest Lodge
Landscaping Glebe
Landscaping Haymarket

Landscaping Millers Point
Landscaping Moore Park
Landscaping Pyrmont
Landscaping Rosebery
Landscaping Surry Hills

Landscaping The Rocks
Landscaping Ultimo
Landscaping Waterloo
Landscaping Woolloomooloo
Landscaping Zetland

Gardener Alexandria
Gardener Barangaroo
Gardener Rosebery
Gardener Beaconsfield
Gardener Camperdown
Gardener Chippendale

Gardener Darlinghurst
Gardener Darlington
Gardener Dawes Point
Gardener Elizabeth Bay
Gardener Erskineville
Gardener Eveleigh

Gardener Forest Lodge
Gardener Glebe
Gardener Haymarket
Gardener Millers Point
Gardener Moore Park
Gardener Paddington

Gardener Potts Point
Gardener Pyrmont
Gardener Redfern
Gardener Rushcutters Bay
Gardener Surry Hills

Gardener The Rocks
Gardener Ultimo
Gardener Waterloo
Gardener Woolloomooloo
Gardener Zetland

Paving Alexandria
Paving Barangaroo
Paving Beaconsfield
Paving Camperdown
Paving Chippendale
Paving Darlinghurst

Paving Darlington
Paving Dawes Point
Paving Elizabeth Bay
Paving Erskineville
Paving Eveleigh
Paving Forest Lodge

Paving Glebe
Paving Haymarket
Paving Millers Point
Paving Moore Park
Paving Paddington
Paving Potts Point

Paving Pyrmont
Paving Redfern
Paving Rosebery
Paving Rushcutters Bay
Paving Surry Hills

Paving The Rocks
Paving Ultimo
Paving Waterloo
Paving Woolloomooloo
Paving Zetland

OUR CLIENTS

What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   JOHN DUKE 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were very pleased with the work done, it has made a safe and tidy garden.Barry and his crew were very friendly and very obliging with any changes to our first planning conversations, I thoroughly recommend A Bargain Gardener. The before and after photos show the amazing transformation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bridie Vaughan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barry and his team did a fantastic job on our landscaping project. The quality of the work was excellent, and we've had so many compliments on the finished result. He was friendly, flexible with changes along the way, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sun Andrew 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, reasonable price
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Antony Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great professional job will definately call again for future work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ray Adel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barry did an excellent job on the concrete and gardening work at my property. He was professional, reliable, and paid close attention to detail throughout the project. The concrete work came out great, and the landscaping improvements really enhanced the appearance of the property.

Barry communicated clearly, showed up when he said he would, and left everything clean and tidy when the work was completed. It’s obvious that he takes pride in his work and cares about delivering quality results at an affordable price.

I would highly recommend Barry to anyone looking for concrete, landscaping, or general property improvement work. I’ll definitely be reaching out to him again for future projects.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jenny Heasman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, efficient service.  Extremely good quality work.  Very happy customers
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gary Avery 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great job, prompt & efficient.
Recommend!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Wendy Mcintosh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barry came out and went above and beyond doing paving for us. So happy with result. Would not hesitate in recommending him and his team. Fantastc
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rosemary Monin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recommend Barry and his team at A Bargain Gardener. What set him apart from others is that he promptly answered our inquiry, came to quote and set a start date within a matter of days. He relaid our old pavers in herringbone style, paying attention to detail as well as giving advice on the type of grass to put down. The whole job came together very well and we are pleased with his work and the outcome. What was a messy area is now a tidy, functional courtyard. Thank you Barry!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Prakash Wilson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were extremely happy with the garden service provided. The team did an excellent job clearing our side pathways and installing pebbles and stepping stones, as well as creating shaded areas to protect our plants. They also installed a new sprinkler system and planted lily pilly plants to create a natural privacy screen from our neighbours. Their focus on quality really stood out and they were friendly, hardworking and completed everything on time. The end result is great quality work and has completely transformed our garden. Highly recommended!!

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Free city quote

Get your free Sydney CBD quote

Rooftop, balcony or courtyard, we design city gardens that respect the structure and the strata. Tell us about your space for a free, no-obligation quote.

Get Your Free Quote

CALL 0433 176 547

See every area we cover on the suburbs page.