Originally, this New York City rooftop was large, empty and hot with the sun beating down especially on the side of the river. So one of the main goals was to make it cooler, which landscape designers achieved with a masterful collection of container gardens, shade structures and trees.

Boxes filled with colorful, sweet-scented flowers are a free-flowing counterpoint to this roof deck's urban views. The planting was inspired by beaches, the sun and prairies, and was intended to make the outdoor space feel like a vacation getaway.

A large pergola was installed in the center of the rooftop garden to shade an outdoor dining area. Lavender, achilleas, blue stem, wisteria and crepe myrtle create a lush environment all around it.

Wisteria and lavender add their sweet scents to the garden's shady dining area. Wisteria will eventually cover the pergola, giving even more shade.