This Rooftop Garden, Designed in the English Country Style, Creates a
Calming Retreat in the Middle of New York City
Calming Retreat in the Middle of New York City
Written by Carolyn M. Runyon | Photography by Phillip Ennis
Five years ago, when Valerie Onor, of Valerie Onor Interior Design, was looking for a new home in New York City, she
told her husband she would love a little outdoor garden space, never imagining
she would end up with 1,500 square feet of lush green and richly flowered
rooftop splendor in the middle of Manhattan’s upper east side. “It’s a magical place,” Onor admits, “with lively color against a backdrop of varied evergreens. We’ve entertained as many as seventy-five people here, but our favorite time is
enjoying a casual breakfast or lovely lunch for two amidst the greenery and the
wonderful pre-World War II buildings that provide the picturesque cityscape
around us.”
Painting a richly planted landscape on a rooftop canvas presented quite an
unusual and unexpected challenge. “The floors of the roof area could not be changed, as the tiles were specifically
designed for that use. They are removable and allow access below for
maintenance and repairs of the building,” Onor explains. “Of course, there was no soil on the roof, so we had to plant everything in pots,
but weight was a concern, so we had to be very careful about the planters we
chose. According to the co-op regulations, we were not allowed to attach
anything to the vintage brick exterior of the building, so we had to do some
innovative things to bring light to the garden.” All of these obstacles required creative solutions, which Onor successfully
achieved.
Using the terra-cotta-style tiles as a base, Onor and Katherine Parker Garden
Design, in New York City, acquired lightweight fabricated fiberglass pots,
urns, and tubs with an estate garden look. Creating layers, with a variety of
sized and colored evergreens in larger pots in the background and smaller pots
with seasonal flowers in the front, Onor developed her “personal Shangri-La,” as she calls it. “The lush greens offer a feeling of serenity, and the density of the layers
creates a natural-looking barrier providing privacy,” she says. “The smaller pots can be moved to add a touch of color wherever needed.”
Lighting was a particular test of Onor’s creativity. Because lights could not be mounted on the exterior walls,
lighting along the ground aimed at the plantings creates atmosphere against the
evening sky. But loads of candles strategically placed in the garden create the
romance. Table candles light quiet dinners for six. Tall stakes topped with
glass tubes holding a candle each are placed in every planter surrounding the
garden. “The result is amazingly spiritual,” says Onor. “Our guests love the ambience and never want to leave our dinner parties.”
The furnishings are a mix of antiques, creating that English garden feel. “I don’t like going to a furniture store and buying a set,” Onor says. “I would rather browse antique shops and flea markets and invent my own
combinations.”
The patio wraps around the residence. The east and west garden areas are quite
spacious and are where most of the dining and socializing areas are located.
The north side is wide enough to present a walkway and a few intimate sitting
areas. There are two antique chairs that have brightly colored pink-toned
cushions in Zoffany Antilles with leather cording. A white iron étagère patterned with lattice beautifully camouflages a building pipe and holds an
angel statue that Onor has owned for years. “I always use angels in my designs,” she notes. “They are part of the spirit of everything I create and are my signature.”
The east garden is arranged as a sitting area, with an iron sofa and two chairs,
enhanced by bright-lime-colored cushions with huge peonies in a Lee Jofa
Sketchbook Peony pattern. Striped pillows that pick up the limes, pinks, and
oranges of the cushions provide an accent. Finally, a comfortable chaise with
cushions in Tobago by Zoffany completes the space. This outdoor living room is
perfect for conversation with friends or a quiet afternoon with a good book.
The west garden holds a vintage glass-top table and chairs that were purchased
separately, then custom painted in a soft teal. The four side chairs are
cushioned in Giati Jacquard Encore Monarch Dijon, a lovely caramel color with
embroidered butterflies. The two armchairs wear cushions of a coordinated
stripe from Walters Wicker. “Color is key and plays a very important part in my designs,” explains Onor. “I believe color makes a space come alive, creates the atmosphere, and sets the
scene.” In these garden rooms, Onor’s colors lift the spirits and whisk one from city hubbub to country quietude.
This English country garden welcomes nature with its butterfly bush, which
attracts lots of beautiful butterflies, Onor says. “We saw quite a few hummingbirds this past summer and even a cardinal,” she says. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw one of these spectacular red birds in New York
City.” At one time Onor wished for a home in the country, but she says she now feels
blessed and fortunate to have her country garden right here in New York City. 
