apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I'm just going to say hello. I found this site from another blogger I read who loves decorating her home and since being here once...I am here multiple times a day. I currently live just outside of Toronto in an apt that I just moved into this month. The building allows me to paint, but when I leave I have to repaint back to stark white and I hate painting! So right now this is what I have done. And yes...I love IKEA.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/inamood/sets/72157603997343234/

Beware........AT is ADDICTIVE!!! LOL

I have tried unsuccessfully over the past few years to grow something (anything) on my roof deck which gets lots of sun and wind. I think it's time to call in a professional.

Can anyone give a personal recommendation for a landscape designer who works in the Near North area that specializes in container gardens?

TrishM, i like the ikea hack of the Expedit bookcase. Is it still pretty sturdy like that? I didn't know with the supports in the middle missing if it got a little shaky.

@Kathryn,

My first attempt at balcony gardening taught me that wind is one of the biggest enemies when it comes to growing healthy plants. These Chicago winds are brutal. I've had decapitated plants, dried out plants and plants that grew really woody. My challenge this year is going to be to try and shield my growing area enough to prevent wind damage.

I could give you the name of a landscape company in Chicago that does a lot of commercial work for bars and restaurants if you are interested.

In the meantime, if you haven't checked out http://www.yougrowgirl.com/ you should check it out. Her site is awesome and specializes in Urban Gardening.

Thanks for the tip, Art!

I'm hoping that my condo association will approve a privacy fence on either side of my deck. That should really help reduce the wind.

Maybe natural grasses, etc., are the way to go this time?!

Actually JMorley it is not a hack - it is IKEAs tv stand from the EXPEDIT line. So yes, the unit is pretty sturdy.

ah, thanks, i hadn't seen the tv stand version. I'm sitting next to the regular expedit bookcase right now, so i guess i just jumped to some conclusions with what i see everyday.