Guest Picks: How Do You Spell Urban Heat Relief?

In the city, where any amount of outdoor space is considered a precious commodity, urbanites will go to great lengths to carve out a little real green in the concrete jungle. Fortunately, with the right stuff even the smallest lanai can become a refreshing retreat from the summer heat. — Justine from Design Skool

Bag Planter, Hanging - $39.00 » City-dwellers have always known that when space is scarce, go up. Apply this urban adage to your roof deck or lanai with vertical gardens.


Platta Decking, Acacia - $34.99 » In the city you often have to deal with a raw asphalt rooftop. The simple and affordable solution is Ikea's instant decking. For a more country porch feel, paint it a nice soft gray; I like Benjamin Moore's Picket Fence.


Lillön Charcoal Grill, Black - $99.00 » For wee spaces, Ikea's Lillön grill is just too cute to resist.


Roxö Bistro Set - $88.98 » If you have the funds, by all means buy one of Fermob's classic café chairs. Or you could purchase a set of Roxö café chairs from Ikea and maybe even repaint them in some of Fermob's brilliant colors.


Elijah Blue Fescue Grass - $5.25 » Plantings for your rooftop garden can be tricky. I remember returning from a mere weekend away to find everything scorched. Consider hardy plants like blue fescue grass. Not only does it add a lovely texture to the garden, but it works well in containers, is drought and pollution tolerant, and it is an evergreen (except in northernmost climates).

See how to plant and grow blue fescue


Iris Speckled Planter, Natural - $89.00 » I really love the cool serenity of these Iris planters from West Elm. They remind me of eggshells. I think they would look lovely with a little Blue Fescue.


Zinc Rectangular Planter with Rail Hook Set - $29.95 » Crate & Barrel has a really nice collection of planters this year, including these window boxes for balconies.


Party Globe Light String - $39.00 » Of course, you need string lights. I like these retro versions from Restoration Hardware, but Ikea also has some pretty intriguing solar lights.


Tierra Outdoor Pouf - $249.00 » Made from recycled plastic bottles, West Elm's waterproof Tierra pouf adds an exotic bohemian vibe to your outdoor space.


Silk-screened Bread Proofing Tray » Of course you'll need something to cart food up from the kitchen. I'm currently coveting one of Boston artist Susy Pilgrim Waters' generous silk-screened trays. But a more economical choice would be one of Leah Durner's trays at West Elm.


Color Napkin, Gray - $58.00 » Fresh and clean linen napkins are informal (and playful) enough for hotdogs, but are stylish enough for more sophisticated candlelight suppers too.


Dipped Flatware 5-piece Place Setting, White - $29.00 » For outdoor entertaining, hand-dipped flatware has all the fun of summer and is so much nicer (and more environmental) than plastic.


Lotta Jansdotter Cup & Saucer - $16.95 » Summer dinnerware doesn't have to be plastic, merely sturdy. Brooklyn-based designer Lotta Jansdotter has created a cool collection of midcentury-inspired dishware for Fishes Eddy that's robust enough for the outdoors.


Spiral Copper Birdfeeder - $128.00 » A splurge item to be sure, this spiral copper bird feeder is so lovely that it doubles as kinetic art.


Karlsö Umbrella, Hanging - $99.00 » Create some much-needed shade from the city sun with Ikea's Karlsö umbrellas.


Agastache Blue Boa » Native to the southern United States and Mexico, drought-resistant Agastache or hyssop not only survives on rooftops during your weekend getaway, but also provides fragrant blooms all summer long.


Small Ash Wood Cutting Board - $18.00 » Though you may be looking at a forest of buildings from your urban deck, you can still conjure a woodsy feel with accents like this ash wood cutting board. Perfect for serving hors d'ouvres or slices of citrus for cocktails.


Emerald Green Thuja - $40.95 » Enjoy green (and fight pollution) year-round with an Emerald Green Thuja. Extremely hardy, this evergreen stops growing at about 10 feet, making it ideal for small gardens and urban decks.


Bag Planters, 14-inch Bag - $49.00 » There are many great pots out there, but for the greatest flexibility, I like these portable burlap planters. They store flat in winter, or better yet, you can use them as much-needed indoor storage.


Håmö Chaise - $29.99 » After paying so much for rent, urban dwellers may not want to shell out for an expensive teak lounge chair, especially if there's no room to store it during winter. Your best bet is to head to Ikea, where this summer's new collection features classic styles in sherbert colors.


Garden Anywhere - $24.95 » Want more tips for city gardens? Alys Fowler, the queen of urban gardening, offers up a plethora of small-space inspirations in her book Garden Anywhere.

More: Guides and ideas for gardening in the city

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