Most projects are completed within 4–6 weeks from the initial site visit, depending on the level of customization. Timing is often influenced by how quickly design approvals move forward — the more responsive the process, the faster we’re able to bring everything together. Once approved, installation typically moves quickly.

Yes — comprehensive outdoor transformation projects typically begin around $15K. For smaller container garden projects or off-season installations, we’re happy to explore more flexible options depending on the space.

There are the things that will most impact your budget: Rehab: Taking anything down or repairing it in a major way will increase your costs, but should add real value to your home. If your place is a "blank canvas", that will reduce your costs significantly. Walls or Fencing: Surroundings such as fencing, brick or stucco walls that need to be repaired or replaced may add significant cost. Shade solutions: May be one of the most costly and most sought-after products, but provide most of what you'll need to start enjoying your rooftop or sunny backyard. Quantity of actual labor: What's being done on the ground? Gravel, clover or stepping stones? Size isn't the biggest factor: When determining cost, what matters is how much labor is necessary and which materials are being used. In addition, it takes far more time to design within small confines, but the results are the most satisfying! It's not uncommon for a 100 sq. ft. patio to cost more than a much larger one because there are more needs to address and they must be done with real expertise to avoid looking cluttered or confusing.

Yes — Rowhouse Growhouse designs and incorporates pergolas and shade sails into rooftop, terrace, and backyard spaces throughout Philadelphia. These shade structures help reduce heat and sun exposure while making outdoor areas more comfortable and usable. We’re licensed and insured in Pennsylvania and work with structural engineers when needed to ensure safety, especially for rooftop installations exposed to wind. In many Philadelphia spaces, particularly newer buildings, shade is often the missing element. Adding a pergola or shade sail can completely change how a space is experienced — creating an environment that feels cooler, more usable, and naturally inviting.

Rowhouse Growhouse designs gardens for backyards, rooftops, and terraces throughout Philadelphia, with a focus on container gardens and raised beds rather than traditional in-ground planting. This approach works especially well for small space gardening, where creating a sense of intimacy, softness, and usable layout matters just as much as the plants themselves. Containers and raised beds allow for more control, better structure, and plantings that feel full at eye level — especially when seated — often incorporating aromatic plants like lavender, rosemary, and mint. In many Philadelphia properties, soil conditions can be unpredictable or poor due to previous construction. Raised beds and container gardens offer a more reliable solution, allowing for healthy plant growth without the challenges of in-ground soil remediation. For edible gardens, raised beds are often the preferred approach. They’re easier to maintain, more controlled, and more comfortable to work with — making them a practical and rewarding option for growing herbs and vegetables in an urban setting.

Rowhouse Growhouse approaches outdoor design with a preference for working with the natural environment, rather than against it. In Philadelphia, large areas of concrete or pavers can contribute to stormwater runoff, so alternative materials are often recommended. Materials like gravel, stone, and other permeable surfaces allow for better drainage while still creating a finished, intentional look. Pavers or stepping stones can absolutely be incorporated where appropriate, but they’re typically used as part of a broader design rather than as the primary material.

Absolutely. Trees improve life for everyone, and we happily partner with arborists to select and plant the most well-suited tree for your outdoor space. We do this in tandem with the rest of our services however, not as a stand alone service.

Yes — rooftop gardens in Philadelphia often struggle due to sun exposure, wind, and lack of consistent irrigation, but these challenges can absolutely be solved. Rooftop gardens, more than any other space, rely on proper irrigation. Once an irrigation system is installed, Rowhouse Growhouse returns to fine-tune the settings for the season and for each individual planting, ensuring everything has what it needs to thrive. Irrigation systems are designed to stay as discreet as possible, so the space still feels lush, natural, and visually cohesive — without any visible mechanics taking away from the experience.

Yes — shade gardens can be just as full, layered, and visually rich as those in full sun. In urban gardening, shade is a common challenge, but it also opens the door to a wide range of plants known for their texture, color, and softness. Rowhouse Growhouse works with shade plants suited to Philadelphia’s urban environments, creating gardens that feel calm, layered, and naturally inviting rather than limited by light conditions.

A Complementary 15 Minute Phone Chat- This is a way for us to find out your needs, including budget, to see whether we're a good fit for your project. A Full Site Visit- This is a paid, more in-depth conversation and includes a sun analysis, measurements, possible solutions etc. General design ideas are shared for a style compatibility analysis, so we have a clear starting place for design.

Rowhouse Growhouse approaches outdoor spaces the way an interior designer approaches a home — with a focus on how the space looks, feels, and is experienced day to day. Rather than focusing only on planting or installation, exterior design considers the entire environment. That includes layout, plantings, materials, and the small details that shape how a space is used — from creating privacy and softening views to layering greenery, shade, and seating in a way that feels natural and cohesive. In addition to designing beautiful, low-maintenance gardens, Rowhouse Growhouse looks at how everything works together — whether that’s screening an A/C unit, minimizing visual distractions like fencing, or creating moments of shade and movement that bring the space to life. The result is an outdoor space that feels intentional and lived in — not pieced together, but naturally composed.

Rowhouse Growhouse designs outdoor spaces with a focus on long-term sustainability and ease of care. Whenever possible, gardens are built around perennial plants that return year after year, rather than short-term seasonal replacements. This approach reduces waste, lowers maintenance, and allows the garden to feel more established over time. Plant selections are also based on what will actually thrive in Philadelphia’s urban conditions, helping create outdoor environments that are both resilient and naturally beautiful.