Our Garden Construction & Setup Process
A lush garden needs more than just sunlight and water. See how we handle foundations, waterproofing, and drainage to keep your terrace or balcony green and healthy for years.
Selecting large, healthy plants from the nursery for a project at Omkar 1973 in Worli. Choosing the right specimen is a crucial first step.
Creating a mixed planter arrangement at the nursery. I'm combining plants with different colors and textures, like ferns and caladiums, for a client.
Preparing the foundation for a large planter bed. We use a waterproofing layer and drainage cells to ensure the structure is sound and the plants stay healthy.
My team member is carefully laying down sections of natural lawn on a terrace, piecing them together to create a seamless green carpet.
It takes a team to position a large tree. Here we are carefully planting a Chikoo tree in its new home on a client's terrace.
The initial stages of a terrace project, showing the waterproofing and brickwork being prepared before soil and plants are added.
Applying a final layer of waterproofing coat to the custom-built planters and channels on a terrace to prevent any leakage.
My team member is filling a newly constructed planter bed with soil, right next to a section of freshly laid lawn.
A selfie from the worksite. I am always hands-on during projects, ensuring everything from planting the tree to the final setup is done right.
Working with a client on her terrace, getting our hands dirty while we sow seeds and set up her new kitchen garden.
About Behind the Scenes: The Making Of a Garden
A major part of our work is invisible in the final photos. Before a single plant arrives, we prioritize the foundation. Whether it is a terrace or a balcony, we focus on waterproofing and proper drainage layers to protect your structure. If these basics are skipped, even the best plants will struggle and your floor may suffer. We do not just place pots; we build a system that manages water and protects your home.
Building a garden in a city like Mumbai requires planning for heavy rainfall, high heat, and limited space. When we arrive on-site, we look at the existing conditions first. Our process is rooted in permaculture principles, which means we work with nature rather than forcing a design against it.
The Foundations
Before any soil hits the ground, we check the surface. For terrace gardens, waterproofing is non-negotiable. We apply coats to prevent leakage and install drainage cells to ensure excess water flows out rather than stagnating near your walls. This prevents plant root rot and structural dampness.
Material & Resource Management
We believe in being resourceful, or as we call it, jugaad. If you have existing planters or materials, we try to incorporate them into the new layout. We use custom soil mixes that retain moisture during Mumbai’s dry heat but drain well during the monsoon. Our planters—whether FRP or terracotta—are selected based on weight restrictions and the specific needs of the plants we choose for your light conditions.
Installation
Whether we are installing an automatic drip irrigation system to save you time or setting up a pergola for shade, our approach is always modular and functional. We don't just stage a look; we build a micro-ecosystem. You will see us on-site checking soil ratios, positioning trees for optimal wind protection, and ensuring plumbing is tucked away yet accessible.
Arti Mathur
We are GreenCausa Designs. We don't just drop off plants; we get our hands dirty to build sustainable green spaces from the ground up. We love the process of turning an empty balcony or terrace into a thriving jungle that works with nature, not against it.
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