TRULY the sky is the limit. There is no such thing as ?zero lot,? the term Americans use for development wherein the entire lot is occupied and that there is no more space for a garden.

Having a garden is all a matter of will. It all depends on how much you really want to have one.

City dwellers are now more than ever thirsty for greenery, something fresh and natural and not artificial.

In the ?80s the prominent feature of new shopping malls was the atrium which housed an indoor garden area, essentially an air-conditioned space with artificial trees and plants.

I?m glad these have now been replaced with real plants and water features which is a more relaxing sight.

Aside from the aesthetic benefit of indoor gardens, designers have realized that such areas have no need for air-conditioning, which lessens the area required for cooling.

The garden, if properly planned, can cool the area surrounding it. This means less energy cost and emissions.

The rage for indoor greenery began with the success of the redevelopment of the Greenbelt commercial area wherein the park was integrated to the mall. It became an attraction by itself, encouraging more patrons at any time of the day.

The trend has continued with the development of Bonifacio High Street, which presented another face of outdoor leisure shopping, dining and entertainment. This offers wide lawns between low-rise buildings to create a feeling of freedom and openness.

Garden at the upper level

Taking it to the next level, and literally a higher level, is SM City North Edsa, now the biggest mall in the country. They boast of the Sky Garden, wherein the garden is at the upper level.

To counterbalance the massive structures, SM included an oasis as a major part of their development.

The garden is situated high enough away from the bustle of major highways, but still part of the mall to reap the benefits of the green space. The length of the garden walkway stretches approximately half a kilometer, lined with shops and restaurants that offer al fresco dining amid the greenery.

The big malls have been cultivating the concept of gardens big time. They realize that using greenery in urban development is a win-win proposition, not merely as property hedges around the parking lots or corner adornments indoors.

If these concepts are applied in major malls, we can be certain that they can likewise be designed within our homes. How about a garden inside your home? It may just be the new ?in? thing.

For your comments and questions, send e-mail to marcosdeguzman@yahoo.com.