The roof garden at 44 Maretimo Gardens East  is the creation of Diarmuid Gavin, who designed it for the owners two years ago for RTÉ's I want a Garden. Used for pre-dinner drinks, al fresco dining and as an alternative office, the high bamboo and banana plants give a lush botanical and secluded feel.

The planting is in three large timber boxes made by Decks of Distinction (01-807 5813) at €200-€500 each. The red cedar floor is from Noyeks (01-844 3500 www.noyeks.ie) at €58 a sq m. The safety rail is made from toughened glass with stainless steel edging from Wexford Viking Glass (053 9144111). A similar one would cost €3,000-€4,000.

The roof garden, partly on stilts and partly over a garage cost in the region of €10,000-€15,000. After all that expenditure, the table and chairs put a tiny dent in the budget, they are from Lidl and cost €49.