Designer roof gardens are on show for the first time this year at the Chelsea Flower Show to cater for the growing band of urban flat-owners who want to create an outdoor space for entertaining.

There is also surging demand from the super-wealthy seeking maximum privacy.

The creators of the Upwardly Mobile Garden describe it as a “flexible and functional outdoor room” suitable for relaxation, dining and entertaining.

Another on show, Patio Povera, is being sold as “the roof garden of an imaginary young bachelor who studied history of art at university and is now carving out a career in the creative media”. The display includes mannequins, a vacuum cleaner and old televi-sion, and a double hammock.

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The Rhus Garden’s designers describe it as extending “the chic interior of an urban apartment”, with a clean, spatial layout. The DHL Sun Chariot garden has a cushioned and high-backed bench that rotates to follow the sun.

Maya Albert, a horticultural adviser to the Royal Horticultural Society, said: “We’ve had a lot of inquiries about roof gardens and green roofs. It’s become a topic of much interest in urban areas, where gardening space can be limited.”

While most roof gardens are low-maintenance, covering spaces as small as garage roofs and bin sheds, they are becoming increasingly imaginative and varied. Ms Albert said: “If you’ve got a secure roof structure, you can have the Hanging Gardens of Babylon up there. However, there are restrictions in terms of what the building can stand, and getting the materials up there. Those in more expensive parts of London, such as Hampstead and Chelsea, are having roof gardens built. Rich people want their own design-led private space that can’t be overlooked.”

Beekeeping on city rooftops is also being promoted at the show. A spokeswoman for the British Beekeepers’ Association said it was receiving more inquiries from young people. “You haven’t got the same problem with neighbours. And London honey tastes wonderful because of all the parks.”

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