2 min read- Padma Lakshmi showed off her thriving Manhattan rooftop garden in a recent Instagram Reel.
- While fans admired the cozy urban oasis and Lakshmi’s effortless charm, the rooftop’s lush green lawn drew our attention.
- The realistic-looking turf in the video backdrop may be artificial grass, reflecting how modern synthetic lawns have evolved into a stylish and convincing alternative to natural grass.
Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is known for her retro-chic kitchen, charismatic on-screen presence, and South Asian–inspired recipes. Given her appreciation for fresh, natural ingredients, it’s no surprise that the cookbook author maintains a thriving rooftop garden—though one feature has us raising an eyebrow.
In a recent Instagram Reel, Lakshmi gave her more than two million followers a tour of her garden, showing off a flourishing blueberry bush and a crop of overripe strawberries. Perched high above Manhattan’s East Village, the garden serves as an extension of her colorful loft, home to her social-media-famous brick red kitchen.
Fans were captivated by the urban oasis. One commenter wrote, “That garden looks so cozy,” while another admired Lakshmi’s effortless composure despite the oncoming inclement weather, asking, “How could she be so chic in the middle of the storm??” While viewers focused on her berries, a bare peach tree, and her slightly nervous-looking pup, we couldn’t help but notice an unusual feature in Padma’s garden.
Rooftop gardens are a familiar sight across New York City, and community green spaces have become a defining part of the culture in many neighborhoods. But maintaining a lush lawn—even at ground level—requires the right combination of soil, drainage, sunlight, and watering conditions. Growing a carpet of healthy grass atop the city skyline is an even greater challenge.
Yet seeing that the backdrop of Lakshmi’s rooftop tour appeared covered in a vibrant, uniformly green turf, we couldn’t help but ask: Is that fake grass?
Once associated with a decidedly unnatural and “tacky” appearance, artificial grass has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Modern versions feature more realistic textures, colors, and materials designed to mimic the look of natural lawns. If Lakshmi’s rooftop greenery is indeed artificial, it’s a convincing—even stylish-looking—choice, and a sign that choosing faux grass may not be the faux pas it once was.
