
From street level, few visitors to the Big Apple would realize that many New Yorkers are secret gardeners as apartment complexes in Manhattan tend not to have much space on the ground to cultivate plants.

But high above the city streets, many buildings have converted their roof space to create garden areas.

Some buildings have tree houses, sunbeds and even lawns, where New Yorkers can sunbathe while enjoying an unrivaled views of their city.

However, commercial photographer Peter Massini from Connecticut flew across Manhattan at a height of 1,500 feet in his Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter to capture these images.

The secret garden: Commercial photographer Peter Massini from Connecticut flew across Manhattan in is small helicopter to get these images

For your eyes only: He managed to find the secret areas high above the city from the cockpit of his Robinson Raven R-44 helicopter

Getting away from it all: Some New Yorkers have gone for low maintenance with timber decking, sun loungers and a table set for some al fresco dining, coupled with plants surrounding the area

Above and beyond: The secret green areas have developed over the years allowing some communal space for relaxing high above the city's smoggy and polluted streets

The grass is always greener: In some cases, buildings have been equipped with luxuriant lawns, flower beds and trees as well as several sun loungers, even if just a story above the street

Why have one garden when you can have two? This split-level affair has several areas for outside dining along with a green house, right, and numerous plants in pots dotted around

The best medicine: The designers have decided upon a mixture of timber decking, grass, flower beds and even a number of quite large trees

The size and design of the garden areas is very much dependent on the age of the building and the construction materials used

Not so private: In this photograph, at least two people are enjoying the sunshine, probably not expecting to be overlooked from above

Slice of paradise: Some residents have access to balconies while others are able to enjoy the space of the larger terraced area with their friends and neighbors

Less is more: While some of the gardens have an abundance of greenery, others are far more sparse with only a couple of potted plants

Now that is getting away from it all: On the top of this building, there is a shed, which is the ultimate hiding place for any aspiring gardener

This building has a glass house on the roof which can allow residents a place to congregate when the weather turns for the worse

Away from the streets: The roof gardens give residents the opportunity to socialize in the open away from the hustle and bustle below

Bedding in: This building has a seating and eating area along with strange mixture of grass and a brown-colored plant-like substance

Fun for all the family: This building has a long communal table and a large assortment of potted plants to provide some much-welcome greenery

Table service: There is an intriguing object covered under canvas in the center of this building amid the lush grass and impressive trees

Boho chic: This building has gone for paving slabs, shrubs, decking and plenty of seating area for the residents and their guests

This split level area shows that some people have put in more effort than others in planting shrubs for their mutual enjoyment

Ready for summer: This building has gone for tiles along with some greenery, although it appears several contractors were working at the time

Why bother? Some of the buildings are surrounded by trees so the residents don't have to try too hard with the level of greenery

Bring it on: This is an ideal spot for sun worshippers who can lay out during their time off on one of the available recliners

Taking a chance: These residents have decided upon some incredibly fashionable red cushions which may not be so fashionable next season

Who wants a burger? These people have a propane fired barbecue as well as number of seating areas for the perfect summer party

Some residents want plenty of trees covering the area presumably to stop anyone from a higher building from overlooking them

This building has a small children's playhouse along with the various potted shrubs which are much in demand by New Yorkers

Let the games begin! This building has an area for children to play with an assault course style play house with basketball hoop

Green thumb: This image shows how even those with access to tiny balconies try and cultivate plants in the center of New York City

A step up : Here the residents have planted climbing ivy to grow along the stairwells and creep along the exterior walls