Monday, July 26, 2010

Green Roof Plants

Are you ready for a green roof? There doesn't seem to be a better way to start a "green living" lifestyle.
Recently, we got a chance to visit Kruger-Maddux greenhouses in southeastern Indiana. Rob Maddux was growing sedums to be installed at an area elementary school.
Green roof plants in the foreground of Kruger-Maddux Greenhouses


We've seen green roofs in many areas of Maryland too, including the Edenwald Retirement Community in Towson, MD. Knowing that we should probably plant up some green roofs ourselves, we started on a much smaller scale. Our first project, pictured below, is a luxury birdhouse, featuring it's own version of a green roof.

Green Roof Birdhouse

The project came together easily. We started with a cedar birdhouse. Valley View Farms owner and resident builder Andy Foard added some shallow sides to the existing roof. Some roof flashing or thick plastic can be added as a cover over the roof to keep water from the top. Soil was added; we used a special mixture that we also use for bonsai. And, last but not least, we planted shallow rooted plants that should thrive. We used ajuga, artemesia, and some sedums. The sedums are especially good as they are succulent, needing little water, and have a fantastic range of colors and textures from which to choose.  The birdhouse is adorable. Next up? Maybe a doghouse or a garden shed.

Recently Planted Garden Shed Roof in Landisville, PA
 Watch us plant the birdhouse on The Sunday Gardener, airing Sunday, August 1st on WBAL TV 11 during the 9:00 am news segment.

4 comments:

  1. The green roof on that birdhouse looks nice. The eco-trend has, indeed, inspired creativity in many people. All these would not be possible without advances in research as regards materials that are best suited for roofing. I'm looking forward to seeing more people devise creative ways to incorporate greenness in their daily lives.

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  2. Green roofs can reduce and slow stormwater runoff in the urban environment; they also filter pollutants from rainfall.

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  4. Great post I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this interesting and knowledgeable article.
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