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Advice please??

NicjeaNicjea Posts: 10
in Plants
Please could somebody advise us on types of plants for a “living roof”? We live in SW France and are currently building a pergola with solid roof. We want to plant it up with good ground covering plants which would provide as long flowering season as possible but, little maintenance. It is shaded in the morning but does get hot afternoon/evening sun. We also are establishing beehives (2nd season) so, it would be a bonus if the plants wer attractive to bees too. 
This is a lot of requests but any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you people xx🌷

Posts

  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 692
    Sedum varieties are commonly used I think. There is more detail available here.

    Happy gardening!
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
  • floraliesfloralies Posts: 2,211
    Herbs like oregano and thyme would be good for the bees, also small daisy type flowers like Mesembrianthemum perhaps.
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 191
    Nicjea said:
    Please could somebody advise us on types of plants for a “living roof”? We live in SW France and are currently building a pergola with solid roof. We want to plant it up with good ground covering plants which would provide as long flowering season as possible but, little maintenance. It is shaded in the morning but does get hot afternoon/evening sun. We also are establishing beehives (2nd season) so, it would be a bonus if the plants wer attractive to bees too. 
    This is a lot of requests but any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you people xx🌷
    We install a lot of these.

    The link from robaird should cover the plants, but do ensure you give careful consideration to drainage and water retention.

    All green roofs are installed atop a cuspated drainage board, this is essential for retaining enough rainwater for plant survival and draining the excess. Info can be found here - https://www.green-tech.co.uk/green-roofs-and-living-walls/green-roof-systems/green-roof-drainage

    If you want to really drill into how these are engineered then Bauder are one of the market leaders - https://www.bauder.co.uk/green-roofs/extensive-green-roofs

    Most of this stuff comes from the EU so you should hopefully be able to find plenty of suppliers closer to home. 

    Best of luck!
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 603
    It might also be worth asking the commune where you live if there are any subsidies. I have just discovered that in Luxembourg there is such an incentive, part of the energy saving EU policy.
  • NicjeaNicjea Posts: 10
    robairdmacraignil said:
    Sedum varieties are commonly used I think. There is more detail available here.

    Happy gardening!
    Thank you, I will read up on that. Xx
  • NicjeaNicjea Posts: 10
    floralies said:
    Herbs like oregano and thyme would be good for the bees, also small daisy type flowers like Mesembrianthemum perhaps.
    Good advice thank you. I like the idea that they are edible too! I use a lot of fresh herbs. Xx
  • NicjeaNicjea Posts: 10
    McRazz said:
    Nicjea said:
    Please could somebody advise us on types of plants for a “living roof”? We live in SW France and are currently building a pergola with solid roof. We want to plant it up with good ground covering plants which would provide as long flowering season as possible but, little maintenance. It is shaded in the morning but does get hot afternoon/evening sun. We also are establishing beehives (2nd season) so, it would be a bonus if the plants wer attractive to bees too. 
    This is a lot of requests but any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you people xx🌷
    We install a lot of these.

    The link from robaird should cover the plants, but do ensure you give careful consideration to drainage and water retention.

    All green roofs are installed atop a cuspated drainage board, this is essential for retaining enough rainwater for plant survival and draining the excess. Info can be found here - https://www.green-tech.co.uk/green-roofs-and-living-walls/green-roof-systems/green-roof-drainage

    If you want to really drill into how these are engineered then Bauder are one of the market leaders - https://www.bauder.co.uk/green-roofs/extensive-green-roofs

    Most of this stuff comes from the EU so you should hopefully be able to find plenty of suppliers closer to home. 

    Best of luck!
    Thanks so much for the advice. I will definitely ask at our local mairie to see what help we can get.
    I am going to read up on the links that you sent.
    much appreciated xx
  • NicjeaNicjea Posts: 10
    coccinella said:
    It might also be worth asking the commune where you live if there are any subsidies. I have just discovered that in Luxembourg there is such an incentive, part of the energy saving EU policy.
    Thank you, I will ask the question. They are very keen around our area on wildlife habitats etc so, they probably will be interested in helping and advising.
    thank you. Xx
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