Green roofs?

ecokid

I'm looking to maximise growing space in my relatively small garden. I've got a large sloping shed roof that would be quite a good spot to grow some plants on and off it! It's exposed to full sun and is pretty sturdy, but I will stick to small containers along the outside of the roof for the time being. Although I'd love to convert it into a green roof eventually. I'm looking for recommendations on what I could grow. The only issue is that it's quite exposed to wind conditions. 

 

Fairygirl

Hi ecokid - the usual thing is low growing alpines - sempervivums etc. Anything too big dries out and gets battered. 

Curmudgeon

Hope your shed roof is strong, you need a minimum of 80 mm of growing depth incl soil and this can end up being very heavy especially when waterlogged

A living roof construction will usually contain the following components (from the bottom up):

• Waterproof and rootproof membrane(s) to prevent water and root penetration damaging the building
• Drainage layer - gravel (lightweight) or other material designed to drain excess water
• Filter sheet - geotextile or similar to allow water to drain but retain finer soil material
• Moisture blanket - to hold water (capillary matting or recycled carpet or textiles)
• 'Soil' / Substrate/ Growing medium