\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Are you thinking about putting a new roof on your home?\u00a0 Or perhaps you have a garage or other out-building that needs a new roof.\u00a0 You may want to consider installing a Green, or \u201cLiving Roof.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We were intrigued by the idea and created one on our cabin.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A Green Roof provides many benefits.\u00a0 It can provide increased energy efficiency by adding extra insulation to buildings.\u00a0 By having one less dark surface absorbing the sun\u2019s rays, and with the addition of transpiring plants, you can help reduce the \u201cheat island effect,\u201d that causes increased temperatures in urban areas.\u00a0 The growing media and plants absorb water, decreasing the amount of water run-off to storm drains.\u00a0 By planting a diversity of flowering plants, your Green Roof will attract birds, butterflies and other insect pollinators, thereby creating a charming microhabitat.\u00a0 Finally, your Green Roof can provide a pleasant view for those who look down upon it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are some important questions to consider before you decide to build a Green Roof.\u00a0 Most importantly, will the structure withstand the weight of the plants, media, water and a snow load?\u00a0 Some structural reinforcement may be necessary– you should consult an engineer to be sure.\u00a0 If the slope of your roof is steep, special frames need to be constructed to prevent slippage.<\/span> <\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0For slopes less than 2 degrees, adequate drainage is a problem.<\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first step in the actual construction is to build a containment frame with drainage outlets on the lower edges.\u00a0 Next you will need a waterproof\/ root-proof membrane.\u00a0 (We purchased a pond-liner on \u201cCraig\u2019s List.\u201d)\u00a0 It is extremely important that you are careful not to make holes in this material and do a good job sealing seams.\u00a0 For roofs with less than a 10-degree slope, you will need a drainage layer and a filter layer (to prevent soil from clogging the drainage layer).\u00a0\u00a0 Next is the growing media.\u00a0 To limit the weight load, it is recommended that 75-90% of the media is inorganic, such as pumice or expanded clay.\u00a0 We tested the weights of various mixes and ended up using a mix of 40% lava rock, 40% perlite, 10% compost, and 10% coconut fiber (+organic fertilizers).\u00a0 The depth (deeper =heavier!) of your growing media will determine what you will be able to plant.\u00a0 At depths of 2 inches or less, you will only be able to grow mosses and sedums.\u00a0 At 2-4 inches you can plant short, drought tolerant grasses, wildflowers, and small bulbs.\u00a0 At 4-8 inches, you can plant taller species and even small hardy shrubs.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The biggest expense is the plants and growing media constituents\u2014for us it was the perlite (we kept buying out all the local Home Depot stores!).\u00a0 I planned ahead and grew most of our plants.\u00a0 Your costs increase dramatically, if you have to purchase plants and\/or pay for the labor to install it.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There are many resources on the web such as greenroofs.com<\/a> and livingroofs.org<\/a>.\u00a0 A good book to check out is \u201cGreen Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide\u201d<\/i> by Edmund and Lucie Snodgrass.\u00a0 One thing to keep in mind is that these resources are from other climates.\u00a0 When deciding on plants to include in your plan, you should choose ones that will thrive in this climate.\u00a0 I tried to stick mostly with beach, prairie and subalpine natives, and several varieties of sedums, but I also planted various bulbs and scattered miscellaneous herb seeds.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 It was a great joy, last summer, to visit the roof and see the busy activity of the bees and butterflies visiting flowers on our living roof!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(This article was first published in the Peninsula Gateway\u00a0<\/em>on Mar. 18, 2009 as A Green Roof can Increase Efficiency.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Feature Photograph: My Living Roof in 2006, newly planted; then in 2008 and 2012. (It looks very different at different times of the year–different flowers blooming from early spring and throughout the summer!)<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 My Living Roof \u2013plant species list (Phase 1-west side)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Plants:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Yarrow\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Achillea millefolium<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding Onion\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allium cernuum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Chives\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allium schoenoprasum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pearly Everlasting\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Anaphalis margaritacea<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Snapdragons*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Antirrhinum majus<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sea Thrift\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Armeria maritima<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Red Paintbrush\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Castilleja miniata<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Large-flowered Collomia\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Collomia grandiflora<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tufted Hairgrass\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deschampsia cespitosa<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Showy Fleabane\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Erigeron speciosus<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Oregon Sunshine\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eriophyllum lanatum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Roemer\u2019s Fescue\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Festuca idahoensis \u2018Roemeri\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Beach Strawberry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fragaria chiloensis<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Blanket Flower*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gaillardia x grandiflora<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Common Flax*\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Linum usitatissimum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Spring Gold\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lomatium utriculatum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lupines\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lupinus sp.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Grape Hyacinth*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Muscari armenicum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sea Blush\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Plectritis congesta<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Silverweed\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Potentilla anserina<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

London Pride Saxifrage*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Saxifraga x urbium<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Different colored sedum varieties*\u00a0 Sedum sp.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hens and Chicks*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sempervivum tectorum<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lime Thyme*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thymus x citiodorus \u2018Lime\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sticky False Asphodel\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tofieldia glutinosa<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

& misc. bulbs* from a friends yard!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Seeds** direct sown:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

English Daisy*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bellis perennis<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Godetia \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clarkia amoena<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

California Poppy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eschscholzia californica<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Western Blue Flax\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Linum lewisii<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Sweet Alyssum*\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lobularia maritima<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

California Desert Bluebells\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Phacelia campanularia<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Poppies*\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Papaver sp.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Violets* \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Viola sp.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Are you thinking about putting a new roof on your home?\u00a0 Or perhaps you have a garage or other out-building that needs a new roof.\u00a0 You may want to consider installing a Green, or \u201cLiving Roof.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We were intrigued by the idea and created one on our cabin. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A Green Roof provides many<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":103,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/101\/revisions\/104"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/habitathorticulturepnw.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}