The idea of incorporating one’s environment into a structure’s roof is not a new idea. One of the world’s seven ancient wonders, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, was built centuries ago with tiered rooftop gardens. During the Middle Ages, Vikings would use thick sod and bark to insulate their homes from the cold winters. If these ancient cultures could create living roofs, so can you.
Many people are now embracing green roofs for gardening, watching wildlife and overall sustainability. Here are a few design ideas you can try.
Growing Flowers, Herbs and Vegetables Above Your Home
Turning your roof into a space where you can garden will cost money, but it will also deliver savings on your monthly grocery bill. Just picture yourself growing tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs and beautiful flowers on the rooftop. You won’t be but a few steps from the kitchen. To make this setup work comfortably, it helps to arrange raised beds or lightweight modular planters around a central pathway so you can easily pick fresh ingredients and wander around with your watering can.
How Living Roofs Support Local Ecosystems
If you want to turn the roof into a sanctuary for birds, bees and other pollinators, you should add some native plants to it along with one or two water features, like a birdbath or small pond. These features do an excellent job of attracting birds and insects that help the plants grow strong and healthy. When you’re setting up the different flower beds on the roof, make sure the soil depth varies from one bed to the next. This type of setup supports a wider range of plant species, which helps support a more diverse microecosystem on the roof.
Turning Your Roof Into a Wildlife-Watching Destination
Your living roof is the perfect place to set up a seating area where you can use the space as a front-row seat to nature. You should aim to place a bench or two as close to the roof’s edge as you can without making it a safety hazard. This way, you can see more of the yard. If you want a little extra protection against accidental falls, you can always install glass handrails. And if you pick out a bench that has built-in storage, you’ll have a convenient spot to keep binoculars, field guides and other wildlife-viewing equipment.
Why Living Roofs Are Great for Managing Water
When it storms, fast-moving rainwater rushes off the surface of a regular roof and often pools around the foundation, leading to erosion. With a green roof, the vegetation acts like a giant sponge, soaking up the rainwater and significantly reducing the risk of stormwater runoff that causes foundation problems. You can even set up a rain-harvesting system that lets you recycle the rainwater for household chores, like watering plants, washing outdoor furniture and cleaning walkways.
If you’re ready to go green with a living roof, it helps to talk with a skilled roofer. It usually takes a quick assessment to determine whether this form of sustainability can be added to a house. The experts can explain all of the different configurations and how to make the most of the available space. Contact us at Action Roofing in St. Santa Barbara, CA for reliable, prompt roofing services.
