Green Roofs

So, since we are still on the topic of green for St. Patrick's Day, I thought we should touch on green roofs. I don't know about you, but I love the idea of a roof covered in plants. It greatly enhances the landscape and your house. I think this is one of the best ways to conserve energy for your home while also beautifying your home.
There is a great book called Green Roof Plants (A Resource and Planting Guide) by Edmund and Lucie Snodgrass. Edmund started the first green roof nursery in the United States. One of the largest green roof cities is Chicago. Chicago is famous for it's planting on top of City Hall. However, many other buildings are beginning to follow and reap the benefits of the green roof design. Snodgrass states, "Green roofs offer measurable benefits. They are most valuable in the mitigation and even elimination of water runoff problems associated with growth and development. Green roofs are also capable of filtering particulate matter and improving water quality. Another important benefit is the habitat it provides for wildlife, birds and insects." (Snodgrass 2006)
While most people agree with all of the benefits and the green roof's aesthetic value, most do not know what it takes to transform their roof. There are different types of green roofs, depending on the type of roof you have, and what you want from the design. However, overall, you will need 6 functional layers that consist of 1) roof deck, insulation, waterproofing 2) protection and storage 3) drainage 4)root-permeable filter 5)extensive growing media 6) plants, vegetation. The plants used on green roofs are usually very low maintenance. Succulents, which require little watering, and have a shallow root system, add lots of variety and color. While, native prairie plants and grasses add height, structure, and habitat for the wildlife.
For more information about green roofs, there is a great tutorial to watch at
http://www.youtube.com/user/greenroofsTV
I just wanted to touch on this subject, since it is becoming more popular among cities, one being Chicago. City Hall is available for tours if you are ever interested in seeing a living roof and what it is all about. Finally, as a wrap up, I just want to add that you can take this information and modify to fit your needs. Maybe try out a small area like the roof of your dog house, playhouse, or a shed. Play around with plant mixtures, and see what types of wildlife you might attract. Either way, open your mind to the possibilities of change, and updated ideas.