GREEN ROOF DESIGN & GREEN ROOF PLANTS

Green roofs have many benefits including insulation, adding to biodiversity, reducing urban drainage, improving amenitiy and others.

Types of plants can be selected for the aim of the roof. Biodiverse or 'brown' roofs are designed for a particluar ecosystem and habitat. Others such as sedum and sedum varieties are more of a monoculture. Sedum can be scattered with wild seeds to grow into attractive plants, to give more of a natural effect. The garden planted roof is similar to a biodiverse 'brown' roof, but designed more for amenity.

Three main types of plants for green roofs are

Sedum and sedum varieties - most popular, a hardy plant with low water requirement, very tough
Natural - using a wide range of natural plants or so-called weeds local to the area
Garden - planted with flowers and attractive plants, may require more maintenance

Sedum and sedum varieties on green roof